Identity in autism and personality disorder

Qualitative interview study for gender diverse service users with autism or personality disorder, and clinicians working in these areas.

What is the study about?
This study will explore how marginalised identities, such as ethnic minorities and gender diversity, intersect with diagnosis and recognition of autism and personality disorder.

What is involved?
Lived experience participants will complete a short survey to collect background information, then have an interview with Valeria. She will ask questions about what it was like to receive their diagnosis and how it has made them feel. The interview will take about 60 minutes and can be in-person or via video call. Clinician participants will complete a short screening call, then have an interview with Valeria. She will ask questions about their work with autistic clients/clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder to understand their experiences from their own perspective. The interview will take about 60 minutes and can be in-person or via video call.

Who can take part?
Lived experience participants must: Be aged 18 to 65, and identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender diverse Have recent (within 5 years) experience of UK mental health services Be willing and able to participate in a teleconference, in-person, or written interview in English EITHER current clinical diagnosis of autism, current self-identification of autism, or currently undergoing assessment for autism, and has never had a diagnosis of a personality disorder. OR lifetime clinical diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and diagnosed with autism, self-identified as autistic, or currently undergoing assessment for autism Clinician participants must: Be working in UK NHS services. Have provided diagnostic, assessment, or treatment services to autistic people or people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder belonging to gender minority communities in the past year.

How can people get involved?
Contact Beccy Smith on rebecca.smith179@nhs.net or research.lypft@nhs.net