I believe research about the financial (as well as broader) experiences of autistic children and their families is important, especially in the context of recent policy and employment changes in the UK. The Centre for Research in Social Policy, where I am based, has established the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) research technique which assesses the costs of different households. I think that applying this method to families with autistic children provides a unique angle from which to view autism and costs. Equally, as I become increasingly aware of the complex issues surrounding autism (including uncertainty about what it is, what causes it and its usefulness as a label) in combination with the growing neurodiversity movement, I find myself even more intrigued by my research area while also incredibly concerned about 'getting it right', both ethically and methodologically.
My typical day starts at about 9:30am. I usually check my emails first. If nothing comes up that is urgent, I read or type up notes. By about 11:00am, I usually start writing. I try to write every day so that I can get my thoughts on paper and figure out the direction I’m taking with my reading.
I usually have lunch with my department at about 12:30pm and then I try to get back to work by 1:30pm (which is easier said than done some days!) I’m working on my literature review, so I will probably end up doing more reading after lunch! Before I go home, I like to make sure that I know what I am doing the next day so that I can get started first thing without stalling.
Having said all of this, the exciting thing about a PhD is that not every day is the same; the above describes my go-to routine but this is mixed in with training, conferences, meetings and social/networking events in between.