Embracing the Ethical Possibilities of Researching About Autistic Individuals’ Transition to Post-School Opportunities in South West Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This chapter elaborates the ethical challenges and possibilities arising from a qualitative case study to engage young autistic adults about secondary school transition practices that support a positive post-school quality of life. The challenges arise from the need to work within the parameters of the ethical conduct in research outlined in the Australian National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, National statement on ethical conduct in human research. Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved from https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2007-updated-2018#block-views-block-file-attachments-content-block-1, 2007 [updated 2018]), while also addressing the individual research participants’ strengths and needs with regards to agency, capacity and voice. A range of strategies designed to optimise strengths and minimise potential risks for participants, while addressing benefit, risk and consent, is presented.