Fellow: Dr Kai Lin Emeline Han; Partner: Goood Studio; School/Dept: School of Psychology
Deciding whether, when, and how to disclose an autism diagnosis or autistic identity is a complex process with potential benefits (e.g., increased understanding and acceptance) and risks (e.g., stigma and discrimination). Despite growing evidence of the significant challenges associated with disclosure and its impact on autistic adults’ wellbeing, there is limited structured, evidence-based support to help autistic adults make informed and strategic disclosure decisions.
During my PhD, I developed and piloted ‘Who, When, How to Share’ (WWH2S), a guided self-help programme to support autistic adults in disclosure decision-making. My pilot study found that WWH2S was feasible and acceptable, while participants suggested adapting the programme into a digital format to improve accessibility and engagement. Furthermore, while WWH2S incorporates many behaviour change techniques, it was not explicitly grounded in behavioural science theories. Therefore, the findings of my PhD research on WWH2S suggest that refinement of intervention design and theory is warranted.
This fellowship aims to extend the impact of my doctoral research by:
1) Co-designing a digital version of WWH2S for autistic adults informed by behavioural research, lived expertise, and knowledge exchange.
2) Conducting a small-scale usability test of this digital intervention using think-aloud interviews and post-intervention surveys.
3) Enhancing my ability to apply behavioural science in refining intervention theory and designing a future larger-scale evaluation of my intervention.
I will carry out this project in collaboration with Goood Studio, a creative organisation that has strong expertise in co-designing innovative and inclusive digital solutions with and for marginalised groups, including neurodivergent communities. Findings from this project will be used to further improve the intervention and optimise usability to support scale-up beyond the fellowship.