Our research
Autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people* experience more physical and mental health challenges, have a shorter life expectancy, experience very high rates of sexual violence and are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide.
We need urgent research and support that meets our needs.
Research has always been done about us instead of with us. This needs to change.
We are paving the way for change when it comes to research about autistic people in Australia.
For the first time, our research agenda has been led and informed only by autistic people.
What we did
Phase 1
We interviewed 47 autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people aged 7 and above about what research they think is important. We used this information to develop draft research priority areas.
Phase 2
We then surveyed an additional 411 autistic people for further feedback on our research priorities.
We used this information to develop an autistic-led research agenda for girls, women and gender-diverse people in Australia.
Research priorities
Six key research areas identified by autistic young people
Text-only accessible version
Eight key research areas identified by autistic adults
Text-only accessible version
What researchers can do
We are making a direct call to action by asking you to:
book_ribbon Commit to research based on the priority areas
crowdsource Ensure your research is autistic-led or co-designed
“Your action will ensure autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people can be understood and supported to ‘have a good life on their own terms’”
Reports and resources
Authentic co-design
Participatory and Inclusive Autism Research Practice Guides
Register with Autism CRC to gain access.
Inclusive research resources
Resources from the Disability Innovation Institute.
Our research team
Hayley Clapham (She/Her)
Tess Moodie (They/Them)
Gabrielle Hall (She/Her)
Sarah Gurrin (she/her)
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the people who shared their stories and insights for this project.
We would also like to acknowledge Dawn-Joy Leong for her input, as well as the advisory group members who contributed to the initial stages of the project.
We would also like to thank Violet, who provided input into the development of the research priorities for autistic girls and gender-diverse people.
*This includes cis women and girls, transgender, non-binary, gender diverse people and anyone who was socialised or identifies as a woman or girl. We acknowledge that language changes and are always open to having a conversation about this.
Last updated: 11 November 2022
Contact us
Email: autistic.womenandgirls@uts.edu.au