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Dear parents/potential participants,

The Sensory Science Laboratory (coordinator: Dr. Han-Seok Seo, Department of Food Science) is conducting a research project regarding smell and taste perceptions of kids (aged between 5 and 14 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children volunteers with a diagnosis of ASD should not have 1)  a problem in sensory function, 2) a clinical history of major diseases, 3) a clinical history of cognitive impairment, and 4) food allergies. The ASD will be monitored using a survey of the Autism Spectrum Quotient – Children’s version.

In this study, your child will be asked to sniff everyday odorants or consume tasting substances and then answer the questions regarding acceptability, perceived attribute intensities (e.g., sweetness, sourness, etc.), and evoked emotions. If needed, you or a staff member can explain the questions. The samples presented in this study are commercially available in the local supermarkets. During the study, the child’s facial expressions in response to smelling or tasting substances will be also recorded and measured. If needed, your child will be asked to wear wearable sensors on the palm and fingers to measure emotional responses during the study. In addition, you (on behalf of your child) will be asked to fill out questionnaires associated with demographics, behavioral characteristics, and autism spectrum disorder. If eligible, your child will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking for 1 hour prior to the participation.

This study is composed of two sessions on two separate days. In other words, you and your child should visit the Sensory Science Center twice. Each session will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. After completing both sessions of the study, your child will receive the Amazon e-gift card ($40) as a monetary reward.

Participation is voluntary.  If you consent your child to participate, either you or your child may withdraw your child’s participation from this study at any time without giving a reason and without any academic penalty. The decision to withdraw your child’s participation will bring no negative consequences. If your child is not eligible for this study protocol, the data you submit will be destroyed.

If both your child and you are interested in this study, please follow the link to register for the study. If your child is selected, the researchers will contact you via email to make a schedule. If you have any questions, please contact the Principal Investigator (Dr. Han-Seok Seo; hanseok@uark.edu; 479-575-4778).

Note: COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, you are not encouraged to participate at this study if you have at least one symptoms in the past 14 days:
(1) Fever > 100.4 F
(2) Cough
(3) Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
(4) Repeated shaking with chills
(5) Muscle aches unrelated to exercise or activity
(6) Sore throat
(7) Loss of taste or smell
(8) Contact with someone infected with COVID-19
(9) Travel a hot spot, as identified by Arkansas Department of Health (for detail, click the link: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-travelers)

Furthermore, to minimize potential risk of COVID-19, you and your child are strongly encouraged to follow a sanitizing guideline (hand washing and no touch with your or your child’s facial areas, especially eyes, nose, lips, and mouth). Both of you will be required to wear a facial mask anytime during your visit to the Sensory Science Center. However, your child will take off the mask when smelling or tasting the test samples. 

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