Study Report

A Time Use Study of Adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: Media and Friends

WHY DID WE CONDUCT THIS STUDY?

Research evidence has shown that adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) spend considerable time engaging in media activities, and they have difficulties in developing and maintaining friendships. However, we know little about how they spend their time using media and with their friends. In this study, we explored media-use patterns and friendships in this population.

HOW DID WE CONDUCT THIS STUDY?

We used mail-based paper-and-pencil questionnaires to collect information from the adolescents and their parents. All information was gathered during the summer months in 2009.

WHO PARTICIPATED?

A total of 91 adolescents (74 boys, 17 girls) and parents participated. They were from 27 states in the United States.

Text Box: RESEARCH TEAM Principal Investigator: Hsin-Yu (Melissa) Kuo, ScD Supervisors: Gael Orsmond, PhD Ellen Cohn, ScD Wendy Coster, PhD Research Assistants: Kristin Carlin Jen Zack SUPPORT FUNDING • Boston University Dudley Allen Sargent Research Fund • American Occupational Therapist Foundation Dissertation Research Grant ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We appreciate the assistance we received in recruiting participants from therapists, teachers, ASD-related organizations and support groups. We are also thankful to the adolescents and parents for their participation in this research. This project was completed in partial fulfillment of Hsin-Yu (Melissa) Kuo’s Doctorate of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University.

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(Go to Findings on Media Use)