Advocacy Descriptions of Rural Fathers of Children with Autism

 The purpose of this study is to describe how fathers of children with ASD describe their parental advocacy and responses to their advocacy from special educators in rural school districts of the mid-western United States. 

What am I being asked to do? If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to: 

What: Return one signed consent form to the researcher by email to dmontgomer7@my.gcu.edu. Complete a set of online questions. 

When: The researcher will notify you regarding date and time. 

Where: Zoom Video Conference 

 How: Participate in a Zoom interview that may take 45 – 60 minutes or a Zoom focus group that may take 60-90 minutes. 

Audiotaping: The researcher would like to record the audio of your Zoom interview or Zoom focus group. 

 Location 

  • In-person interviews and focus group through Zoom Video. 

Are you eligible? 

You can participate in this study if you: 

  • Are a father, stepfather, or male-legal guardian? 
  • Do you have a child diagnosed with autism? 
  • Does your child currently attend a rural school in grades K-12th? 
  • Do you live in the mid-western United States? 
  • You are willing to answer personal questions not related to this research such as marital status, number of children, race, income, religious preference, number of children with ASD, age of children with ASD, number of household adults, does your child have an IEP, have you attended a parent training for parents of children with ASD, and do you know your child’s educational team? 

You cannot participate in this study if you: 

  • Are not a father, stepfather, or male-legal guardian. 
  • You do not have a child diagnosed with autism. 
  • Your child does not currently attend a rural school in grades K-12th. 
  • You do not live in the mid-western United States. 
  • You are not willing to answer personal questions not related to this research such as marital status, number of children, race, income, religious preference, number of children with ASD, age of children with ASD, number of household adults, does your child have an IEP, have you attended a parent training for parents of children with ASD, and do you know your child’s educational team. 

 Each father participating in this study will receive a $15.00 Amazon gift card. An additional $15.00 Amazon gift card will be given to fathers who participate in both the interview and focus group. The gift card will be emailed to the participant following their participation. 

 If you are unsure if you meet the requirements, call, or email a member of the study team: 

Dan Montgomery, M.Ed.
Primary Investigator
Dmontgomer7@my.gcu.edu
417-770-3750 

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