ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the trends and research gaps in the field of autism and then presents different areas of participatory research. It focuses trends and research gaps in the field of autism and then presents different areas of participatory research. The chapter provides some ideas of how rigour can be enhanced in real-world studies. It provides some hands-on advice on how to increase rigour in real-world research. The chapter highlights the importance of involving stakeholders in the research process, and suggests ways of doing this. It explores the involvement of different types of stakeholders in autism research. The chapter also explores different ways of getting the views of people and more precisely children with autism and severe learning difficulties. It considers the issue of assent/consent, as there is considerable debate around it. The chapter sheds light on to research gaps in the field and work as a starting point for future research projects of that nature.
