Description and Evaluation of a Co-design Process Involved in the Creation of a Workforce Training Package Aiding Sport and Exercise Professionals Work with Autistic Young People

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies
• Neurodiversity Research

Background:

• Co-design is increasingly vital for developing inclusive health and service provider education.
• Ensuring neurodiversity-affirming resources for autistic individuals requires meaningful consumer and stakeholder involvement.
• There is a gap in literature detailing and evaluating co-design processes within autism research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and qualitatively evaluate the co-design process used in developing a training package for community sport and exercise professionals.
• To ensure the training package is informed by the lived experiences of autistic individuals and stakeholders.
• To identify best practices for future autism co-design initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 10 consumers and stakeholders.
• Inductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify emergent themes.
• Focus on participants' perceptions of the co-design process and its outcomes.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged from the analysis, highlighting factors that enhanced engagement.
• Participants emphasized the importance of consumer/stakeholder leadership and process flexibility.
• An emotionally safe environment fostered connection and a holistic understanding of professional training needs.

Conclusions:

• The co-design process was perceived positively by participants.
• Findings offer three key recommendations to enhance future autism co-design research.
• This study contributes to understanding effective co-design methodologies for neurodiversity-affirming educational resources.