Relational experiences of older individuals with ASD - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ageing with Autism: Experiences of relationships of older individuals with autism spectrum disorder - A participatory research study
IRAS ID
215649
Contact name
Alice Harwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
The proposed research is a qualitative study investigating the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they grow older with a specific focus on interpersonal relationships. This research is being undertaken as part of doctoral training in clinical psychology. Traditionally research has focused on younger people with autism and little is known about how ASD affects people as they reach later adulthood. As interpersonal problems are a prominent feature of ASD the aim of this study is to explore how relationships shape the way individuals with ASD experience ageing. The study design uses a participatory research framework which allows volunteers with lived experience of ASD to be part of the research process. For the interviews 15 participants with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome over the age of 55 will be recruited from the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust’s Lifespan Learning Disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorder Service. Qualitative semi-structured interviews will be conducted where participants will be asked to discuss their experiences of relationships in the context of advancing age. Interviews will be held at the Tavistock Clinic or at the participant’s home and will last between 45 and 120 minutes. They will be audio-recorded and transcribed. The transcripts will be analysed using a method of qualitative data analysis called Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. This method provides a means of coding the data to identify common themes in participants’ experiences and to make meaning of these. The aim is to add to the under-researched yet growing field of ageing in autism research to develop a better understanding of the needs and experiences of older individuals with ASD. Clinical implications of the research will include considerations for service developments.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0143
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion