Neurodivergence-Affirming and Inclusive Research Practices for Autistic People with High Support Needs
Abstract
Debates surrounding the neurodiversity movement often question whether it adequately includes or benefits autistic people with high support needs. Proponents argue that the neurodiversity movement stems from the broader developmental disability self-advocacy movement, which was led by people with intellectual disabilities who likely required high levels of support themselves (Bascom & Ne’eman, 2020). Furthermore, the neurodiversity movement advocates for ensuring that all autistic individuals and their support networks have accessible means of communication and accommodations (Hersh et al., 2024; Ne’eman, 2020). Challenging critiques of the neurodiversity movement’s limited representation, this panel features four researchers and advocates who have adopted participatory approaches, prioritising the lived experiences of marginalised Autistic people, including people of colour, and those with high support needs, language difficulties, or intellectual disabilities. These international projects focus on creating and enhancing supportive environments that enable Autistic people to thrive, rather than seeking to reduce or eliminate autistic traits. Panel attendees are expected to gain insights into contemporary neurodivergence-affirming and inclusive research practices, ensuring that their research is directly relevant to and informed by Autistic people with high support needs. Additionally, nuanced discussions around the concept of “high support needs” will be explored. (Invited panel member.)
