Friendship and Loneliness in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome

A study being conducted at the University of Western Australia is examining friendship and loneliness in individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. It is well-established that there is an increased rate of depression in individuals with high functioning autism, and a similar picture is starting to emerge in research that has examined individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.

One factor that is related to depression in typically developing children is the development of peer relationships. That is, the greater the quality of peer relationships, the lower the likelihood of one showing depressive symptoms. Once again, a similar relationship is starting to emerge in those with high functioning autism. The current study is seeking to explore whether such a relationship exists for high-school aged children with Asperger’s syndrome. The information obtained from this study will be crucial for the knowledge base of those with Asperger’s syndrome as well as subsequent interventions.

We are seeking high-school aged children who have a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. Participants’ will be sent a series of questionnaires (each will take 5-10 minutes to complete) and they will be asked to return them to the University of Western Australia in a reply-paid envelope (this will be provided). All of the questionnaires have been designed to be interesting and fun for your child, and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

If you would like your child to participate or have any questions regarding this project please contact Andrew Whitehouse at the University of Western Australia on (08) 6488 1425 or email him on whitea08@tartarus.uwa.edu.au (that’s a ‘zero’ after the ‘a’), and a package will be sent to you.