Adjusting the volume: reflections on engagement with autistic young people living in secure care

Abstract

In undertaking a doctoral research project looking at the impact of Scottish secure care experience on the identity constructions of autistic young people, I experienced a number of unexpected challenges with engagement. This paper offers reflections on these complexities, in order that others may be informed by my experience. Some of these reflections are specific to engagement with autistic or neurodiverse young people, whilst others are of relevance for research with the secure sector or residential child care more broadly. Throughout the paper I share my learning on each aspect of this experience, with the intention that this learning may be given consideration in future research.

Keywords

• secure care
• autism
• methodology
• scotland