“Support me to take the steps I need, to live the life I want, in ways that work for me”- Perspectives of Autistic young people on what is important for their quality of life.

Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective construct, influenced by an individual’s values, priorities and goals, yet little research considers the views of Autistic children regarding what is important for living a 'good life'. In this study 42 Autistic young people (aged 10-17 years) shared what is important for their QoL through written or spoken responses in either a survey or interview. Data were analysed together using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified that described what is important for Autistic young people’s QoL: (1) I need others to understand me and "accept me for who I am"; (2) Connecting deeply with others is "integral to my happiness"; (3) Through my strengths and passions, "I feel a sense of achievement" and I develop self-worth; (4) Having agency to navigate my environments "in ways that work for me" helps me manage my own needs; (5) When "people ask me what I want to do, and they listen", I feel valued and empowered. This study adds to the literature regarding the conceptualisation of QoL for Autistic young people, by eliciting directly the views of Autistic young people. The findings describe what is important to Autistic young people, and tangible supports that enable them to live a 'good life'.