Research on Post-Diagnostic Support for Autistic Young People
Redmayne, Davies, Allain, Carter, Healy, Islaam, Portway, Thomspon, Cooper, Mandy and Crane (2023)
Having a limited understanding of their diagnosis can make Autistic young people’s mental health worse, particularly during transition into early adulthood. Post-diagnosis support is patchy and many Autistic young people, particularly those from marginalised communities, face barriers to accessing support. Ambitious about Autism worked with Autistic young people to co-design a peer support course available online, in response to this gap. Understand You, Discover You, supports Autistic young people to examine what Autism is and develop a positive Autistic identity. The course gives young people the skills needed to support their mental health. This report was conducted to help collate evidence linking Autistic identity and wellbeing and investigate inequalities in accessing post-diagnosis support. Additionally, the research evaluated the co-production method and pilot of the course. The report builds on research to inform the ongoing development of the online course and to offer practical solutions to make the course more inclusive.
