Measuring what matters: Operationalizing neurodiversity‐affirming practices through participatory design of STEM workshops for autistic youth
Kilgallon, E., O’Brien, S., Grossman, E., Gravelle, C. D., Dwyer, P., Obeid, R., Arista, A., Suárez, J., Arif, A., Cordova‐Castellanos, G., Santos, J. D., Kofner, B., Yan, A., & Gillespie-Lynch, K. (2026). Measuring what matters: Operationalizing neurodiversity‐affirming practices through participatory design of STEM workshops for autistic youth. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.70140
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
Abstract Limited research has examined how neurodiversity‐affirming approaches are (1) co‐created with autistic people, (2) operationalized, (3) implemented, (4) assessed and (5) iterated. Across a 3‐year program of research, we co‐developed and iterated game design and employment workshops for and with autistic youth. After encountering difficulties enacting authentically neurodiversity‐affirming approaches during the Year 2 workshop, we developed neurodiversity‐affirming principles that guided hiring, training, curriculum development and student and staff advocacy opportunities in Year 3 workshops. We assessed fidelity to these principles. This paper examines if these changes were associated with increases in: 1) neurodiversity‐affirming staff practices and (2) student engagement with workshop content. Masked coders analysed the following data sources from Years 2 and 3: (1) video recordings of staff teaching practices, (2) pre‐ and post‐workshop staff surveys and (3) students' ratings of engagement with workshop activities. Staff used neurodiversity‐affirming practices more frequently after the aforementioned changes. Student‐reported engagement did not differ across years and was generally high. However, in Year 3 only, student engagement improved within workshops following intentionally advocacy‐oriented student feedback loops. Findings show that redefining fidelity as a flexible, values‐driven process offers a model for inclusive program design that fosters socially valid, responsive learning environments.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Bibliography inclusion overview
These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.
-
Chuck Hitchcock , Anne Meyer , David Rose , Richard Jackson (2002). Providing New Access to the General Curriculum . TEACHING Exceptional Children, 35(2), 8-17. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Laura K Anderson (2023). Autistic experiences of applied behavior analysis . Autism, 27(3), 737-750. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Craig H. Kennedy (1992). Trends in the Measurement of Social Validity . The Behavior Analyst, 15(2), 147-156. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Armstrong T. (2012). Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength‐Based Strategies to Help Students With Special Needs Succeed in School and Life . Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength‐Based Strategies to Help Students With Special Needs Succeed in School and Life.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Rita Obeid , Nidal Daou , Danielle DeNigris , Christina Shane‐Simpson , Patricia J. Brooks , Kristen Gillespie-Lynch (2015). A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Knowledge and Stigma Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder Among College Students in Lebanon and the United States . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(11), 3520-3536. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Jane Beniston , Deborah Harris (2017). To engage or not to engage? That is the question. Students' Perceptions of Engagement at a West Midlands University . The Journal of Educational Innovation, Partnership and Change, 3(1), 135. University of Greenwich.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Suzanne Carrington , Derek Bland , Kate Brady (2010). Training young people as researchers to investigate engagement and disengagement in the middle years . International Journal of Inclusive Education, 14(5), 449-462. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Ahmad Raza Bilal , Tehreem Fatima , Khyzer Bin Dost , Muhammad Kashif Imran (2021). I am engaged, therefore my students are satisfied! Unleashing the role of teachers' interaction and sensitivity based on self-determination perspective . International Journal of Educational Management, 35(1), 341-361. Emerald.Crossref
-
Julia E. Moore , Brian K. Bumbarger , Brittany Rhoades Cooper (2013). Examining Adaptations of Evidence-Based Programs in Natural Contexts . The Journal of Primary Prevention, 34(3), 147-161. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Booth T.&Ainscow M. (2002)Index for inclusion: developing learning and participation in schools. Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE) Rm 2S203 S Block Frenchay Campus Coldharbour Lane Bristol BS16 1QU United Kingdom England (24. 50 British pounds).Type: OtherCrossref
-
Rob Imrie (2012). Universalism, universal design and equitable access to the built environment . Disability and Rehabilitation, 34(10), 873-882. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Kristen Bottema‐Beutel , Shannon Crowley , So Yoon Kim , Sarah Mohiuddin , Qun Yu , Rachael McKinnon (2024). A Systematic Review of Social Validation Procedures in Intervention Research With Transition-Age Autistic Youth . Exceptional Children, 90(2), 186-202. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Montrose M. Wolf (1978). SOCIAL VALIDITY: THE CASE FOR SUBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT or HOW APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IS FINDING ITS HEART 1 . Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11(2), 203-214. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Burgstahler S. (2015). Applying universal design to address the needs of postsecondary students on the autism spectrum . Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 28(2), 199.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Kristen Gillespie-Lynch , Patricia J. Brooks , Fumio Someki , Rita Obeid , Christina Shane‐Simpson , Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… et al. (2015). Changing College Students’ Conceptions of Autism: An Online Training to Increase Knowledge and Decrease Stigma . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2553-2566. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
-
Mi‐Kyung Song , Mary Beth Happ , Margarete Sandelowski (2010). Development of a tool to assess fidelity to a psycho‐educational intervention . Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(3), 673-682. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Christopher Carroll , Malcolm Patterson , Stephen Wood , Andrew Booth , Jo Rick , Shashi Balain (2007). A conceptual framework for implementation fidelity . Implementation Science, 2(1), 40-40. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref
-
Christina Nicolaidis , Dora M Raymaker *Autistic author. Learn more… , Katherine McDonald , Sebastian Dern , Elesia Ashkenazy *Autistic author. Learn more… , W. Cody Boisclair *Autistic author. Learn more… et al. (2011). Collaboration Strategies in Nontraditional Community-Based Participatory Research Partnerships: Lessons From an Academic–Community Partnership With Autistic Self-Advocates . Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, 5(2), 143-150. Project MUSE.
-
Jeanne Century , Amy Cassata (2016). Implementation Research . Review of Research in Education, 40(1), 169-215. American Educational Research Association (AERA).Crossref OpenAlex
-
L. Dusenbury (2003). A review of research on fidelity of implementation: implications for drug abuse prevention in school settings . Health Education Research, 18(2), 237-256. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex
-
Crossref OpenAlex
-
Dave L. Edyburn (2010). Would You Recognize Universal Design for Learning if You Saw it? Ten Propositions for New Directions for the Second Decade of UDL . Learning Disability Quarterly, 33(1), 33-41. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Christensen R. (2023)ordinal—Regression Models for Ordinal Data (Version 2023. 12‐4. 1) [Computer software]. https://CRAN . R‐project.org/package=ordinalType: OtherCrossref
-
Claire P Griffin , Siobhán Howard (2017). Restructuring the College Classroom: A Critical Reflection on the Use of Collaborative Strategies to Target Student Engagement in Higher Education . Psychology Learning & Teaching, 16(3), 375-392. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2016)General comment No. 4 on article 24: Right to inclusive education. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/general‐comments‐and‐recommendations/general‐comment‐no‐4‐article‐24‐right‐inclusiveType: OtherCrossref
-
John O. Cooper , Timothy E. Heron , William L. Heward , Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States , William L. Heward , Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States (2020). Análisis aplicado de conducta, tercera edición . ABA España.Crossref
-
Joe Cuseo (2018). Student–Faculty Engagement . New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 2018(154), 87-97. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Fumio Someki , Miyuki Torii , Patricia J. Brooks , Tatsuya Koeda , Kristen Gillespie-Lynch (2018). Stigma associated with autism among college students in Japan and the United States: An online training study . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 76, 88-98. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Andrew V Dane , Barry H Schneider (1998). PROGRAM INTEGRITY IN PRIMARY AND EARLY SECONDARY PREVENTION: ARE IMPLEMENTATION EFFECTS OUT OF CONTROL? Clinical Psychology Review, 18(1), 23-45. Elsevier BV.Crossref
-
Margaret E. King-Sears , Jennifer D. Walker , Colleen Barry (2018). Measuring Teachers’ Intervention Fidelity . Intervention in School and Clinic, 54(2), 89-96. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Jacquiline den Houting *Autistic author. Learn more… , Julianne M. Higgins *Autistic author. Learn more… , Kathy Isaacs *Autistic author. Learn more… , Joanne Mahony , Elizabeth Pellicano (2021). ‘I’m not just a guinea pig’: Academic and community perceptions of participatory autism research . Autism, 25(1), 148-163. SAGE Publications.
-
Soonhwa Seok , Boaventura DaCosta , Russ Hodges (2018). A Systematic Review of Empirically Based Universal Design for Learning: Implementation and Effectiveness of Universal Design in Education for Students with and without Disabilities at the Postsecondary Level . Open Journal of Social Sciences, 06(05), 171-189. Scientific Research Publishing, Inc..Crossref OpenAlex
-
Joseph A. Durlak , Emily P. DuPre (2008). Implementation Matters: A Review of Research on the Influence of Implementation on Program Outcomes and the Factors Affecting Implementation . American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3-4), 327-350. Wiley.Crossref
-
Simon Finkelstein , Umesh Sharma , Brett Furlonger (2021). The inclusive practices of classroom teachers: a scoping review and thematic analysis . International Journal of Inclusive Education, 25(6), 735-762. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Patrick Dwyer *Autistic author. Learn more… (2022). The Neurodiversity Approach(es): What Are They and What Do They Mean for Researchers? Human Development, 66(2), 73-92. S. Karger AG.
-
Sean J. Smith , Kavita Rao , K. Alisa Lowrey , J. Emmett Gardner , Eric Moore , Kimberly Coy et al. (2019). Recommendations for a National Research Agenda in UDL: Outcomes From the UDL-IRN Preconference on Research . Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 30(3), 174-185. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Sara Alida Goico (2019). The Impact of "Inclusive" Education on the Language of Deaf Youth in Iquitos, Peru . Sign Language Studies, 19(3), 348-374. Project MUSE.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Kyriaki Messiou (2019). The missing voices: students as a catalyst for promoting inclusive education . International Journal of Inclusive Education, 23(7-8), 768-781. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Freire P. (2000). Pedagogy of the Oppressed . Pedagogy of the Oppressed.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Kristen Gillespie-Lynch , Patrick Dwyer *Autistic author. Learn more… , Christopher Constantino , Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… , Emily Hotez , Ariana Riccio et al. (2020). Can We Broaden the Neurodiversity Movement without Weakening It? Participatory Approaches as a Framework for Cross-disability Alliance Building . In Disability alliances and allies (pp. 189-223). Emerald Publishing Limited.
-
Anthoula Kefallinou , Simoni Symeonidou , Cor J. W. Meijer (2020). Understanding the value of inclusive education and its implementation: A review of the literature . PROSPECTS, 49(3-4), 135-152. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Kristen Gillespie-Lynch , Eliana Grossman , Jessye Herrell , Ariana Riccio , Jin Delos Santos , Sharang Biswas et al. (2023). A participatory approach to iteratively adapting game design workshops to empower autistic youth . Frontiers in Education, 8. Frontiers Media SA.
-
Melinda R. Snodgrass , Moon Y. Chung , James M. Kretzer , Elizabeth E. Biggs (2022). Rigorous Assessment of Social Validity: A Scoping Review of a 40-Year Conversation . Remedial and Special Education, 43(2), 114-130. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Kathryn Skivington , Lynsay Matthews , Sharon Anne Simpson , Peter Craig , Janis Baird , Jane M Blazeby et al. (2021). A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance . BMJ, 374, n2061. BMJ.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Goodson B. (2014). Implementation Fidelity in education research: designer and evaluator considerations . Implementation Fidelity in education research: designer and evaluator considerations, 176.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… (2020). Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement . Springer Singapore.
-
Sharmini Gopinathan , Anisha Haveena Kaur , Segaran Veeraya , Murali Raman (2022). The Role of Digital Collaboration in Student Engagement towards Enhancing Student Participation during COVID-19 . Sustainability, 14(11), 6844. MDPI AG.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Elizabeth Pellicano , Jacquiline den Houting *Autistic author. Learn more… (2022). Annual Research Review: Shifting from ‘normal science’ to neurodiversity in autism science . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(4), 381-396. Wiley.
-
Mel Ainscow , Kyriaki Messiou (2021). Inclusive Inquiry: An Innovative Approach for Promoting Inclusion in Schools . Revista latinoamericana de educación inclusiva, 15(2), 23-37. SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID).Crossref OpenAlex
-
Lorna Hamilton , Stephanie Petty (2023). Compassionate pedagogy for neurodiversity in higher education: A conceptual analysis . Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1093290-1093290. Frontiers Media SA.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Lynnette H. Hersh , Patrick Dwyer *Autistic author. Learn more… , Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… , Sergey Shevchuk-Hill , Ava Gurba *Autistic author. Learn more… , Elizabeth Kilgallon *Autistic author. Learn more… et al. (2024). Community Member Views on Autism Intervention: Effects of Closeness to Autistic People with Intellectual Disabilities And Nonspeaking Autistic People . Autism in Adulthood, 6(3), 253-271. SAGE Publications.
-
TC Waisman *Autistic author. Learn more… , Zachary J. Williams *Autistic author. Learn more… , Eilidh Cage , Siva priya Santhanam , Iliana Magiati , Patrick Dwyer *Autistic author. Learn more… et al. (2023). Learning from the experts: Evaluating a participatory autism and universal design training for university educators . Autism, 27(2), 356-370. SAGE Publications.
-
Johanne Jean‐Pierre (2025). Overlooked and underserved: How inclusive education oversights exclude Black students . Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 25(4), 1187-1201. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Marion Rutherford , Lorna Johnston (2023). Perspective Chapter: Rethinking Autism Assessment, Diagnosis, and Intervention within a Neurodevelopmental Pathway Framework . In Autism Spectrum Disorders - Recent Advances and New Perspectives. IntechOpen.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Kanter A.S. (2019). Let's try again: why the United States should ratify the United Nations convention on the rights of people with disabilities . Touro Law Review, 35(1), 301.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Matthew D Lerner , Ava Gurba *Autistic author. Learn more… , Dena L. Gassner *Autistic author. Learn more… (2023). A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 503-504. American Psychological Association (APA).
-
Kilgallon E. (2025). In what ways is positive behaviour support consistent or inconsistent with the principles of the neurodiversity movement? It's complicated . International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 15(1), 28.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Phathara-on Wesarat , Siriporn Tongnuanchan , Patra Sahaviriya (2023). A Framework for Assessing Students Participation at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prince of Songkla University . In Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research (pp. 436-445). Atlantis Press SARL.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Rachel K. Schuck , Alicia Geng , Yvette Doss , Florence Lin , Hannah Crousore , Kaitlynn M. P. Baiden et al. (2024). A qualitative investigation into autistic adults’ perspectives on intervention goals for autistic children . Neurodiversity, 2. SAGE Publications.
-
Lord J.E. (2022). Untapped power: leveraging diversity and inclusion for conflict and development . Untapped power: leveraging diversity and inclusion for conflict and development, 179.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Mihalic S. (2004). The importance of implementation fidelity . Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Youth, 4(4), 83.Type: OtherCrossref
-
R Core Team (2021). R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. [Computer Software] . R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. [Computer Software].Type: OtherCrossref
-
Siva priya Santhanam (2023). An Interactive and Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Communication Supports for Autistic Students Through Videogaming . Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 54(1), 120-139. American Speech Language Hearing Association.Crossref
-
Snijders T. A.&Bosker R. (2011)Multilevel analysis: an introduction to basic and advanced multilevel modeling.Type: OtherCrossref
-
UNESCO. (2024)The Salamanca Statement Anniversary: 30 Years of Progress? https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000390459 .Type: OtherCrossref
-
United Nations. (2006)Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Department of Economic and Social Affairs.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Michael L. Wehmeyer , Karrie A. Shogren , Jennifer A. Kurth , Mary E. Morningstar , Elizabeth B. Kozleski , Martin Agran et al. (2016). Including Students with Extensive and Pervasive Support Needs . In Advances in Special Education (pp. 129-155). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Crossref
-
World Federation of the Deaf. (2018)WFD position paper on inclusive education. https://wfdeaf.org/wp‐content/uploads/2018/07/WFD‐Position‐Paper‐on‐Inclusive‐Education‐5‐June‐2018‐FINAL‐without‐IS.pdfType: OtherCrossref