Title of the research project: Examining how timing of ASD diagnosis impacts perception of agency and control

Thank you for your interest in participating in this study! Please read the form below which explains the aims and intent of this research and will answer some of the questions you may have regarding your involvement. If you have further questions, please contact me at B2201422@student.bishopg.ac.uk!

What is the project about?

This research is being conducted for my Psychology dissertation. The present study aims to investigate the dynamics of social support on how diagnostic timing influences perceived agency in autistic individuals. The age at which an individual is diagnosed with autism is critical to how the pathways of their mind develop, this has a significant impact on the unique life experiences of autistic individuals. By investigating these dynamics, this study aims to highlight how the impact of diagnostic timing on perception of agency is affected by perceived social support, contributing to a wider understanding of how diagnostic timing may shape long-term socio-psychological well-being and mental pathways among autistic individuals.

Who is the researcher?

Name: Morgan Keningale

Institution: Bishop Grosseteste University (Longdales Road, Lincoln, LN1 3DY)

Contact details:

Morgan Keningale- B2201422@student.bishopg.ac.uk

Supervisor’s contact details:

Kimberley Hudspeth- kimberley.hudspeth@bishopg.ac.uk

What will my participation in the research involve?

Should you choose to participate in this study, you will be provided with a consent form to read which explains in detail how your data will be stored and used. Once you have consented to the terms of data collection by ticking the given boxes and signing, there will be a dropdown box for you to create a Unique Identifier Code that can be used to withdraw from this study. This will be a 6-digit code that you can use to withdraw your data anonymously. Participation is completely voluntary, and your data will not be submitted until the questionnaire is complete and you tick a final box which states you have answered all questions and still wish for your data to be recorded. Next, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire pertaining to the topic of study that will take around 15 minutes. This will include questions pertaining to intersocial relationships, self-perception and common traits of ASD such as; “I am the author of my actions”, “I tend to notice details that others do not” and “I can count on my friends when things go wrong”. Upon completion, you will be provided with a debrief form and a message from the researcher thanking you for your participation.

Will there be any benefits in taking part?

You will not receive any financial compensation for your time; however, your participation will greatly contribute to the development of my dissertation project.

Will there be any risks in taking part?

There is no predicted risk involved in your participation of this research. If you feel as though you have been affected by this study, you can stop at any time and access the support services listed. In addition, you can rescind your data after submission at any time using your unique identifier code, up until the withdrawal deadline on 23/03/2025.

Support Services

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/

National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance

What happens if I decide I don’t want to take part during the actual research study, or decide I don’t want the information I’ve given to be used?

Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and should you decide to withdraw, your data will be erased effective immediately when you input your unique identifier code. There are no ramifications should you choose to withdraw, and no explanation is required.

What will you do with my data?

All data will be anonymised and stored on a secure server. Once data collection is finalised, the data will be moved and stored on password protected computers to be analysed and your unique identifier code will be erased to ensure the utmost anonymity and confidentiality. During data analysis, your anonymised data will be accessed exclusively by the research team and stored on Bishop Grosseteste University OneDrive in accordance with the British Psychological Society’s code of ethics. Furthermore, this study is subject to ethical approval from BGU’s Research Ethics Committee.

Please note that researcher confidentiality will be compromised if it comes to light during the study that you are involved in illegal or harmful behaviours, as we have a responsibility to disclose this to the appropriate authorities.

This research is being conducted in the public interest.

Should you have any questions or queries before you decide to participate, please contact Morgan Keningale (Researcher) at B2201422@student.bishopg.ac.uk

In case of any need to raise queries or concerns about this research project, you are welcome to use these independent contact’s details:

Dr. Caroline Horton, Chair of Bishop Grosseteste University’s Research Ethics Committee, caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk.