PhD Research: MDMA (Ecstasy) Experiences of Autistic Adults

My name is Alicia Danforth, and I am a PhD student in clinical psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California.

Although the diagnoses criteria for autism spectrum conditions are under revision, there is general consensus that autism results in impaired social interaction and communication. The drug MDMA, also known as the street drug "Ecstasy," has been shown to promote prosocial feelings, aspects of empathy, and increased self-insight for some individuals. I currently am collecting confidential survey data for my dissertation on the MDMA/Ecstasy experiences of autistic adults, including but not limited to Asperger's Syndrome.

I am seeking adults on the spectrum (age 21 and older) who either have OR have never tried MDMA/Ecstasy. Data from different groups will be used for comparison. More information about the study and a registration form are available at:

https://www.danforthresearch.com

Contact information for me and for my Committee Chair is available on the Web site if you have any questions.

Participants to complete the surveys will have the option to receive a summary report of key findings.

Research Update: Since February, I have been collecting surveys and personal accounts from autistic/Aspergian adults (age 21+) who have had experiences with MDMA (Ecstasy) for my dissertation. Progress has been steady, and I have collected data from participants in 10 countries so far. Data collection is scheduled to conclude on July 31, 2012. For more information or to enroll: www.danforthresearch.com

Research Update -- October 14, 2012: Interviews complete and coded. Data analysis and write up continuing at a reasonable pace. Non-MDMA comparison group survey collection complete. Room for two more survey sets from participants who have used MDMA.