Our current research projects
We believe research is essential for creating breakthroughs so all autistic people can live happy, healthy and long lives.
We carry out research based on the priorities of autistic people, on the issues that matter the most to them. Our research projects help us reach our visionary andambitious 2030 Goals.
Our projects
Personalised strengths and needs profiles for better support | The ICF Toolkit™
We're testing the use of a strengths and needs assessment toolkit to help neurodivergent people get ongoing personalised support.
Creating an employment readiness programme for autistic young people
We're creating an employment readiness programme to help more autistic young people gain and maintain careers.
Understanding neurodivergent children’s experiences in temporary accommodation | Research partnership
We’re partnering on a project to understand how living in temporary accommodation affects neurodivergent children and their families.
Best practice for autism referral and assessment
NHS England commissioned us to evaluate the diagnostic screening instruments for autism, which can potentially reduce autism assessment waiting times.
Making public transport accessible for neurodivergent people
By researching neurodivergent people’s public transport experiences, we can address the gaps between people’s needs and the current service provision.
Using data to understand autistic people’s deaths by suicide in Scotland | Research partnership
Using data to know more about suicide in autistic people living in Scotland.
Understanding eating behaviour in autistic people | Research partnership
By learning more about eating behaviours in autistic people, we can find better support for autistic people struggling with eating disorders.
Improving the criminal justice system for autistic people | Research partnership
Assessing Special Measures so autistic people can give their best evidence in court.
The personal and economic costs of undiagnosed ADHD, autism or both | Research partnership
Exploring the risks of undiagnosed ADHD and/or autism.
NeuInsight: helping businesses make public spaces more sensory inclusive | Research partnership
We're partnering on a project to guide businesses on how their spaces can be more sensory-aware.
Autism, deception and the criminal justice system | Research partnership
We're partnering on a study exploring perceiving and detecting deception in autistic people and its impact in the criminal justice system.
Developing strong executive function skills in toddlers | Research partnership
How can we strengthen executive function skills in toddlers with a family history of neurodivergence?
Regulating Emotions - Strengthening Adolescent Resilience (RE-STAR) | Research partnership
RESTAR explores the links between young people’s experiences of and response to adverse emotional events and settings in school, and their risk of depression.
Creating a neuroinclusion index for employers
The NDEI®, Neurodiversity Employers Index, is the only gold-standard evidence-based tool for workplace neuroinclusion.
Measuring attitudes towards autism
The Autistica Attitudes Index will help us to measure public understanding and attitudes, so that we can improve acceptance and create a more inclusive world.
Creating an app for people to share tips and access evidence-based resources
We've created a Tips Hub app for autistic people to share tips to help with everyday life, mental health and for professionals working with autistic people.
Including people with complex needs in research
Autistic people with multiple conditions are often left out of research. This project is changing that.
Could yearly GP checks and changes to appointments improve health?
We will work with autistic people to develop and test an autism health check for use in General Practice (by GPs).
How can we improve maternity services for autistic people?
Sara King aims to understand autistic mothers' experiences of maternity services and find ways that they could be improved.
Personalised anxiety treatment
We’re supporting research at Newcastle University to work with autistic adults to understand and reduce their anxiety.
Find out more
The Autistica Network - take part in autism research
Get the latest in autism research news, funding opportunities and chances to get involved in studies and campaigns.
Expert webinars
Bringing you the latest in autism research with leading experts from around the UK.
Get insights on your study
Find out how you can get insights from autistic people on your research study.