016 PP: INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS: THE EXPERIENCE OF CO-RESEARCHERS EXPLORING AUTISM IN A SOMALI COMMUNITYa

Rates of autism in Somali migrant communities are increasing but many families find it hard to accept their child’s diagnosis and do not engage with health, education or social services to support their children. When a local network of Somali parents approached the University of Bristol to request that research focus on their needs, a new research partnership evolved. Using a community based participatory approach the team designed a qualitative study which aimed to assess what Somali families affected by autism need, and how health, education and social care services can support them. In-depth interviews were conducted in both English and Somali with 15 parents who had a child with autism. Key themes identified in the data increased understanding about the experiences of Somali families affected by autism, cultural perceptions of autism and the challenges of navigating the health, education and social care system. In this