A Protocol to examine the needs and experiences of autistic children/young people or children/young people with an intellectual disability when receiving support for mental health difficulties from child and adolescent mental health services.

Background: Studies indicate a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions in autistic children and young people (CYP) and CYP with intellectual disability (ID), with approximately 25% experiencing mental health conditions compared to 17.2% of their non-autistic or non-ID counterparts. Delivering psychological therapies to autistic CYP and CYP with ID proves challenging due to inaccessible mental health provision. Further research is necessary to comprehend autistic CYP and CYP with ID and their parent/carers needs and experiences within mental health services and identify barriers to access and engagement. The perspectives of autistic CYP or CYP with ID and their parent/carers should be incorporated into treatment planning to enhance psychological therapies.

Methods: We will conduct between 1-3 Narrative Interviews per participant, lasting up to 1.5 hours per 'sitting'. Narrative interviews are a qualitative research method used to collect detailed and thorough information from individuals about their life events, insights, and perspectives. The study will involve CYP creating metaphors, allowing them to share their story. The study will use alternative methods of communication specific to their needs to allow the research team to explore the complexities of autistic CYP and CYP with ID needs and experiences. Additionally, parents/carers of autistic CYP and CYP with ID will tell their story of the needs and experiences of their child verbally.

Results: This study results will help to share the needs and experiences of the autistic CYP and CYP with ID, or a co-occurrence of both diagnoses and expose the barriers to accessing mental health services for autistic CYP and CYP with ID.

Conclusions: Recommendations will include guidance on decision-making for referrals, assessment, and treatment provision for autistic CYP and CYP with ID and co-occurring mental health difficulties.