Using expertise from experience to influence research and policy

The Autistica Insight Group is made up of over 100 autistic adults and parents or carers of autistic people. They work with us and our researchers to help ensure our work is meaningful, impactful and in line with community priorities.

How the Insight Group differs from the Autistica Network

The Autistica Network is the UK's autism research network. We send the latest news and research opportunities to over 13,000 autistic people, family members of autistic people, researchers and professionals.

The Insight Group is a smaller group that:

• Offers feedback to researchers about how their research is put together, for example, the use of language, data collection methods and accessibility.
• Allows researchers to get autistic people's engagement in their research much earlier. This means that by the time they collect data, their research will be autism-friendly and consistent with the priorities of the autistic community.

If you want to join the Insight Group contact research@autistica.org.uk for an information pack.

What else can the Insight Group do?

As well as supporting researchers in the production of their research and other materials, the Insight Group can also work on projects like:

• Reviewing the language used in documents, applications, interviews or surveys to ensure it is accessible and autism-friendly.
• Reviewing applications or being part of judging panels to provide autistic people's input.
• Filming, photography or speaking at events.
• Participating in focus groups or workshops designed to get feedback on a project or an idea from community members.
• Speaking publicly at educational events or training sessions about their own experiences.
• Filling out surveys designed to gather community feedback or opinions.

We ensure that Insight Group members are reimbursed for their time for any activities they might participate in, consistent with the NIHR guidelines.