The Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE) was founded in 2006. It brings together the academic community and the autistic community to conduct research projects relevant to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum. Our partnership adheres to the principles of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR), whereby academics and community members serve as equal partners throughout the research process.

Background

Despite great increases in the amount of research conducted on autism, there has been little focus on how to improve the lives of adults on the autism spectrum. Adults on the spectrum are not usually included as resources or partners in autism research, despite having a wealth of information, experience, insight, and skills to offer.

AASPIRE was started by academics and autistics who recognized the need to work together to develop and implement research studies that truly benefit the autistic community. Using a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, autistic and non-autistic scientists and community members work together as equal partners throughout every phase of the research process.

Mission

• To encourage the inclusion of people on the autism spectrum in matters which directly affect them.
• To include people on the autism spectrum as equal partners in research about the autism spectrum.
• To answer research questions that are considered relevant by the autistic community.
• To use research findings to effect positive change for people on the spectrum.

Partnership

AASPIRE brings together people from the three communities: the academic community, the autistic community, and the community of people who provide support and services to autistics.

AASPIRE is based at Portland State University, but our team includes academic and community partners from all over the United States, as well as Australia and the United Kingdom. AASPIRE has a long-standing relationship with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and the Autism Society of Oregon and welcomes collaborations with other community organizations. Our academic collaborators are faculty at a variety of academic institutions, including Oregon Health and Science University, University of California San Francisco, University of Indiana, Syracuse University, RMIT University, University of Portsmouth, Vanderbilt University, San Diego State University, University of Washington, University of Montana Rural Institute, and University of Utah.