Self-identity and belonging in autistic adolescents with MUS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How are self-identity and belonging experienced by autistic adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms: a thematic analysis
IRAS ID
351812
Contact name
Kate Woodcock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 3 days
Research summary
This study will explore how autistic adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) experience self-identity and belonging. MUS are physical symptoms presumed to be genuinely experienced, but which are not fully explained by any known pathology, so therefore likely emerge from psychosocial factors acknowledged by the person, their parent or carer, and their clinician.
A high number of autistic adolescents are thought to experience MUS, whilst this population experience difficulties developing self-identity and a sense of belonging. Further, MUS are thought to have a negative impact on these two areas. Despite this understanding, no studies to date have explored how autistic adolescents with MUS experience self-identity and belonging. It is therefore important to explore this further to inform our understanding of their experiences and improve support.
This study will gather information on this topic through interviews with autistic adolescents. Interviews will be up to 1 hour long and explore views on living with MUS and its impact on self-identity and sense of belonging. Someone is eligible to take part if they are between the ages of 13 and 17, have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and are living with MUS, as defined previously. Participants will be recruited from Birmingham Children’s Hospital through the support of clinicians at the site who have expressed a keen interest in supporting this research, or via three possible schools and parent / carer groups that work directly with autistic young people (National Association of Special Schools; Outcomes First Group; and Autism parent / carer groups). Interviews will take place via a video or telephone call, or at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0098
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion