An online educational resource on alcohol and drug information for autistic adults. www.adifa.co.uk

Alcohol and drug problems have not always been considered an important, or particularly prevalent, issue for autistic people. However, recent research into this area has found that not only is alcohol and drug use far more common than previously thought, but that autistic people may be at a greater risk of developing problems than non-autistic people.

Alcohol and drug health professionals do an amazing job in providing individual and appropriate support tailored for the individual, however, informational websites and resources are not always created with autistic people in mind. This is important as these types of resources are often the first step in an individual seeking support or learning more about alcohol and drug topics. In order to make this information more accessible, incorporating specific information and addressing the preferences of autistic adults is vital.

I am a PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University, who has been working on developing a practical resource for autistic people to use. I have developed an educational website on alcohol and drug information designed specifically for autistic adults (www.adifa.co.uk). The development of the website was guided by the thoughts, perspectives, and preferences of autistic adults on alcohol and drug information and education. This feedback was incorporated into the website in several key ways including: 

• Inclusion of detailed practical information (e.g., multiple ways to contact relevant sources). 
• A focus on how alcohol and drug topics relate specifically to autistic people (e.g., topics such as why autistic people in particular might use alcohol and/or drugs). 
• Selection of accessible and appropriate language (e.g., “autistic person”, and not “person with autism”. 
• Information presented without bias, prejudice, or judgement.

Now that the website is up and running, I am interested in hearing people's views about it and how it can be improved. I am currently speaking with autistic adults to gain their feedback on the website, but I would also love to hear from alcohol and drug health professionals. I believe this is important as health professionals can provide a unique perspective on the accuracy and credibility of the information on the website, and practical considerations on what works in health-based settings.

If there are any alcohol/drug health professionals interested in reviewing the website and providing feedback, this can be done through an interview with me (either online, by phone or through email). They will first need to contact me by email (at [email protected]) to discuss their preferred method of taking part. 

Alternatively, people can also take part by answering the interview questions in an online-style survey (https://mmu.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/evaluating-adifa-health-professionals). They would not need to contact me first to complete the survey questions. 

I believe this resource is important in helping support autistic people and providing them with autonomy on information on alcohol/ drug topics and practical information on support if it is needed.

Gwyn Roberts │Email: [email protected]

Department of Psychology │Manchester Metropolitan University │Manchester │M15 6GX