Social 

Camouflaging

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Overview

Thank you for your interest in participating in our study looking at how autistic adolescents interact in social situations, with a particular focus on social camouflaging.

Social camouflaging refers to a type of social coping strategies used to hide autistic traits to present oneself in a way that meets neurotypical social expectations – this is commonly also referred to as “Masking” in popular media.

Social camouflaging can look different across situations and has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on the person. Most of what is known about social camouflaging comes from adults, with emerging information from youth. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how social camouflaging affects the well-being of autistic teens, as well as how social camouflaging is related to one’s cognitive functioning including executive function, attention, and theory of mind.

Study Information

Who can Participate?

We are looking for neurotypical, formally diagnosed autistic (proof of documentation not required), and self-identified autistic teenagers who:

  • Are 15 -18 years old
  • Able to attend one in-person session at the University of Victoria campus
  • Have access to a smartphone or tablet
  • Have functional language and no intellectual disability*

*Due to the nature of social camouflaging, we require participants to have functional language and no intellectual disability, regardless of their support needs.

What does Participation involve?

One 3-3.5-hour lab visit at the University of Victoria, where you will be asked to complete questionnaires, thinking tasks, and hair sampling. You will also wear a special cap that measures your brain activity.

Completing daily surveys on your smartphone or tablet every day for one week

Your parent/caregiver/guardian will be required to complete a short online survey about your behaviours.

Why Participate?

Contribute to science! Help us improve our understanding of autism and develop better ways to support autistic people

As a thank-you for their time, participants will receive up to $100 for youth and $40 for their parents/guardians in e-gift cards of their choice.

Sign-up:

If you are interested in participating, please sign up using the form below and one of our team members will connect with you via email to set up a screening interview over the phone to determine if this study is a good fit you.