How can best conduct research if autistic girls and young women are more adept at recognising the early signs of a potentially abusive intimate partner relationship (and, if so, how)? What methodology (or methodologies) would then themselves to such research?

Speaker(s):

Chris Magill, University of Brighton

Abstract:

In this session I wish to invite participants to join me in thinking creatively about how to approach research involving autistics girls and young women to explore if they are more adept at recognising the early signs of a potentially abuse intimate partner relations (and, of so, how?) Key challenges to consider – differences and diversity across the autistic community; co-occurring neurodiversity; appropriate language; untangling traits (over empathy, missing social cues, difficulties in communication) and behaviour; complexities relating to the recognition of the early signs of a potentially abusive relationship (earlier or later compared to neurotypical peers?) and response (e.g. reporting, recognition there but still more at risk?). In my curiosity lab, I would like to invite participants to join me in unpacking such challenges, identifying further challenges, and, hopefully, reflecting on possible solutions. I hope to end the session with at least five research questions (or objectives) designed to answer my initial wondering. I am also keen to develop an informal academic network for those interested in working collaboratively to develop a fuller research proposal.