Why

In partnership with Reframing Autism, we will evaluate the impact of a co-produced resource called, Welcome to the Autistic Community: A Welcome Pack, specifically for late diagnosed/identified Autistic adults. This research is crucial as it addresses the significant gap in post-diagnostic support for Autistic adults, a population often overlooked in autism research and services. By focusing on adult-specific needs and experiences, it aims to enhance understanding of how best to support adults in understanding themselves, thereby improving their mental health and overall quality of life.

What is the impact of newly diagnosed Autistic adults receiving post-diagnostic support?

Who can take part?

You are welcome to take part if you:

• live in Australia
• are 18 years or older
• have received a formal Autism diagnosis within the last six months (and would be okay with providing proof to a member of the research team)
• can read and understand English
• do not have an intellectual disability.

We recognise and respect self-identification, but for the purposes of this study, we are seeking participants who have received a formal autism diagnosis in adulthood to explore post-diagnostic experiences (the Welcome Pack is freely accessible for anybody).

What's involved?

If you decide to participate in this study, engagement will be remote through an online survey (now) and an interview 6-8 weeks later:

• Survey (approx. 5-10mins): Provides information about the research and asks some background questions about who you are.
• Interview (approx. 30-60mins): Asks you to share your post-diagnosis experiences in relation to the Welcome Pack and asks for feedback on the pack. The interview can match your communication preferences (Microsoft Teams, Email or Phone).

Making a difference

The research aims to make a difference by providing evidence-informed, community-designed resources tailored to the unique needs of newly diagnosed/identified Autistic adults. This approach seeks to enhance the standard of care and support for this group, contributing to improved mental health outcomes, encouraging the development of a positive Autistic identity, and supporting a society that is more inclusive and empathic towards Autistic individuals.

Research team

• Dr Chris Edwards, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP), Griffith University
• Dr Abbey Love, ARCAP
• Dr Ru Ying Cai, ARCAP
• Dr Vicki Gibbs, ARCAP
• Dr Fiona Aldridge, Aspect Assessments
• Dr Alexandra Johnston, Reframing Autism, Griffith University
• Dr Melanie Heyworth, Reframing Autism

Funding

Aspect and Reframing Autism