Abstract
Increasingly, researchers are encouraged to include consumers and stakeholders in the development of health and service provider education. This is particularly important for education relating to autistic people to ensure that resources are developed from a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Limited literature exists outlining or evaluating the processes used within co-design autism research. This study aimed to describe and qualitatively evaluate the co-design process used in the development of a training package for community sport and exercise professionals working with autistic young people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 10 consumers and stakeholders involved in this co-design project. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the transcripts, four themes emerged. In theme 1 members described characteristics relating to the co-design process they perceived enhanced their engagement. Members emphasised the importance of the project being consumer and stakeholder led, and flexible to support each person's needs. In theme 2 members described the connection they felt to the other group members, facilitated by the creation of an emotionally safe environment. In theme 3 members discussed how the processes put in place and the supportive environment created resulted in a holistic understanding of the skills and knowledge community sport and exercise professionals need to effectively work with young autistic people. In theme 4 members provided recommendations for future co-design research. Consumer and stakeholders involved in this project described an overall positive experience of the co-design process, with findings resulting in three key recommendations to support future autism co-design research.
