About AASPIRE

Background

Despite great increases in the amount of research conducted on autism, there has been little focus on how to improve the lives of adults on the autistic spectrum. Adults on the spectrum are not usually included as resources or partners in autism research, despite having a wealth of information, experience, insight, and skills to offer.

AASPIRE was started by academics and autistics who recognized the need to work together to develop and implement research studies that truly benefit the autistic community. Using a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR or PAR) approach, researchers, autistic adults, and people who support individuals on the autistic spectrum work together as equal partners throughout every phase of the reseach process.

Mission

• To encourage the inclusion of people on the autistic spectrum in matters which directly affect them.
• To include people on the autistic spectrum as equal partners in research about the autistic spectrum.
• To answer research questions that are considered relevant by the autistic community.
• To use research findings to effect positive change for people on the spectrum.