We believe that research should answer questions raised by autistic people and their families.
To understand what these questions are, in 2016 we led a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership, with partners including the National Autistic Society, Autism Research Trust and Autism Alliance.
We asked over 1,000 people for their top questions for autism research. Autistic people, parents, and professionals attended a workshop and ranked the questions into their top ten priorities.
These top ten questions for autism research shaped our 2030 Goals, and have influenced our research ever since.
Your top ten questions for autism research:
- Which interventions improve mental health or reduce mental health problems in autistic people? How should mental health interventions be adapted to the needs of autistic people?
- Which interventions are effective in the development of communication/language skills in autistic people?
- What are the most effective ways to support/provide social care for autistic adults?
- Which interventions reduce anxiety in autistic people?
- Which environments/supports are most appropriate for achieving the best education/ life/ social skills outcomes in autistic people?
- How can parents and family members be supported/educated to care for and better understand an autistic relative?
- How can autism diagnostic criteria be made more relevant for the adult population? And how do we ensure that autistic adults are appropriately diagnosed?
- How can we encourage employers to apply person-centred interventions & support to help autistic people maximise their potential and performance in the workplace?
- How can sensory processing in autism be better understood?
- How should service delivery for autistic people be improved and adapted to meet their needs?