Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton (ACoRNS)
Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton (ACoRNS)

Research themes

Our research is grouped into four main themes:

  • Co-constructing the evidence base 

    We focus on participatory approaches to research that respect the diverse knowledges needed for informing and co-creating the autism research evidence base.

    This includes autistic people, children and their families and the professionals who support them.

    We work together to identify and address research questions that come from practice.

  • Creative and participatory methods for voice

    We embed creative and participatory methods in our projects to enable a range of voices to be heard.

    Examples include ‘I am’ Digital Stories, Photovoice, Storyboards, and body mapping.

    We have developed creative resources with autistic students including the ‘School Daze’ comic and ‘Fizzacc’ materials to support awareness and acceptance.

  • School belonging and societal inclusion

    We explore autistic people’s experiences of inclusion in school and other services, with a focus on transitions and trajectories.

    Examples include the use of intense interests in teaching and learning, exploring shared decision-making within schools and a key-working service, home-education, and patterns and experiences of school non-attendance.

  • Autistic girls and intersectional identities

    We are exploring the lived experiences of autistic people in different settings and services.

    Examples include the school experiences of late diagnosed Black and Black mixed-heritage women and girls, developing culturally responsive Educational Psychology practice, and exploring provision for looked-after autistic children.