The growing recognition of neurodivergence as a natural variation in the human mind that is valuable and deserving of support is leading to a significant shift in scientific research. This shift is moving away from a pathologizing approach towards neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism and ADHD. While the estimated global prevalence of autism is 1-2%, many individuals struggle to receive accurate and timely diagnoses due to referral route complexities and long assessment waitlists. Unfortunately, research on autism has largely neglected the lived experiences of autistic individuals, especially children and young people, as well as the insights of autistic researchers.
In an effort to address this gap, Lewis and colleagues aimed to explore the advantages and challenges of using creative qualitative methods with neurodivergent children with diverse communication profiles. This approach seeks to increase accessibility and inclusivity in psychological research, reflecting the evolving neurodiversity framework.
The study employed a participatory approach, utilizing individualized qualitative methods with 13 neurodivergent children aged 11, who were diagnosed or awaiting assessment for autism. The authors collected written parental/guardian consent and informed assent from the participating children, ensuring that the research protocols were accessible and engaging for each participant. It was found that the use of creative methods such as draw-write-tell, photo-elicitation, walk-and-talk, card sort, statement sort, and semi-structured interviews allowed for rich and varied data collection, tailored to each child’s preferences and strengths.
The authors emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when conducting research with neurodivergent children, and the study demonstrated the potential benefits of opting for individualized, creative, and participatory methods. These approaches facilitate inclusivity, richer data, and a more rigorous approach compared to traditional qualitative methods.
Strengths of the study included successfully engaging participants throughout the research process and centering the voices of neurodivergent children. The authors thoroughly discussed both the advantages and limitations of each method, offering valuable insights for future research in this area.
In summary, this methodological study highlights the potential of individualized, creative research methods for neurodivergent children, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, richer data, and a more rigorous approach in qualitative research.
