How to make your research group more inclusive for autistic trainees

TL;DR

This paper offers five practical steps for university research groups to become more inclusive and supportive of autistic trainees, based on personal experience and literature review.

Contribution

It introduces a set of five actionable strategies to improve inclusivity for autistic trainees in academic research environments.

Findings

Five concrete steps for inclusivity are proposed.

Personal experience and literature inform the strategies.

Guidance aims to foster supportive research group environments.

Abstract

As a university professor, one of my most important responsibilities is mentoring the junior members of my research group and creating an inclusive environment in which they can thrive. Since my autism diagnosis two years ago, colleagues have asked me how they can make their research groups more welcoming to autistic trainees. This short guide, based on conversations with autistic students and academics, intense reflection on my own lived experience, and a deep dive into the literature, provides five concrete steps toward this goal.