Amplifying Autistic Voices: A Co-Production Approach to Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Autism prevalence is rising. In Northern Ireland, the prevalence of autism among school-aged children is 5.9% (2024/25), representing a 42% increase from the 2019/20 rate of 4.2% (Information Analysis Directorate, 2025).

Delayed language development is one of the earliest indicators of autism, and 25–35% of autistic people remain minimally-verbal (Rose et al. 2016). These difficulties are linked to poorer educational, health, and social outcomes (Whitehouse et al. 2009).

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports autistic people to exercise their right to communicate (Communication Matters, 2023). AAC systems include mobile applications and speech-generating devices.

Effective AAC use depends on collaboration between professionals, families, and the user (RCSLT, 2024).

However, AAC tools are frequently developed without autistic involvement (Bolster and McCarthy, 2017). Co-production (i.e., working in equal partnership) is increasingly recognised as a neurodiversity-affirming approach to including people with autism in research (Nimbley et al. 2024).

Aim:

To co-produce an AAC tool with autistic adults, ensuring their communication needs inform its design.

Objectives:

Identify autistic people’s communication priorities, challenges, and preferences.
Co-produce a prototype AAC tool with autistic people.
Evaluate the prototype’s accessibility and acceptability with autistic people.
Test usability gathering feedback from autistic people.

Methodology

The MRC guidelines for developing and evaluating complex interventions (Craig et al. 2008) and the Knowledge to Action framework (Graham et al. 2006) will be used to guide the co-production of an AAC tool with autistic people through four stages: visual mapping of communication needs, co-design workshops, iterative prototype development, and usability testing using multimodal methods.

This project supports the Autism Strategy (2023) and AHP Research and Innovation Strategy (2023) by embedding autistic voices in healthcare research. Co-produced AAC development can lead to more meaningful tools that respect autistic communication needs (Stark et al. 2021).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

Masters at 65%
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a UK National, or

Have settled status, or

Have pre-settled status, or

Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period