Why is the hidden disability of autism so visible in mental health inpatient services? The autistic view from personal stories.
Thursday 14th May 2026, 5.00–6.30pm
The Beehive
Harborough Rd,
Northampton NN2 8LR
Detailed Description
May’s Café Scientifique is presented by Dr Louise Kirby, a PhD student from UON and Autism Assurance Lead at NHFT.
In her talk Louise will examine the autistic perspective of why the hidden disability of autism is so visible in mental health inpatient services.
Moving autistic people out of mental health hospitals has been a national priority since the Transforming Care Programme (2012) but sadly the numbers of admissions of autistic people continued to rise. Assuring Transformation Digital Data shows that the number of autistic people without a learning disability detained in mental health hospitals increased by 141% between 2015 and 2025.
This study took a life story approach to gather personal stories of autistic people who had experienced mental health crisis and admission to gain their perspective. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), analysis was checked with each participant to agree a shared interpretation.
The identified risk and protective factors will be discussed as well as suggested best practice in researching with this group of autistic people.
We look forward to welcoming you to Café Scientifique!
Refreshments available to purchase.
