Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies

Sue Fletcher-Watson; Holly Joseph; Georgia Pavlopoulou; Steve Lukito; Eloise Funnell; Alyssa M Alcorn; Catherine J. Crompton

doi:10.1007/s40474-025-00318-1

Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies

Sue Fletcher-Watson^*
, Holly Joseph
, Georgia Pavlopoulou
, Steve Lukito
, Eloise Funnell
, Alyssa M Alcorn
, Catherine J. Crompton

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of Review
Inclusive research practices are important for neurodevelopmental studies, facilitating the involvement of community members throughout the research process. Highlighting this value, we reiterate our previously proposed framework for inclusive research practice and present a selection of case studies showcasing successful implementation of inclusive approaches.

Recent Findings
Across four invited case studies, authors illustrate how neurodivergent people can be effectively involved in research, providing meaningful input and shaping outcomes. Our report concludes that these case studies underscore the significance of building relationships, prioritizing community well-being, and considering diverse identities in neurodevelopmental research. We call for careful evaluation of the impact of inclusive practices on community representatives and advocate for enhanced reporting in academic journals, and use of online repositories to share the materials that support coproduction.

Summary
Despite the recognized benefits, a lack of detailed reporting on inclusive methods poses a challenge for researchers. This report provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to instigate, establish or develop their inclusive practice.

Original language	English
Article number	7
Number of pages	10
Journal	Current Developmental Disorders Reports
Volume	12
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-025-00318-1
Publication status	Published - 17 Feb 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

Keywords

Coproduction
codesign
inclusion
neurodevelopment
neurodiversity
participatory methods
case study

Access to Document

10.1007/s40474-025-00318-1Licence: CC BY

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Persistent link

6 Citations
2 Article (Academic Journal)

Learning About Neurodiversity at School: A feasibility study of a new classroom programme for mainstream primary schools
Alcorn, A. M., McGeown, S., Mandy, W., Aitken, D. & Fletcher-Watson, S., 5 Sept 2024, In: Neurodiversity. 2, p. 1 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

Open Access
Short report: Evaluation of wider community support for a neurodiversity teaching programme designed using participatory methods
Zahir, R., Alcorn, A. M., McGeown, S., Mandy, W. P., Aitken, D., Murray, F. & Fletcher-Watson, S., 1 Jun 2024, In: Autism. 28, 6, p. 1582-1590 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article (Academic Journal) › peer-review

Open Access
15 Citations (Scopus)

Cite this

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title = "Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies",

abstract = "Purpose of Review Inclusive research practices are important for neurodevelopmental studies, facilitating the involvement of community members throughout the research process. Highlighting this value, we reiterate our previously proposed framework for inclusive research practice and present a selection of case studies showcasing successful implementation of inclusive approaches. Recent Findings Across four invited case studies, authors illustrate how neurodivergent people can be effectively involved in research, providing meaningful input and shaping outcomes. Our report concludes that these case studies underscore the significance of building relationships, prioritizing community well-being, and considering diverse identities in neurodevelopmental research. We call for careful evaluation of the impact of inclusive practices on community representatives and advocate for enhanced reporting in academic journals, and use of online repositories to share the materials that support coproduction. Summary Despite the recognized benefits, a lack of detailed reporting on inclusive methods poses a challenge for researchers. This report provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to instigate, establish or develop their inclusive practice.",

keywords = "Coproduction, codesign, inclusion, neurodevelopment, neurodiversity, participatory methods, case study",

author = "Sue Fletcher-Watson and Holly Joseph and Georgia Pavlopoulou and Steve Lukito and Eloise Funnell and Alcorn, \{Alyssa M\} and Crompton, \{Catherine J.\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2025.",

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day = "17",

doi = "10.1007/s40474-025-00318-1",

language = "English",

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AU - Pavlopoulou, Georgia

AU - Lukito, Steve

AU - Funnell, Eloise

AU - Alcorn, Alyssa M

AU - Crompton, Catherine J.

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AB - Purpose of Review Inclusive research practices are important for neurodevelopmental studies, facilitating the involvement of community members throughout the research process. Highlighting this value, we reiterate our previously proposed framework for inclusive research practice and present a selection of case studies showcasing successful implementation of inclusive approaches. Recent Findings Across four invited case studies, authors illustrate how neurodivergent people can be effectively involved in research, providing meaningful input and shaping outcomes. Our report concludes that these case studies underscore the significance of building relationships, prioritizing community well-being, and considering diverse identities in neurodevelopmental research. We call for careful evaluation of the impact of inclusive practices on community representatives and advocate for enhanced reporting in academic journals, and use of online repositories to share the materials that support coproduction. Summary Despite the recognized benefits, a lack of detailed reporting on inclusive methods poses a challenge for researchers. This report provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to instigate, establish or develop their inclusive practice.

KW - Coproduction

KW - codesign

KW - inclusion

KW - neurodevelopment

KW - neurodiversity

KW - participatory methods

KW - case study

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Applied Principles for Inclusive Practice in Neurodevelopmental Research: A Selection and Report of Illustrative Case Studies

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

Handle.net

Fingerprint

Research output

Learning About Neurodiversity at School: A feasibility study of a new classroom programme for mainstream primary schools

Short report: Evaluation of wider community support for a neurodiversity teaching programme designed using participatory methods

Cite this