The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESEARCH
What is the research about?
We are asking you to take part in a research study of risk factors for autism spectrum disorders. We want to learn about family medical history and health behaviors in both families with and without children with an autism spectrum disorder. We are asking you to take part in this study because you are a biological mother who is at least 18 years old as of today. You do not need to have children with an autism spectrum disorder to participate in this study.
How many people will take part in the research study?
A total of 5000 of people will take part in this study.
What will happen if you agree to be in the research?
If you decide to take part, we will ask you to complete a survey on-line which will ask questions about your family’s medical history. It may take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
What are the risks of participation in the research?
Risks of participation in the study are limited to the unlikely event of release of information we collect, but we will not ask you for any information that could be specifically linked back to you, such as your name or birthday.
Are there benefits to taking part in this research?
This research may benefit the general public in the future by improving knowledge about autism spectrum disorders. You may find this satisfying on a personal level. We do not guarantee that you will benefit from taking part in this study.
Will there be any compensation for participation?
You will receive no compensation of any kind for your participation.
Will there be any costs related to the research?
There are no costs related to this research.
Confidentiality
Everything we learn about you in this study will be confidential. If we publish the results of the study in a scientific journal or book, we will not identify you in any way.
How will the information you share with the researchers be protected?
In an effort to protect your privacy, the study staff will never obtain your name or any other identifying information. Information will be stored in a database on a secure server managed by a web survey provider. None of your information exists on the website itself. All of your information will be encrypted and secured behind appropriate firewalls and electronic security. Access to information you provide will be limited to authorized research staff.
Do you have to be in this study?
Your decision to take part in the study is voluntary. You are free to choose not to take part in the study or to stop taking part at any time. If you choose not to take part or to stop at any time, it will not affect your future medical care at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and it will not affect your status as a student/employee of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
What to do if you have questions or need to report a problem.
If you have questions now, feel free to ask us. If you have additional questions later or you wish to report a problem which may be related to this study, Claudia Miller, MD, MS can be reached at 210-567-7407. If she is not available, Raymond Palmer, PhD may be reached at 210-827-7681.
The University of Texas Health Science Center committee that reviews research on human subjects (Institutional Review Board) will answer any questions about your rights as a research subject (210-567-2351).
You may choose to print out this webpage and keep this information.
If you decide to take part, please read the following information carefully and complete the questionnaire. YOUR DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE SURVEY INDICATES THAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO TAKE PART IN THIS RESEARCH STUDY AND THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE INFORMATION PROVIDED.
Thank you for your participation.