Helping Young People Find the Words: Exploring the Impact of Psychoeducational Materials for Neurodivergent Young People

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Powell, L. & Bradley, S. (2025). Helping Young People Find the Words: Exploring the Impact of Psychoeducational Materials for Neurodivergent Young People. Neurodiversity, 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251376508

Publication date: 1 Jul 2025 Added to AutiHub: 9 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Lauren Powell *
  2. S. Bradley

Abstract

Neurodivergent individuals often struggle with self-understanding due to a lack of accessible, affirming psychoeducational materials. Grounded in the neurodiversity approach – which views neurodivergence as difference, not deficit – this study explored the impact of co-produced resources for ADHD and/or autistic young people. Drawing on lived experience, surveys with neurodivergent adults (n = 71) revealed that 95.7% believed these resources would have been beneficial in childhood. Content analysis and reflexive thematic analysis identified key benefits, including increased self-acceptance, improved communication, and greater confidence in self-advocacy. Parent/carer surveys (n = 8) and interviews further indicated support for emotional well-being, independence, and communication skills. Findings highlight the importance of neurodivergent-led development, with careful attention to language and accessibility. This study reinforces the role of affirming psychoeducation in reducing confusion, stigma, and emotional distress. Future research should examine long-term outcomes and adapt materials across developmental stages. By supporting recognition of both strengths and challenges, these resources can mitigate stigma and foster more inclusive environments – ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for neurodivergent young people.

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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.

Cited references
53
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
16 / 53 (30.2%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
20 / 141 (14.2%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 20 / 74 (27.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 11 / 118 (9.3%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
74 / 141 (52.5%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 53 / 118 (44.9%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
54 / 74 (73.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 54 / 141 (38.3%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 42 / 53 (79.2%).
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