PROJECT:
‘Make my day’ – making the school day easier for autistic students
“Adapt your experience of school to work for you so that you can do the best that you can”
(autistic student; McKinlay et al., 2024)
The Research Team
Lead Researcher: Marisa McKinlay
I am a PhD student studying autism research at the University of Stirling and the University of Northumbria. My supervision team includes: Dr Andrea Priestley, Professor Mary Stewart & Dr Carol Jasper.
I worked with young people for many years as a Speech & Language Therapist. I now carry out research into how to improve autistic students’ experience in education.
About the Research
AIM
This research project will explore how we can enhance accessibility for autistic students and reduce educational labour within the school day.
We will co-design recommendations with autistic students and school staff.
the experts
We will co-design recommendations with autistic young people because they are the experts of their own experience. School staff will provide valuable insight into how practical solutions can be developed within the school day.
AS THANKS
All young people will be offered a £15 GiftPay voucher for taking part, which can be spent at a variety of high street shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas.
Who can take part in this study?
You can take part in this research project if you are:
Autistic students:
- 11-18 years old
- Autistic (formal diagnosis or self-identified)
- In UK mainstream secondary school
- Able to take part in an in-person focus group session (other options are available, please contact Marisa)
School staff:
- School staff who have experience of supporting autistic students in UK mainstream secondary school
- Employed in school in any capacity e.g. teachers, support staff, senior management etc
- Able to take part in an in-person focus group session
What happens in this Research?
About the study: This is the third study in Marisa’s PhD research.
Study 1 was a systematic review of the literature in the area and has now been published (link below).
In Study 2, Marisa interviewed autistic students about their views about challenges in school and what helps. The findings of Study 2 will be used as a basis for discussion in the focus groups (‘school project groups’).
Where: West Calder High School
When: During the school day, date to be confirmed
School project groups:
- 3-4 participants per group – autistic students will be in one group, school staff will be in a different group
- With Marisa & Carol in the group session, approximately 1.5 – 2 hours (includes a break)
Ethical approval & safeguarding:
- Ethical approval for our study has been granted by the University of Stirling
- Marisa & Carol have PVG certificates
- All school safeguarding protocols will be followed
The School project group session will discuss questions such as: ‘What would make my day easier or more enjoyable in school?’, ‘If I was boss for the day, what changes would I make?’. Responses can be verbal and/or supported by writing, pictures or objects.
Questions will be sent to you before the session so that you know what to expect.
What to do Next
If you want to participate in this research, please complete an Expression of Interest form.
Please give your parent/legal guardian's email address or phone number - we will get in touch.
Contact us: Please get in touch for more information or with any queries - m.c.mckinlay@stir.ac.uk
