Autistic older adults’ experiences of mental health services.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences of autistic older adults within mental health services.
IRAS ID
339084
Contact name
Emma Pratt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/A47YK, OSF Preregistration
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
The process of and receipt of a mental health treatment and support can have numerous profound consequences which have been explored in non-neurodivergent populations over the years across settings. This remains the case for older adult service-users within inpatient and community mental-health settings, although the research thus far has been limited to younger populations. Following the publication of national guidelines including NHS strategies and priorities within mental health, research into the experiences of individuals within healthcare settings is increasing, including mental health settings. However, a majority of this research remains focussed on the neurotypical perspective, and recruiting predominantly working-age adults. There remains little work looking at the experiences of mental-health services for older adults, and no apparent research exploring such services for neurodivergent individuals. This study aims to explore the experiences of these service-users and therefore to provide them with a voice that can be used to inform future service provision for autistic older adults who require mental health support. Autistic service-users across older adult community mental health settings within two North-East NHS trusts will be recruited. Following a cross-sectional qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews will be used to illicit their views according to an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Demographic information will also be used to provide context for the experiences of recruited participants. Reflexivity will be accounted for through use of a researcher diary and returning to participants to discuss initial themes’ validity following initial analysis. Autistic service-users will provide insight to guide questions used in the interviews, allowing for co-collaboration and neurodivergent voices to be heard at all stages.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0045
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion