Research at Scottish Autism
Through our inclusive and collaborative research programme we seek to influence social change and improve support practice.
We take a co-production approach, meaningfully including autistic people, families, and support professionals in our projects in order to address the priorities of our community.
We use the evidence and insights that we create to directly influence support practice and to campaign for changes in public policy and service provision.
Alongside our internal research in projects, our team collaborates with universities and third sector partners to conduct research that will benefit autistic people in Scotland and beyond. Within the wider field of autism research we advocate tirelessly for inclusive, neuro-affirming, and practice-relevant approaches.
Current research projects
Ageing, Autism and Social Care
With Heriot-Watt University
Using co-produced documentary film and art work we are working with autistic people with learning disabilities about their hopes, concerns and support needs as they get older.
Relational aspects of social care support for autistic people
With University of Strathclyde
This project aims to better understand the interactions and relationships between autistic people supported in social care and the practitioners that support them.
Funded by the John and Lorna Wing Foundation
Experiences of Autism Assessment and Diagnosis
With Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH), Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE) and Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA)
We undertook a large-scale survey of experiences of autism diagnostic services in Scotland. The results will inform collective campaigning and influencing to improve assessment and diagnosis services.
Take part in research
If you’re looking to get involved in autism research projects and help improve services and understanding across Scotland, take a look at the list of studies currently seeking participants.
Collaborative PhD studentships
We co-supervise these studentships alongside university-based researchers.
The double empathy problem: Understanding cross neurotype interactions in support services
Holly Sutherland, University of Edinburgh – funded by Medical Research Scotland.
Access to autistic space for adults supported in social care services
George Watts, University of Durham – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
Exploring the potential of the Autism Practice Improvement Programme to support autistic pupils’ educational experiences, inclusion and well-being
Becky McGinney, University of Edinburgh – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
Completed research projects
Voice, participation and involvement in autism services
This practice research project sought to capture innovative practice to support meaningful participation in decision-making for people with high support needs in social care and education services.
Read the reportFriendship and Social Opportunities in Autism Services
This practice research project captured the thoughts of supported autistic people and practitioners about diverse ways in which friendship is experienced in autism services.
Read the reportAutism and Sight Loss
This project, with RNIB Scotland and Edinburgh Napier University, sought to improve vision awareness among autism support practitioners and to better understand the intersecting needs of autistic people with vision impairment. It was funded as part of the Scottish Strategy for Autism.
Find out more