Autistic flourishing and societal services

Autism brings unique strengths and challenges, impacting various life areas and both mental and physical health. Research often emphasizes risks and negative outcomes from a non-autistic perspective. We advocate for a shift from simply remediating “deficits” towards flourishing and well-being.

Embedded within a neurodiversity and salutogenic approach, this project will explore the perspectives of autistic individuals and will develop recommendations for clinical, social and educational service provision that align with notions of autistic flourishing.

The project is guided by autistic-led process and a co-creation group of autistic adults, comprising a review community literature and focus groups with autistic individuals to develop an autistic perspective on flourishing. We will also survey professionals and autistic people to explore opportunities and barriers in service provision.

A Delphi process will then performed to develop a consensus statement for supporting autistic flourishing.

This work is at the forefront of the field, presenting novel avenues for service provision that can reduce disability and societal costs associated with autism, being relevant not only for services, but also life settings outside of formal support (leisure, employment).

The co-creative nature of the project ensures that its findings will be directly applicable to the autistic population and services, streamlining dissemination and implentation of findings.