Research opportunity for autistic adults with experience of accessing primary healthcare for pain
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 8th October 2024

This research project aims to better understand autistic people's experience of seeking support when in pain.
Researchers in the Division of Psychology at the University of Stirling are currently recruiting participants to better understand how pain affects autistic individuals and their experiences of seeking pain management support in a primary care setting (e.g., from their GP). This project hopes to gain a deeper
understanding of how pain may present in autistic people and whether there are any barriers or facilitators to accessing appropriate pain management support.
It is hoped that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the health needs of autistic people and, as a result, help reduce the existing health inequalities.
Participation in the study would involve a one-to-one online interview that will last between 30 minutes to one hour.
You may be eligible to take part if you:
- Are aged 18+ and live in the UK
- Have an autism diagnosis (or self-diagnosis)
- Have experienced pain and sought support from primary healthcare (eg. from a GP) for this pain
- Are willing to take part in an online interview
Ethical approval for this research has been granted by the University of Stirling General University Ethics Panel (GUEP 2024 18081 13379). If you would like to learn more about the study, you can read more information here.
If you’re interested in taking part, you can contact Katie Gethings at kcg00006@students.stir.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can register your interest to participate here.
End of page.
You may also like:
Chief Officer of Development Sara Redmond will represent the ALLIANCE through the process of developing the agreement.
Continue readingThe Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm (ScotRGH) programme has awarded new grants totalling £375,000 to 19 projects across Scotland
Continue readingA newly identified security vulnerability affecting PHP software used by millions of websites worldwide requires immediate attention.
Continue readingFind out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
Continue readingA phased campaign supports earlier CKD recognition, helping healthcare professionals deliver timely care and improve patient outcomes.
Continue readingOur response warns that Scotland cannot achieve a sustainable health & care system without greater investment in prevention and social care
Continue readingScottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2026, organised by Active Scotland, runs 2-8 November.
Continue readingShare your experience to help shape Scotland’s work on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention through national engagement.
Continue readingReport mapping the supports and services in place across Scotland during pregnancy and into the first few months of a baby’s life.
Continue readingPhD researchers from The Glasgow School of Art are seeking participants.
Continue readingWhat's working, what still needs to change and what Scotland must do to ensure every child can realise their right to the best health.
Continue readingA current research project is exploring the physical challenges faced day-to-day in care, both by carers and by the people they support
Continue readingYour feedback will shape an updated version of the toolkit.
Continue readingThe Scottish Transitions Forum hosted by ARC Scotland have launched the Compass National Data report for 2025-26.
Continue readingAre you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingApply to support equalities groups in Renfrewshire.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingNesta launch new report 'Getting it right for every baby' highlighting key challenges in the existing landscape of support.
Continue readingThe Oversight Board for the promise has launched their fourth report into Scotland’s progress in keeping the promise.
Continue readingUrgent investment needed to deliver fair, person centred social care in Scotland, say the ALLIANCE.
Continue readingOur presentation noted the negative effects of social care charging on human rights including health and adequate standard of living.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE publishes report outlining key learning from the delivery of Self Management for Life 2024 Small Grants.
Continue reading