Why is the hidden disability of autism so visible in mental health inpatient services? The autistic view from personal stories.
May’s Café Scientifique is presented by Dr Louise Kirby, a former DProfPrac student from UON and Autism Assurance Lead at NHFT.
In her talk, Louise will examine the autistic perspective on why the hidden disability of autism is so visible in mental health inpatient services.
Moving autistic people out of mental health hospitals has been a national priority since the Transforming Care Programme (2012), but sadly, the number of admissions of autistic people continued to rise. Assuring Transformation Digital Data shows that the number of autistic people without a learning disability detained in mental health hospitals increased by 141% between 2015 and 2025.
This study took a life story approach to gather personal stories of autistic people who had experienced mental health crises and admission to gain their perspective. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the analysis was checked with each participant to agree on a shared interpretation.
The identified risk and protective factors will be discussed, as well as suggested best practices in researching with this group of autistic people.
We look forward to welcoming you to Café Scientifique! Refreshments available for purchase.
Register here.