Project overview
This project, funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), aims to address the underrepresentation of autistic adults in health research. Although autistic people are usually the focus of research about autism, they are frequently unintentionally excluded from participating in research on wider health issues. This underrepresentation means that the views and experiences of autistic people are not always reflected in the evidence that informs health services.
We are working closely with autistic adults to understand how research processes can be made more inclusive and accessible. To support this, we are establishing two Listening Cafés: one online and one in collaboration with a local community support group for autistic adults. These Listening Cafés provide safe, informal spaces where autistic contributors can share their experiences, ideas, and advice.
Together, we will co-develop recruitment materials — including advertisements, participant information sheets, and consent forms — that are accessible, welcoming, and respectful of autistic people's needs. We are also aiming to build a long-term, trusting relationship with the community group, ensuring that autistic people have ongoing opportunities to shape how research is designed and delivered. This work is part of our broader commitment within the school's Learning Disability and Neurodivergence Special Interest Group to improving equity and inclusion in research, ensuring that autistic and neurodivergent people's voices and those of individuals with learning disabilities are heard and valued.
We are working closely with autistic adults to understand how research processes can be made more inclusive and accessible. To support this, we are establishing two Listening Cafés: one online and one in collaboration with a local community support group for autistic adults. These Listening Cafés provide safe, informal spaces where autistic contributors can share their experiences, ideas, and advice.
Together, we will co-develop recruitment materials — including advertisements, participant information sheets, and consent forms — that are accessible, welcoming, and respectful of autistic people's needs. We are also aiming to build a long-term, trusting relationship with the community group, ensuring that autistic people have ongoing opportunities to shape how research is designed and delivered. This work is part of our broader commitment within the school's Learning Disability and Neurodivergence Special Interest Group to improving equity and inclusion in research, ensuring that autistic and neurodivergent people's voices and those of individuals with learning disabilities are heard and valued.
