FAQ

Does EEG hurt?  No, not at all! EEG is a completely non-invasive and painless procedure. It simply involves placing small sensors on your scalp to record brain activity. There are no needles or shocks involved, and it’s a safe, commonly used method in research and clinical settings.

Will I need to wash my hair after the study? Yes, it’s recommended! During the EEG recording, a gel is applied to help improve the quality of the data collected. After the session, you’ll have the option to wash your hair in the lab. We’ll provide shampoo, fresh towels, and a hair dryer for your convenience.

I have very thick (or coarse) hair, can I still participate? Unfortunately, our current EEG equipment is not well-suited for very thick or coarse hair, which may affect the quality of the recordings. We recommend contacting us to discuss your specific situation, and we can explore whether accommodations can be made.

How many times do I need to travel to RHUL for the study? Just once! The study will be completed in a two-hour in-person session, which includes completing the ADOS-2 assessment and two experiments while we record your EEG activity. In addition, you will be asked to complete five questionnaires online before coming to the lab.

Will I be paid for my participation? Yes! You will be paid £12 per hour for completing the questionnaires and experimental tasks, plus a performance-based bonus of up to £7. You can choose to receive the payment either in Amazon vouchers or in cash.

Will I be refunded for my travel? Yes! We will reimburse you for your travel expenses. Simply provide us with a receipt for your travel to RHUL, and we’ll take care of the rest. 

I don't live in Surrey. Can I still participate? Yes! However, please note that we can only refund your travel expenses if you live within 30 miles of Egham.

I don’t communicate verbally very often. Will communication still be effective during the study? Absolutely! We will do our best to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident participating. If you prefer to communicate using MAKATON, BSL, or a communication device, that's completely fine—we are fully prepared for that. Additionally, you can choose to access the study information, questionnaires, and task instructions in Widgit format if that makes things easier for you.