We believe that autism research can and should make a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic people. Sometimes our research will involve simply filling in a questionnaire. Other times research studies are a bit longer, and involve participating in interviews or completing some computer based tasks. These tasks might involve visiting the STAR lab in person, or could be done online. If you are interested in taking part, please see below for details of some current studies being run.
Visiting the STAR Room
Our Stirling Autism Research (STAR) Room is located on the ground floor of the Cottrell Building, on campus at the University. We have designed this room so that we can easily control the sensory environment, to meet individual need. Currently the room has:
- Lamps for adjustable lighting
- A sensory box
- Fidget toys
- A quiet fan
- A height-adjustable desk (which is wheelchair accessible)
- A weighted blanket
- Window blinds
- Ear Defenders
- Facilities for refreshments (hot drinks/cold water/biscuits)
- Please click here here for more photos of the room and key landmarks on campus near the room.
- A map of campus, with the Cottrell Building marked can be found here.
- A map of the Cottrell Building, with the location of the room marked, can be found here
Studies currently seeking participants
Project 1: ‘Prospective Memory and Quality of Life‘
- Participation: Online
- Eligibility: 18+, Autistic, Fluent in English
- Reimbursement: £5 in EGiftPay vouchers.
- Study length: 30 minutes.
- Information sheet : Click here to download!
Please email catherine.grainger@stir.ac.uk if you would like to take part.
If you have any questions about any of the studies being advertised on the website then please do not hesitate to get in touch by email (autismresearch@stir.ac.uk). You can also check out our Twitter for the latest updates.
Autistic involvement in our research
As a group, STAR strives to engage in research that is participatory, by meaningfully including autistic people in the research that we do. We also strive to support autistic autism researchers and make autism research a place where everyone can thrive. Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information about working or collaborating with us. If you are an autistic person interested in becoming an autism researcher, you may be interested in Stirling’s MSc in Autism Research, currently directed by Dr Eilidh Cage.
You can also find out about the ‘Striving to Transform Autism Research Together – Scotland’ (STARTS) Network by visiting the STARTS website. STARTS is a participatory research network funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and led by Dr Eilidh Cage, along with collaborators Dr Monique Botha and Dr Catherine Crompton (University of Edinburgh).
Join the STAR Mailing List!
If you are interested in taking part in our research, and/or would like to receive updates about upcoming STAR activities, please join our mailing list, by clicking here to fill out our online form.