What is this survey about?
The purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of autistic people who have gone missing or run away. We will use the findings to publish a research report, including recommendations for a range of professionals to ensure that autistic people who go missing receive the best response and support possible.
Who should take part in this research?
We would like to hear from autistic people who have experience of going missing.
We are aware that some people prefer not to describe themselves as autistic, and identify more with other terms such as ASD or Asperger’s. This survey will use the terms ‘autistic’ and ’autism’ throughout. If this is not your preferred term, please respond to the questions in the same way that you would if these terms were substituted for your preferred term.
Likewise, this survey will use the terms ‘go missing’ or ‘ran away’ throughout. We know that some people might not identify with these terms, but might relate more to other terms like ‘went away’, ‘escaped’, ‘disappeared’, ‘took time out’ or something else. Please respond to questions in the same way that you would if these terms were substituted for your preferred term.
Content of the survey
This survey will ask you questions including:
- Why you were missing / away
- What happened while you were away
- How you returned
- What help you wanted (if any) and whether you were able to access this help
All survey questions about how you felt about something are accompanied by an image of an ‘emotions wheel’ which you may wish to use to help you if needed.
Responses to the survey are anonymous, strictly confidential, and will be stored securely and only accessible by the research team at Missing People. You will not be identifiable in any internal or external report based on responses to this survey.
The survey could take anything from 5 minutes to around 25 minutes to complete, depending on how much detail you wish to share.
Triggering questions
Some questions in this survey will ask about topics that could potentially be triggering for some, such as mental health, self-harm, suicide, and abuse. A trigger warning will appear before these questions are shown, and you will be given the option to skip any questions that you might find triggering or that may cause you any distress. You can also close the survey window altogether if you do not wish to continue with the survey.
About Missing People
Missing People is a lifeline when someone disappears. We provide support for anyone affected by missing, including through our free, confidential helpline. If you need to talk to someone as a result of taking this survey, please contact Missing People via phone or text on 116 000, or e-mail 116000@missingpeople.org.uk.
Where you can get help
Please note that this survey may be triggering: we are asking questions about what is potentially a harmful or challenging experience. You are under no obligation to complete this survey, and if you do feel like you need to talk to someone as a result, here are some organisations you may wish to contact:
- Missing People: phone or text 116 000, e-mail 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
- Mind: phone 0300 123 3393
- Shout: text 85258