James McLeod

I am a highly enthusiastic MSc by Research Sport and Exercise Sciences student  who has experience working in research, hospitality and public facing roles, resulting in high levels of confidence alongside being comfortable working as part of a diverse team. I sought funding from the NIHR to allow me to further develop my research abilities. My desire to apply for the scholarship was undergirded by my first-hand experience of accessing mental health support and I felt that my first hand experience would enable me to work well with the groups covered by my project during recruitment and data collection. Outside of university, I am a keen runner and love everything to do with sport! 

Award Title: Career Development Award 

Start Date: 1st October 2022

End Date: 30th September 2023

Project title: An examination of the perspectives of older autistic adults about their engagement in physical activity 

Brief Summary: Autistic adults are less likely to be physically active when compared to the non-autistic population. Despite the lower levels of physical activity observed among autistic adults, it is unknown why they are predominantly inactive. Much of the research so far has focused on understanding autistic adults physical activity participation from the perspectives of parents or young or middle-aged adults.

Substantively, there is also a dearth of research that has solely worked with older autistic adults (≥ 45 years) to examine how individuals behaviours, perceptions and experiences and microlevel interpersonal factors interconnect with multi-levels of the environment to influence, hinder or shape PA engagement. In this study 8-10 older autistic adults (at least 45 years old) will be recruited to complete either two in person or online semi structured interviews. The purpose of the study was to move beyond describing the facilitators and barriers of PA participation by examining how individuals behaviours, perceptions and experiences and microlevel interpersonal factors interconnect with multi-levels of the environment to influence, hinder or shape PA engagement. 

Methods: 2 in person or online semi structured interviews. 

Benefits anticipated: Contributing to research and the field of autism research