Using online photovoice to facilitate participation of autistic adolescents in research

Understanding the lived experiences of autistic adolescents is essential for informing inclusive policies and practices. Photovoice, a method that facilitates participants to express themselves through photography, has proven effective in engaging autistic youth in research about their lives. Although conducting photovoice via online platforms has shown promise with various populations, its application in research with autistic people remains unexplored. This article addresses the gap by presenting the use of online photovoice with six autistic adolescents (aged 12-16) in a study about their experiences of wellbeing at school. The paper details participant recruitment, one-on-one research sessions, and reflections from participants and researchers. The online photovoice method brings advantages, including expanded recruitment, increased inclusivity, reduced anxiety, and enhanced engagement of participants. Nevertheless, its implementation requires adequate resources for participants and considerable preparation and flexibility of researchers. The method proved valuable in supporting the participation of autistic adolescents, suggesting potential for future studies.