A Master’s of Science in Nursing student at UBC-Okanagan is looking for help in the central and north Okanagan to complete a research thesis on the experiences of parents who are raising children Asperger’s Syndrome. Kaley York hopes that through a series of short interviews with parents of such children, she will be able to find common patterns in parents’ experiences which could lead to the development of improved community based services for affected families.

“Amongst other things, I want to know if there are any positive aspects, what services are currently available and most importantly the nature of the parents experiences,” says York.

To complete her research, York needs to find eight local families in which the parents of a child with Aspergers would agree to taking part in two one to two hour long interviews. Other requirements for parents wishing to take part include knowledge of their child’s diagnosis for two to six years and the child cannot have any other physical or mental condition.

York also notes that parents of both boys and girls are welcome to take part. According to York Asperger’s appears in children at a ratio of four boys for every one girl and she is particularly interested in the possibility of speaking with the parents of a girl with the condition.

York says her study is open to all types of parents including genetic parents, adoptive parents and single parents.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a high functioning form of autism. High functioning means that those who have the condition have average to above average intelligence, they can make eye contact when speaking to people and there is no delay in cognitive development. Some of the unique challenges associated with Asperger’s include impaired social functioning, repetitive behaviours and excessive interest in a particular aspect of a subject without an interest for the subject in general terms.

York says that the prevalence of autism is on the rise and that one in 165 children are now being born with some form of autism.

Not much is known for certain about the causes of the condition but it is believed to be brought on by a variety of factors. Recent studies have shown strong support for genetic causes and environmental and hormonal causes are being explored as well says York.

The Canadian Institute of Health Research is funding York’s study. She plans to have her interviews finished by the spring and will have her thesis completed by the autumn.

Anyone wishing to participate in the study can reach York at 250-826-2940 or kaley24@interchange.ubc.ca.

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