Improving awareness, understanding, and support for neurodivergent and gender diverse adults with eating disorders in Wales

Name of researchers: Dr Kai Thomas, Grace Williams

Affiliation/s: Cardiff University

Email address: ThomasK30@cardiff.ac.uk and williamsg85@cardiff.ac.uk

What is the purpose of the research?

Researchers from Cardiff University are investigating the intersection of neurodivergence and eating disorders within gender diverse/trans+ populations, as well as this population’s experiences of eating disorder treatment. The research team are recruiting an advisory board of 6-8 members to consult with over the course of the three-year project.

Who can take part?

The research team are looking for people who:

• Are aged 18+
• Live in Wales – Including those who live in Wales during term time, or those who live in Wales usually but live out of Wales during term time
• Have lived experience of an eating disorder, with experience of eating disorder treatment in Wales
• Identify as trans/gender diverse, autistic and/or have ADHD.

What does the study involve?

Members of the advisory board will work with the project team to review the planned research and advise on important issues within these communities. This will ensure that the perspectives of individuals from gender diverse, autistic and ADHD communities with lived experience of eating disorders are sensitively represented within the research. The research team are particularly interested in applications from underserved groups. These may include people with additional disabilities, from minority ethnic backgrounds, or from low-income groups.

Advisors would take part in three 1-1 meetings each year, during the three-year project. These meetings will be conducted online with Dr Kai Thomas and Grace Williams between January 2025 and September 2027. The meetings will be around 1 hour in duration, with several participation options available (e.g., sharing your views verbally, through the chat function, or by providing written responses to questions). In advance of the meetings, an agenda and research summary will be sent to advisory board members, ensuring that notice is given for sensitive questions and topic areas. Participants will be paid £50 for participation in each session, which includes payment for any time spent preparing for the session. Participants can withdraw from the advisory board at any time by simply letting the research team know.

How can someone take part?

For more information please visit: https://cardiffunipsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42gdncA1D3yvqt0

Or email:

Grace Williams (PHD Student, Cardiff University School of Psychology) williamsg85@cardiff.ac.uk

Dr Kai Thomas (HCRW Advanced Research Fellow, Cardiff University School of Psychology)

ThomasK30@cardiff.ac.uk