Our Research.
Last Updated: August 2025
Spectrum Peer Support integrates citizen science into our peer-led work. As part of this work, we may offer surveys, questionnaires, or reflection tools that invite participants to share experiences. With your informed consent, you may choose to share responses from our voluntary surveys to contribute to a body of knowledge created by and for neurodivergent people. Our Informed Consent Policy (detailed below) explains how informed consent works in the context of our work.
All shared responses are anonymized. Anonymized data may be summarized and published as part of our commitment to citizen science—a research approach where members of the public contribute directly to knowledge creation. Our aim is to make research accessible and inclusive by ensuring neurodivergent perspectives are represented and available outside traditional academic settings.
What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science is a research approach where members of the public contribute to the collection and sharing of data. Instead of research being limited to universities or institutions, citizen science allows communities to participate directly in creating knowledge.
In our context, this means our community can share their experiences through surveys and reflection tools. With informed consent, responses are anonymized and may be made publicly available so that insights are accessible to both community members and researchers.
Data Use:
Voluntary
All participation in surveys is optional. You may choose to complete a survey for personal reflection without sharing your responses.
Consent-based
Responses are only included in shared datasets if you provide explicit informed consent within the survey.
Anonymized
Any responses shared are stripped of identifying information before use. No personal identifiers are included in summaries or public datasets.
Accessible
Anonymized, summarized findings may be published or shared openly to support peer learning and inclusive research.
Non-commercial
Spectrum Peer Support does not sell, license, or profit from survey data. Data is used only for community knowledge and accessibility.
Informed Consent Policy.
A. Purpose
The purpose of our surveys is to support self-reflection, education, and peer learning. Surveys are not medical assessments and should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis, therapy, or treatment.
B. Participation
Voluntary: Participation in surveys is entirely optional. You may decline to participate at any time without consequence.
Non-conditional: Access to our courses, meetings, or community spaces does not require participation in surveys.
Withdrawal: If you begin a survey and choose not to finish, you may exit without submitting your responses.
C. Consent
Before completing a survey, you will be presented with an informed consent statement.
Consent will clearly explain your options:
Private use only: Your responses are for personal reflection only.
Optional sharing: With your explicit consent, your responses may be included in an anonymized dataset.
You must provide clear affirmative consent (e.g., checking a box) for responses to be shared.
D. Data Use
If you consent to share responses, the following principles apply:
Anonymization: Identifying information is removed prior to use.
Accessibility: Summarized, anonymized findings may be shared with the community.
Transparency: We explain how data may be used at the beginning of each survey.
Non-commercial: Data will not be sold, licensed, or used for profit.
Community knowledge: Data is used to support citizen science, making research more open and inclusive.
E. Risks & Benefits
Risks: Reflecting on sensory, mental health, or personal experiences may bring up strong emotions. If you feel distressed, you may stop at any time.
Benefits: Participation may help you better understand your own experiences and contribute to collective knowledge.
F. Privacy and Confidentiality
Spectrum Peer Support follows the principles outlined in our Privacy Policy.
No identifying information is published or shared.
Participants may choose whether to provide an email address to receive a copy of their responses. Providing an email is optional.
G. Changes to Our Policies
We may update this Informed Consent Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
NOTE: Submitted responses will fall under the purview of the policy version that was effective at the time of submission.
Summary:
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not create a legal obligation or guarantee of participation. Spectrum Peer Support surveys and tools are intended for self-reflection and education, not as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Participation in any survey is voluntary. By providing informed consent, you agree that any responses you choose to share may be anonymized and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Spectrum Peer Support does not sell, license, or otherwise profit from participant data.
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