Why
There is growing recognition that Autistic girls may experience school differently from Autistic boys. However, existing research has largely focused on Autistic boys or on students in mainstream educational settings.
As a result, there is limited evidence regarding the experiences of Autistic girls attending autism-specific schools, highlighting an important need to better understand how these settings support their needs.
What are the experiences of Autistic girls attending Aspect high schools, and their parents or carers?
What works well, what are the challenges and what can be improved?
Who can take part?
Recruitment for this study will begin in Term 2 2026.
Students are invited to take part if they:
- are aged 12–18 years
- are enrolled in an Aspect high school or support class
- identify as a girl
- are able to take part in an interview or another supported format.
Parents or carers are invited to take part if their child:
- is aged 12–18 years
- is enrolled in an Aspect high school or support class
- identifies as a girl.
Participation is optional for both students and parents. Parents can take part without consenting for their child, and they may also consent for their child to participate without taking part themselves.
What does taking part involve?
If you’re interested, the first step is for parents (or students aged 18) to complete a short online survey. This will include background questions and consent information.
Some participants may then be invited to take part in a one-on-one interview about:
- what is working well at school
- what challenges students may experience
- what could be improved.
For students and parents, the information can be provided via:
- a live online interview
- written responses to questions
- audio responses to questions
For students only: The information can be provided by sharing and talking about non-identifying artwork or images in response to creative prompts.
Making a difference
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help build a deeper understanding of Autistic girls’ experiences in autism-specific education.
This will contribute to improving supports, school environments, and practices so they better reflect the needs and strengths of Autistic girls.
Research team
- Dr Vicki Gibbs
- Dr Abigail Love
- Dr Chris Edwards
- Dr Ru Ying Cai
Started
2026
Ends
2026
Funding
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)