Approaches Perceived to Promote Allyship Between Researchers and the Autistic Community
Date
2021-05-06
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Abstract
Previous research regarding autistic people has largely been limited in regards to its meaningful engagement with the autistic community, particularly in terms of determining research priorities and engagement in research planning and processes. This tendency of exclusion in such research opportunities may result in diminished community understanding of autism from the direct perspective of autistic people themselves, and of a potential lack of social and community inclusion overall. This study addressed the question, ‘what are perceived to be optimal approaches of promoting allyship between researchers and the autistic community?’ Research aims were to explore and promote allyship and collaboration between the research and autistic community in (a) identifying perceived means to build allyship in autism research, and (b) demonstrating and exploring an instance of meaningful engagement of autistic adults in research. Two mixed focus groups and an email interview were facilitated with a total of 6 autistic individuals, 4 autism researchers, and 2 individuals who identified as both autistic individuals and researchers. Methodologic decisions were made according to principles of participatory research and guided by a critical theoretical framework. Study results included the identification of approaches for allyship in autism research, including (a) a mediation or advisory group that would serve to ‘bridge’ the autistic community and autism researchers; (b) mentorship opportunities for autistic individuals aiming to access research information and experience, as well as for researchers aiming to inclusively engage with the autistic community; and (c) a partnership between community members and a research or university setting.
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autism, autistic community, allyship, participatory, critical social work
Citation
Orjasaeter, J. D. (2021). Approaches Perceived to Promote Allyship Between Researchers and the Autistic Community (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.