Developing an Evaluation Framework to Promote Meaningful Participation of Autistic People in Research: The ELPART and Participatory Group Checklist

Background Despite growing recognition of participatory approaches in autism research, this field continues to face several significant challenges. One key issue is the lack of guidance on how to implement participatory methods effectively, along with a shortage of evaluation tools to support researchers in adopting best practices. Meaningful participation in research has the potential to redress power imbalances, reduce stigma, and ensure that autism research accurately reflects the lived experiences of autistic individuals, ultimately leading to more relevant and effective services and support.Methods To address these challenges, researchers developed and carried out initial steps to validate a standardised evaluative framework designed to promote meaningful autistic participation at all stages of the research process while enhancing transparency regarding the extent of involvement. The validation process was led by autistic community researchers who facilitated initial validation exercises with experienced participatory researchers, ensuring that the tools reflected diverse perspectives and lived experiences.Results The validation group took initial steps towards assessing construct validity, including face and content validity, and provided recommendations for refinement. Following these discussions, modifications were made to improve clarity, applicability, and usability of the tools.Conclusion The Evaluating Levels of Participation in Autism Research Tool (ELPART) is the first known evaluation tool to employ a five-point scale, systematically assessing participation across five key research stages. The PAR Group Checklist uses a three point scale to evaluate inclusivity, accessibility and address power imbalances within participatory interactions. Both tools provide specific guidance on how to operationalise participatory approaches in autism research and were found to be valuable frameworks for evaluating and enhancing the meaningful participation of autistic individuals in research. By embedding structured evaluation and reflective practice into participatory research, these tools can support equitable and impactful collaborations between researchers and the autistic community.