Looking back at the M-WAY qualitative study - and saying thank you to Sarah

 
In our last blog post, we shared how the bridging phase of the M-WAY study helped us move from our qualitative research into the next, quantitative stage. But what exactly did we do during the qualitative phase?

This part of the project focused on better understanding the lived experience of anxiety and depression among autistic young people. While many quantitative studies have shown that autistic young people are more likely to experience these difficulties, fewer studies have taken a qualitative approach. Talking directly to young people and parents gave us the chance to explore not just the presence of anxiety or depression, but also the context around them – including what might make things better or worse, and how mental health challenges develop over time.

Our qualitative study was led by Dr. Sarah Hampton, a member of the M-WAY team and an expert in qualitative methods. Over the course of the study, Sarah interviewed 50 people: 20 autistic young people (aged 10–18) and 30 parents of autistic children (aged 5–18). She then carried out a comprehensive analysis of the interview transcripts, supported by other members of the team. The analysis process was also supported by two members of our Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG), ensuring the process remained grounded in lived experience.

From these interviews, three central themes were generated:

1. Demands and expectations – the toll of environmental pressures on mental health
2. Autonomy and control – the importance of the balance between having structure and freedom
3. Safety, trust, and predictability – the benefits of having trusted people and safe spaces

We are currently writing up these findings to be published in an academic journal. In the meantime, you can hear more about the preliminary findings in a recent talk by Sarah.

As we mark the end of this phase, we also say a bittersweet farewell to Sarah, whose time on the M-WAY project has now come to a close. Sarah has been a cornerstone of the study - from designing and leading the qualitative work, to creating inclusive, thoughtful spaces for our advisory group members to share their voices. Her careful, rigorous approach and genuine care for participants have left a lasting impression on the team and on those involved in the project.

The success of the qualitative phase is in no small part thanks to Sarah’s leadership, and we know she’ll be missed – not just by us, but also by our advisory group members who have consistently shared their appreciation for her thoughtful and inclusive approach.

Before leaving, Sarah shared these reflections on her time with M-WAY:

“I’d like to thank the M-WAY research team, our wonderful collaborators on the ASAP and YPAG stakeholder panels, and all those who generously gave their time to take part in the interviews. It’s been wonderful to work on a topic that has such relevance to the lives of autistic people and to approach that topic from a neuro-affirming stance that acknowledges the ways often unaccommodating environments can impact autistic people’s lives. It’s been particularly meaningful to work closely with the Young Persons Advisory Group members throughout the project, whose insights have been invaluable. Throughout the interviews, it’s been a privilege to hear so many young people’s and parents’ experiences in their own words. The findings really highlight the impact of anxiety and depression on autistic young people and the urgent need for appropriate support. I’m hopeful that the insights from the interviews and the next stages of the project will contribute towards better understanding of, and ultimately much needed support for, anxiety and depression among autistic young people.”

We’re incredibly grateful to Sarah for everything she’s brought to M-WAY, and we look forward to building on her work in the next phases of the study.