The PAR Group Checklist was designed to evaluate best practices for establishing and supporting participatory action research (PAR) groups with autistic individuals. It does not evaluate the extent of participation throughout a project per se, but can be used in conjunction with the ELPART to do this.
Recruit participants with relevant lived experience and ensure diverse representation including underrepresented groups.
Collaborate with organisations and networks to support inclusive recruitment.
Provide clear, accessible information on group aims, roles, expected time commitments, and compensation.
Allow members to choose their preferred level of involvement and be transparent about how their input will influence decisions.
Establish shared ethical principles and openly discuss researcher positionality and power dynamics.
Agree on inclusive and respectful language, allowing the group to decide on preferred terminology.
Build relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication through active listening and regular feedback.
Use flexible formats to accommodate different preferences (e.g., online meetings, email, or chat-based input)
Share materials in advance (e.g., agendas, notes) and adapt communication styles to suit individual needs.
Ensure participation is responsive to members' evolving access needs throughout the project.
Provide opportunities for autistic participants to lead, such as chairing meetings or shaping discussions.
Promote equal involvement in decision-making and create a safe, respectful environment where everyone feels heard.
Offer fair compensation equivalent to researcher roles where possible, and explore funding solutions if institutional barriers exist.
Recognise contributions through co-authorship and by supporting skill development and career progression.
Treat participation as a dynamic process that evolves over time.
Build in regular opportunities for feedback and adapt practices based on group input.
Reflect critically on participation processes to ensure they remain inclusive, empowering, and collaborative.
