Open AccessCoproduction with Autistic Adults: Reflections from the Authentistic Research Collective
Author(s) -
Eloise Stark,
Dorota Ali,
Annalise Ayre,
Naomi Schneider,
Sophia Parveen,
Keith Marais,
Nick D. Holmes,
Richard Pender
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
autism in adulthood
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2573-959X
pISSN - 2573-9581
DOI - 10.1089/aut.2020.0050
Subject(s) - coproduction , psychology , process (computing) , social psychology , public relations , political science , computer science , operating system
This article explores coproduction in relation to autistic people. We reflect on the coproduction process with autistic adults from the Authentistic Research Collective at University College London. We aimed to support the autistic population's mental health needs by coproducing a document on adapting psychological therapy, and by developing a set of reflective guidelines to guide and encourage future coproduction initiatives between autistic and nonautistic team members. We reflect upon six elements that are of potential importance for future coproduction projects with autistic adults: (1) the meaning of coproduction; (2) ground rules and a traffic light system; (3) environmental adaptations; (4) digital communication tools; (5) encouraging authenticity; and (6) supporting autistic strengths. We conclude by discussing future research avenues into optimizing coproduction with autistic people, and how such research may influence both practice and policy.