Who can we work with? 

We want to support quality research which addresses issues that are important to autistic people and their families, and aims to make a positive impact to their lives.  

We have limited capacity and therefore can’t support every enquiry we receive. If your research meets the following criteria we may be able to help: 

• Does the topic align with key priorities for autistic people set out in our Moonshot vision? 
• Is your research PhD level or above? 
• Does your research involve meaningful autistic involvement? 
• Will autistic participants be compensated and supported appropriately? 

Read on if your project ticks the above boxes. If your study doesn’t meet any of the above – watch this space as we add useful tools and resources to this webpage, for you to consider when shaping your research.
 

How can we help? 

We support quality research in various ways, and to different levels. The two main paths are as follows: 

Partnership 

We can provide full partnership - working with you from bid development stage through to dissemination. Typically, our input focusses on Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) including: 

• Co-writing and proofing bid application 
• Recruiting and facilitating a steering group/advisory panel of autistic people to help guide the project throughout its duration 
• Assisting with recruitment of autistic people to research/evaluation roles within the project 
• Attending project group meetings 
• Consulting on / co-producing documentation/materials 
• Advertising for study participants through our online networks and branches 
• Disseminating and promoting the findings through our public platforms and highly specialist policy and media teams.   

This is a bespoke service, and costings to be factored into your funding bid would depend on the enquiry.  

If you would like to discuss partnership, please complete this form and email it to research@nas.org.uk

Advertising for participants 

If your study is established and you are recruiting for participants, we may be able to advertise on your behalf through our online networks and branches. Please note we cannot accept all requests to advertise. Your study must meet the requirements outlined above, and you must have ethical approval for us to consider providing support.  

If you would like to request help advertising for participants, please complete this form and email it to research@nas.org.uk along with proof of ethical approval and your poster.  

Have a different enquiry? 

If you have an enquiry that isn’t covered above, you can still get in touch. We also partner with other charities and non-research organisations. Please email research@nas.org.uk giving as much information as you can.
 

What happens next? 

Once we receive your enquiry and completed form with supporting evidence, we will begin our internal review process. We will then contact you to discuss next steps.
 

Are you an autistic individual interested in becoming involved in research? 

By contributing to quality research, you can help to shape the future for autistic people and their families.  

We regularly recruit advisory panels/steering groups for research projects. These are usually autistic people with experience of the specific research topic (for example co-occurring mental health conditions, or sleep difficulties). These are paid opportunities and panellists are given guidance and support through the process. If you are interested in being considered for these opportunities please email research@nas.org.uk.  

If you are interested in being a research participant (for example filling out an online survey or attending a face-to-face interview), keep an eye on our community forum where we occasionally post opportunities.  
 

Who are we working with?

Audit 50 

Led by University College London, this study focusses on the experiences of older autistic people, particularly around diagnosis. Findings suggest a substantial number of autistic adults in England are undiagnosed, compared to children. The research team are calling for better access to diagnostic services for adults, improved post-diagnosis support, and greater societal understanding and acceptance of autism.  

BEAMS – ID 

Led by Warwick University, this study examines the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people with learning disabilities. The research group has adapted a talking therapy for use by autistic people with learning disabilities, and completed a feasibility study, comparing outcomes to treatment as usual (TAU).  

Autism in affinity spaces: Interest-driven social media practices during the transition to adulthood 

Led by Queen Mary University of London, this study explores autistic young people’s experiences of social media. It will focus on which social media resources are available to them, how these resources are used to interact with others, and to engage in interests.  

Youth Justice  

Led by University of Kent, this project focusses on the experiences of autistic people within the Youth Justice System. The project highlights a lack of understanding and support for autistic young people within the system.  

BRIDGING (Breakthrough interview extended reality training towards reducing the autism employment gap) 

Led by University of the West of England, this project aims to help autistic people in the UK to obtain and sustain a job. Virtual scenarios for Virtual Reality (VR) headsets will be created, to practise having job interviews and experience the first days at a new job. This will help autistic jobseekers to know what to expect and be less anxious, as part of a training package. It will also help employers to understand what adjustments they can make for autistic people. 

IHOAP (Tailored Healthcare Adjustments for older autistic people: Development and initial evaluation of an intervention to improve healthcare) 

Led by Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, this study focusses on the experiences of older autistic people in relation to healthcare. It tests the feasibility of an intervention to help older autistic people get better access to healthcare, exploring tailored adjustments to improve the effectiveness of care.