AUT-TALK study
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AUT-TALK study

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Autistic young people’s experiences of talking or attempting to talk about trauma when accessing mental health services (The AUT-Talk study)

Investigator: Boon Chin Oh

about the aut-talk study

This research project will explore the mental health care experiences of autistic young people who are also impacted by trauma, particularly in their experiences of talking or attempting to talk about trauma when accessing mental health support.

The aim of the project is to investigate how autism and trauma influence young people’s experiences in navigating the process of communicating about their trauma with mental health professionals. Communication can also be in other forms of communication, which includes communication through text, illustrations or any means of communication used to discuss trauma experiences.

what does the study involve?

Participation in this study involves submitting an expression of interest survey and answering pre-screening questions, followed by attending an initial online meeting (15–20 minutes) with the researcher to obtain consent and build rapport.

Participants will be asked to complete a survey followed by an interview (60–90 minutes) with the researcher. Participants can select their interview mode; either a face-to-face session at Orygen in Parkville, online interviews, live chats or through voice memos.

All participants will be reimbursed with $50 for their time.

am i eligible to take part?

We are looking for young people who:

  • Are aged between 16–25 years old
  • Have self-reported a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from professionals such as paediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or multi-disciplinary team
  • Have self-reported exposure to trauma
  • Currently access or have accessed mental health services in Australia
  • Have thought about, attempted to or talked about trauma when accessing mental health support
  • Reside in Australia
  • Have no significant cognitive and language challenges that would affect ability to participate in consent and interview process

Learn more

If you would like to know more about the study and submit an expression of interest, please click here.

HREC - 2026-36449-83955-3