Hello, my name is Ben Potts. I'm a doctoral researcher at City St George's, University of London, and I'm AuDHD myself. My PhD research is about something I imagine many of us feel strongly: the experience of needing emergency healthcare and using hospital emergency departments (A&E) as an ADHD, autistic or AuDHD adult. We are seeking participants for the project's main study.
About the research
The NEEDs Project (Neurodivergent patient Experiences of Emergency Departments) explores the emergency department experiences of autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults in the UK. We want to find out what works well, what doesn't work and what we can improve, with the intention to take action and make positive changes. The entire project was co-produced with other autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people from the beginning. They directed the questions you will be answering.
Format and time
To make it as accessible as possible, you can take part in one of two ways:
A. Survey: complete the anonymous online survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on how much you want to share.
--- Or ---
B. Share your experiences by speaking with the researcher or uploading written, audio, visual or creative material (specific information about that here)
Study dates
The study will remain open until the required sample size is reached, anticipated by September.
Eligibility criteria
- Aged 18 or over
- Live in the UK
- Have needed emergency healthcare. This includes whether you did or did not attend a hospital emergency department.
- Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD people are especially encouraged to take part, including those who are formally diagnosed or self-identified, both are equally welcome. Please also note that the survey is formally open to all neurodivergent and neurotypical people, as their responses help establish meaningful comparisons.
Survey Link
▶️ Take part here: https://EDSurvey.link
Ethics and funding
Ethics Reference: ETH2425-1579
The NEEDs project is funded by a Research at the Frontier of Practice Doctoral Studentship awarded to Ben Potts by City St George's, University of London.
Contact
Ben Potts (Doctoral Researcher)
Profile: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/research-students/ben-potts
Email: ben.potts@citystgeorges.ac.uk
Dr Christina Malamateniou (First Supervisor)
Profile: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/christina-malamateniou
Email: Christina.Malamateniou@citystgeorges.ac.uk
Follow-up
When the study concludes, I will return to this community to share the findings. Your participation will directly shape recommendations for how emergency departments support autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people in the UK.
Happy to answer any questions in the comments.
Thanks for your consideration.
