Launched in 2016, the Autism Community Research Network @Southampton [ACoRNS] is a collaborative academic Centre dedicated to informing and improving experiences of autistic children, young people and adults. Through co-produced research, ACoRNS informs and enhances education, health, and community services through bridging research, policy, and practice to create meaningful impact.
ACoRNS is co-directed by Professors Sarah Parsons (Education) and Hanna Kovshoff (Psychology).
Working in partnership with experts by experience, professionals, schools, local authorities, and community organisations, ACoRNS takes neurodiversity-informed, strengths-based approaches to:
- Identify research questions that matter to practice and the wider autism community
- Develop and apply innovative and creative methods to support and empower autistic children, young people and adults to share their views and experiences to improve outcomes
- Co-create accessible, shareable resources in collaboration with autistic people and their families
- Generate high-quality research evidence that informs and shapes practice, policy, and future research
- Create positive impacts on professional practice, public understanding and lived experiences
- Educate and mentor the next generation of expert professionals, including teachers and educational psychologists
- Provide continuing professional development opportunities through training and knowledge exchange
We have received prestigious external funding for our research from the Froebel Trust, ESRC, Epilepsy Research UK, and the British Academy.
ACoRNS was honoured with the 2024 Vice Chancellor’s award for making an outstanding contribution to the University’s ‘Triple Helix’ mission, strengthening the connections between education, research and knowledge exchange, and enterprise.