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Research group

Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton (ACoRNS)

Children playing with toys and arts and crafts

ACoRNS is a research-practice partnership that aims to improve the lives of autistic children and adults through addressing questions that matter to practice and enabling autistic voices by applying creative methods.

Part of Education, Psychology

ACoRNS addresses questions that arise from practice through participatory research. Our work is co-constructed such that projects, ideas, and funding bids are jointly developed, evaluated and disseminated with community partners.

Child page cards

Sarah Parsons
Professor of Autism and Inclusion
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It is a real privilege to be able to work so closely with children, young people and families and those who support them.
Hanna Kovshoff
Professor
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The onus is on researchers and practitioners to listen and respond to the voices of autistic children and young people within education – ACoRNS prioritises this.

Research highlights

A young child is choosing stickers from a sheet held by an adult. The child is adding the colourful stickers to their top.

Giving autistic children a voice – the power of ‘I am’ Digital Stories

Future societies and communities
Health and wellbeing
Culture and creativity
‘I am’ Digital Stories created by Southampton researchers are ensuring that the voices of autistic children and young people are heard during crucial transitions in their education and lives.

Finding new ways to help autistic children cope with change

Future societies and communities
Health and wellbeing
Education researchers at Southampton are listening to the views of youngsters with autism to help them settle into new schools.
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Related research institutes, centres and groups

Centre for Research in Inclusion

We work with teachers and young people to foster and improve inclusive practice.

Centre for Innovation in Mental Health

We use our expertise in child development, psychological interventions and affective neuroscience to research ways to help those affected by mental health issues.

Connect with us

If you would like to receive more information about the Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton (ACoRNS) please contact Professor Sarah Parsons (s.j.parsons@soton.ac.uk) or Professor Hanna Kovshoff (h.kovshoff@soton.ac.uk).
s.j.parsons@soton.ac.uk