How the Tool was Developed

The A.C.T. was developed through a fully participatory research model, with autistic co-researchers involved at every stage to ensure the tool was relevant, accessible, and grounded in lived experience.

A team of five autistic co-researchers co-designed the tool through workshops, literature review, and feedback rounds. Community input was gathered via an online questionnaire (n=59), alongside interviews with GPs and practice managers (n=10). The tool was continually revised in response to this feedback.

A pilot study then trialled the A.C.T. in GP consultations, with autistic patients providing feedback on its usability and impact. Final refinements were made based on these insights.

Importantly, autistic co-researchers had equal decision-making power and shaped both the tool and the research design. Their involvement fostered ownership, pride, and led to further opportunities in research and training for several co-researchers.

This participatory model represents a cornerstone legacy of the project. It has laid the groundwork for future co-produced research by the University of Liverpool Autism Hub and sets a standard for respectful, inclusive, and impactful autism research. The success of this approach is evidenced not only by the effective completion of the A.C.T. tool, but also by the strength of the relationships formed and the knowledge shared throughout.

Co- researchers provided the following comments about their work on the project:

"I really enjoyed being in a group of other autistic people. It’s always so nice to not have to mask. It’s also really affirming when hearing other autistic people speak about their experiences and know that I’m not alone… It was probably THE MOST inclusive environment I’d ever been in and I wish there was even half the consideration that went into these meetings in all other meetings that I go to… I found it really empowering and that my opinion was not just valid, but ultimately valued." 

Adele Curley