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A critical reflection on the development of the Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC)

Milton, Damian, Ridout, Susy, Kourti, Marianthi, Loomes, Gillian, Martin, Nicola (2019) A critical reflection on the development of the Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC). Tizard Learning Disability Review, 24 (2). pp. 82-89. ISSN 1359-5474. (doi:10.1108/TLDR-09-2018-0029) (KAR id:73208)

Abstract

Purpose

The Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC) was initially set up with the purpose of bringing autistic people, including scholars and activists (but not exclusively), together with early career researchers and practitioners who work with autistic people, with the aim being to build a community where those who wished to see more significant involvement of autistic people in autism research could share knowledge and expertise.

Approach

This article explores the development of the PARC network, reflecting upon its activities and ethos within current Higher Education (HE) practices and structures.

Findings

In supporting autistic individuals in their attempts to establish themselves within academic systems that may not always be considerate or accommodating, the existence of PARC creates a structure

with which autistic people can influence social change. PARC serves as a network of support, strengthening the presence of autistic scholars in academia. It also provides a structure through which autistic people are able to demonstrate helpful practices with which to engage more broadly.

Value

The PARC network is the first autistic-led venture of its kind in the UK to have a sustained impact. PARC is growing to become an important element in the field of autism studies both by supporting the emerging autistic academics and by promoting ethical and participatory research methods and practices.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/TLDR-09-2018-0029
Uncontrolled keywords: Autism, Participation, Higher Education, Social networks
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Damian Milton
Date Deposited: 26 Mar 2019 16:22 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 12:35 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/73208 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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