FAQs
What is the primary aim of the Gowen Autism study?
The primary aim of the Gowen Autism study is to provide evidence for the need and acceptability of routine sensory motor assessments and treatment for autistic adults without Learning Disabilities and to identify and map appropriate intervention pathways.
How long is the duration of the Research Associate position?
The duration of the Research Associate position is 2 years.
What type of team will the Research Associate be joining?
The Research Associate will join a multidisciplinary team experienced in autism research, Occupational Therapy, Patient and Public Involvement, delivery of complex interventions, and economic evaluation.
What specific responsibilities will the Research Associate have?
The Research Associate will be responsible for monitoring participant recruitment, communicating with OTs, the research team, and participants, collating assessment reports and questionnaires, performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, and contributing to workshops and survey development, among other tasks.
What skills and experience are desired for the Research Associate position?
Desired skills and experience include working with autistic adults, conducting research with autistic individuals, co-producing research with autistic people, and familiarity with sensory motor research and the cognitive underpinnings of sensory and motor difficulties in the autistic population.
How will participants be recruited for the study?
Participants will be recruited from two diagnostic clinics in the Northwest.
What will happen in phase 1 of the study?
In phase 1 of the study, autistic adults will be offered a sensory motor development assessment by an Occupational Therapist and will receive a report with findings and support recommendations, followed by a follow-up visit to collect feasibility and acceptability data.
What is planned for phase 2 of the study?
In phase 2, a toolkit containing guidance on appropriate sensory motor development assessments and intervention options will be developed through workshops and surveys involving research team members and stakeholders.
Who can be contacted for further details or informal visits?
For further details or informal visits, you can contact Dr. Emma Gowen at emma.gowen@manchester.ac.uk.
What grants fund the Gowen Autism study?
The study is funded by an NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant.
What benefits and opportunities do employees enjoy at Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust?
Employees enjoy opportunities for learning and skill development, as well as encouragement to generate new ideas to improve care for service users.