Exploring the Counselling Experiences of Autistic Adults who recognised their Autism during Perimenopause or Menopause: Implications for Neurodiversity-affirming Practice
Research Participants Sought for a Master's research project 鈥� University of Chichester 鈥淓xploring the Counselling Experiences of Autistic Adults who recognised their Autism during Perimenopause or Menopause: Implications for Neurodiversity-affirming Practice鈥�
I am a Master's student in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Chichester, undertaking research exploring the counselling experiences of autistic adults who recognised or began to understand their autism during perimenopause or menopause.
The research aims to develop a deeper understanding of how autistic adults experienced counselling or psychotherapy during this period, including what they found helpful or unhelpful. The findings may contribute to the development of more neurodiversity-affirming counselling practice.
I am seeking participants who:
鈥� Are autistic adults aged 42鈥�59.
鈥� Are formally diagnosed as autistic, without a co-occurring intellectual disability.
鈥� Are currently experiencing, or have experienced, perimenopause or menopause.
鈥� First recognised or began to understand their autism during perimenopause or menopause.
鈥� Have completed at least eight counselling or psychotherapy sessions in the UK during this period, with therapy completed within the past three years.
What would participation involve?
Participants will be invited to take part in one confidential 45鈥�75 minute online semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview will explore experiences of recognising autism during perimenopause or menopause and experiences of counselling or psychotherapy during this period. Participation is entirely voluntary. Participants will receive a Participant Information Sheet before deciding whether to take part and will have the opportunity to ask questions before providing informed consent. Participants may withdraw from the study up until the point that data analysis begins. The research is not a therapeutic service and is independent of any organisation through which this advertisement may be shared.
Exclusion criteria
Individuals experiencing current suicidal intent or an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others are not eligible to participate at this time. Anyone disclosing this during screening will be supported through appropriate signposting to relevant crisis or support services.
Interested in taking part?
If you meet the criteria and would like further information or to express an interest in participating, please contact the Principal Researcher: Julia OConnell by emailing: 2507776@stu.chi.ac.uk
A Participant Information Sheet will be provided before you decide whether to participate. Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Chichester.
You can view the poster here.