Life experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
REC ref: 17/LO/0337

Thank you very much for taking part in our research study. We appreciate that you have made time to complete the questionnaires, and you have contributed a lot of valuable information.

We are undertaking this study to better understand the way that individuals with autism spectrum disorders experience and process stressful life events and the long-term consequences of these experiences for their health. We hope that the research findings – from the whole group taking part – will help us to improve the way we assess and treat posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in people with ASD in the future. When the research is completed, we plan to publish the findings in scientific journals and present them at conferences. The findings will also be written up as part of a doctoral thesis. The findings will be anonymous – no one will know that you have taken part in the study.

For some people, the issues covered within the questionnaires might cause mild, brief feelings of worry or low mood. These are normal experiences – mood and anxiety levels vary for different people. But if you feel that these feelings are generally causing you a significant problem, there are various places that you can access advice or support. These include:

•   GP: If you make an appointment to see your GP, he or she may be able to refer you on for further assessment or psychological treatment e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

•   Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Service (IAPT): IAPT services offer evidence-based psychological treatments for symptoms including anxiety and low mood. Depending on which part of the country you live in, you may be able to make a self-referral, or you may need a referral letter from your GP. Your GP or the GP practice manager may be able to advise about this further
Website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mentalhealth/adults/iapt/

•   MIND: MIND is an organisation that can offer information about mental health conditions
Telephone (9am-6pm, Mon-Frid): 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
Website: http://www.mind.org.uk/

•   British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP): The BABCP is an organisation that can offer information about CBT and self-help literature, and holds a list of private therapists who are accredited – this means that the therapist has undertaken formal training in CBT
Website: http://www.babcp.com/Public/What-is-CBT.aspx

•   National Autistic Society: The NAS is an organisation that can offer information and advice for individuals with autism-spectrum disorders.
Website: http://www.autism.org.uk/

Thank you again for taking part in this study. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us on ASD-study@kcl.ac.uk

Kind regards,
Freya

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Life experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders