If you're like me <a total nerd>, you're always on the lookout for research that shines a light on how to better support autistic folks to live good lives.
So, when I came across this new study, co-produced with autistic adults and parents, I was so excited to see some real, concrete insights into what helps autistic children live their best lives.
It’s rare to find such high-quality research in this area, and even more exciting is how closely the findings align with the way we’ve designed our programs at FutureTech.
Key Insights from the Research:
The Power of Acceptance One of the standout findings of this research was the importance of acceptance. As one participant shared, autistic children need to feel accepted “without having to sacrifice who [they] are as a person”. Knowing they can be themselves without pressure is crucial to their wellbeing. This is something we live by at FutureTech. Creating spaces where young people feel valued for who they are is at the core of what we do, and it’s so rewarding to see research back up the value of this approach.
Let Them Shine Another key takeaway was the importance of finding what "lights up" each child. The study highlighted that kids are happiest when they can pursue activities that make them feel energized, or as one participant put it, finding “the things that light you up”. Whether it’s coding, art, or something completely unique, kids are at their happiest when they can dive into their passions. At FutureTech, we encourage this every session. We build our workshops around our participants' strengths and interests, letting them explore what excites them and, in the process, boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Giving Autonomy The study also highlighted how crucial it is for autistic children to have some control over their own lives. As one participant noted, "feeling in control [is] absolutely essential" for autistic children to live a good life. It’s not just about making decisions, but about building independence and self-advocacy skills. This aligns so well with our approach at FutureTech, where we encourage participants to take the lead in their learning and decision-making. It’s exciting to see research showing that this autonomy directly contributes to a better quality of life.
Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces The research emphasized the need for physical and sensory environments that accommodate the unique needs of autistic children. Creating spaces that minimize sensory overload helps children feel calm, safe, and able to engage fully in activities. As one parent reflected, environments where their child could “feel calm, safe, and regulated” were key to their wellbeing. We’ve always known this, which is why we design our programs and workshops to be as sensory-friendly as possible.
Why This Research Matters
Research like this is incredibly valuable because it helps us understand, in detail, what truly works for autistic children.
It provides evidence for approaches that focus on acceptance, autonomy, and personalized learning—everything we strive for at FutureTech.
But what’s even more exciting is the potential for more studies like this to shape the future of how we support neurodivergent children and young people.
There’s still so much more to learn, and we need more research that listens to autistic voices and reflects their real experiences.
A Call for More Research
This study is a fantastic step forward, but it's only the beginning.
We need more research that digs deeper into the lives of autistic children and continues to validate approaches that genuinely support their wellbeing.
I’m excited to see how future studies can build on this, exploring even more ways to help young people not just survive, but truly thrive.
At FutureTech, we're committed to staying at the forefront of this work. We believe that by combining cutting-edge research with lived experience, we can continue to create programs that make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent youth. So, here’s to more studies like this one—and to all the incredible potential they hold for building a better future for everyone.
References: Simpson, K., Allen, C., Wheeley, E., Pellicano, E., Heyworth, M., den Houting, J., Bowen, R., & Adams, D. (2024). Factors Supporting a “Good Life” for Autistic Children: Autistic Adults’ and Parents’ Perspectives. Griffith University, Australia.