New research exploring good practice for deaf autistic children

The British Academy funded research, which is being conducted by Dr Emmanouela Terlektsi and Dr Lila Kossyvaki from University of Birmingham, aims to identify and characterise effective practice in supporting the inclusion of deaf autistic children* in mainstream settings.

Incidences of dual diagnosis of deafness and autism have been documented for over 20 years and the figures seem to be increasing. Despite this, there is very limited evidence on the prevalence of this dual diagnosis, effective interventions and teaching practices as well as parent support. As such, although there have been numerous reports on effective teaching practices for deaf children and effective teaching practices for autistic children, there has been none focussed on children with a dual diagnosis of deafness and autism. This includes how they are:

• supported in mainstream settings through inclusive practices and restructuring the environment and,
• enabled to learn independence skills and develop agency

The study will not only identify good practice in supporting the inclusion of deaf autistic children but will also empower stakeholders to have a voice in research.

This new research, entitled 'Evidencing good practice in supporting deaf autistic children’ seeks to address this.

The research will be conducted over two phases. The first phase employs an online questionnaire aimed at education professionals and parents/carers. The second phase (to follow) will consist of six illuminative case studies nominated by stakeholders via the phase one questionnaire. 

To support phase one, the researchers are looking for professionals and/or parents/carers, currently supporting deaf autistic children* (4-11 years old) to complete the questionnaire. The deadline for submissions is 31st January 2025.

For further information, please contact Dr Lila Kossyvaki by email: a.kossyvaki@bham.ac.uk

* Condition first language has been used as this seems to be the preference of many autistic individuals. We acknowledge that this is not the preference of all autistic people. The term deaf is used to refer to children with any degree and type of hearing loss in accordance to the definition provided by the National Deaf Children's Society.