College of Saint Elizabeth Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Implied Consent for Anonymous, Minimal Risk Surveys
Dear Prospective Participant:
To help expand the current literature on autism spectrum disorder, as it relates to caregiver experiences, I am conducting a study on parental stress and depression rates in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and hope to elicit your involvement. The study is part of my doctoral program at the College of Saint Elizabeth. The Psychology Department faculty, as well as the Institutional Review Board at the College of Saint Elizabeth, have approved this study and results should provide information needed to improve support services and resource availability.
I am asking you to complete an anonymous online survey about various experiences in your life relative to raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. The survey takes about ten and twenty minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary, and you may skip any question that you do not want to answer. Since it is impossible to identify respondents, there is no way to penalize or reward anyone for participating or declining to participate.
Please feel free to contact me at astanton@cse.edu if you have questions about this survey.
For answers to any questions you may have about your rights as a research subject, please contact:
Dr. Eileen Specchio, Ph.D., RN
Chair, Institutional Review Board
College of Saint Elizabeth
2 Convent Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-290-4073
irb@cse.edu
Although there are some risks to participating in the study, outcomes of the study could better equip mental health professionals in helping individuals so that they do not suffer some of the negative consequences others have. Although your participation is extremely beneficial, you may be experiencing personal thoughts, feelings, or experiences associated with some of the questions asked.
If you would wish to speak to someone, please contact your local psychiatric hotline (e.g. Morris County Crisis Hotline: 973-540-0100).
You may also contact your state’s psychological association
(e.g. New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA): 414 Eagle Rock Avenue Suite 211 West Orange, NJ 07052, 973-243-9800, NJPA@psychologynj.org).
If you feel that you are in an emergency and need help right away, please dial 911, or go to your local emergency room.
By continuing with this survey, you are agreeing to participate.
Ashley Stanton, MA
Doctoral Student
College of Saint Elizabeth
astanton@cse.edu