The network has an active Neurodiversity and Participatory Research Committee leading the views of those with lived experiences of neurodivergence. We are honoured to have them supporting this network and collaborating with us.
Our Participatory Research group exists of many of our members who have lived experiences of neurodevelopmental conditions including autistic adults, adults with ADHD, parents and relatives of children with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, SEN teachers and other neurodivergent professionals.
Note that many members of our Participatory Research group wear multiple hats.
R4N will carry out participatory research as part of our Responsibility working group and facilitate our members to advertise specific projects to our Participatory Research Group. This may include qualitative research (focus groups, interviews) or larger-scale surveys. Where possible, we encourage researchers to consult the NPRA and PRG during the design stage of interview schedules or surveys, to ensure that questions are easily understood by neurodivergent people or to get insights about possible missing areas for which input from neurodivergent people could be valuable.
Why not ask our Participatory Group who have come forward to share their lived experience of neurodiversity, either because they are neurodivergent themselves or have a family member that is.
A key aim of the network is to put families and people with lived experience at the centre of the network to ensure that the neurotechnologies being developed are desired, responsible, and ethical from the outset.
Where possible, we encourage researchers to consult the Participatory Research Group during the design stage of interview schedules or surveys, to ensure that questions are easily understood by neurodivergent people or to get insights about possible missing areas for which input from neurodivergent people could be valuable.