Hello! My name is Sheela Thoppil, and I am a doctoral candidate in counselor education and supervision (CES) at Adler University. I am currently looking to hear from Asian Indian American individuals who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder as part of a research study that is being conducted to fulfill my dissertation requirement. This study’s IRB reference number is #26-022, and has been approved by Adler University's Institutional Review Board.
The purpose of this study is to explore how second generation Asian Indian Americans typically developing individuals may experience having a sibling with autism spectrum disorder, with particular attention towards how they may encounter stigma. In the context of this study, the term “typically developing” refers to individuals who do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and have met developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional milestones at an expected age throughout their development.
To be eligible to participate in this study, participants must meet the following criteria:
1. Identify as second-generation Asian Indian American (born in the United States to a parent who has immigrated to the United States from India)
2. Currently living in the United States
3. Are at least 18 years old
4. Have at least one U.S born sibling (older, half sibling, younger, or a twin) who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder for at least 3 years
5. Must be fluent in the English language.