Aphrodite Eshetu from University College London describes how she used an Ignition Fund award to co-chair a Special Interest Group (SIG) session focused on ageism and autism at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) 2025 Annual Meeting:
As an NIHR Predoctoral Fellow, my work looks at ageing autistic populations. Attending INSAR was an invaluable opportunity to present and disseminate my work on anxiety trajectories in middle-aged and older autistic adults. This demographic remains underrepresented in research despite facing unique mental health challenges. I was also able to present two posters on behalf of my colleagues who were unable to attend, focusing on the prevalence of PTSD and bipolar disorder in autistic adults. This gave me the opportunity to engage in many meaningful discussions with a variety of stakeholders regarding the impact of this work.
A highlight of my time at INSAR was co-chairing a Special Interest Group focused specifically on ageing and autism. This SIG brought together clinicians, researchers, autistic people, and autistic researchers to identify key priorities for future research and practice. I co-led discussions that facilitated knowledge-sharing across disciplines and incorporated lived experiences, reinforcing the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches in advancing autism research. An important outcome of the SIG will be the publication of a post-SIG agenda to guide ongoing research and build a global network of professionals and advocates dedicated to ageing and autism research.
Attending INSAR also allowed me to expand my professional network through early career events and informal interactions with leaders in autism research. These connections have already opened doors for potential collaborations and mentorship that will strengthen my future work.
Receiving the Ignition Fund from the Vivensa Foundation was pivotal in making this experience possible. The fund covered my travel and accommodation expenses. This support aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to seed and support innovative research that improves health and wellbeing in later life.
Overall, attending INSAR 2025 has significantly enhanced my skills as a researcher and increased the reach of my work. It reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in addressing the complex challenges faced by ageing autistic individuals. It has also motivated me to continue contributing to the growing global conversation on autism and ageing research.
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Applications for the Ignition Fund are open year-round and can be submitted at any time, however the next deadline is 5pm on 19 September. More here.