Autistica’s Discover Network

Research is slow. Research is expensive. And there’s no guarantee that it will produce anything useful. But it’s the only long-term potential solution to certain problems. Autistica’s Discover is a virtual online network is designed for the true experts in autism: those on the autistic spectrum themselves and their families and carers.

It is the first national network for interested parties to learn about the latest findings and to help shape or take part in research studies and surveys. Non-profit organisations such as care providers and special schools are also included; this volunteer group of those directly involved with autism has a target of 20,000 members by 2021.

Research is not necessarily in a laboratory. Autistica could be trawling for people to get involved in a survey or advisory group. Or trialling a new therapy or – in this digital age – a new app. Members can opt not to get directly involved but register to only receive updates on the results of the latest research.

Nine in 10 want to take part in research whereas they haven’t previously known where to start. Autistica’s Discover network links them with research centres which might email out a request such as

Wanted
people aged 35 – 45,
diagnosed as being autistic before the age of 30,
for language study.
UK-wide.
Contact:…

Everything will have been approved by an independent ethics committee. All projects are focussed on the top priorities which came out of an earlier Autistica study: mental health, language and communication and physical health.

Discover aims to support autistic people, their families and the whole community: with information about research; how to get involved; to co-ordinate initiatives and promote collaborative working; and bring researchers together to develop national strategies.

Given leadership, post-Brexit UK can become a world leader in autism research.