Bridging the gap: Co‐produced neurodiversity‐affirming resources for undiagnosed children aged 7–11: Insights from children, families and stakeholders

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref BibTeX
Learn more about the sources used

Shore, E. & Powell, L. (2026). Bridging the gap: Co‐produced neurodiversity‐affirming resources for undiagnosed children aged 7–11: Insights from children, families and stakeholders. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.70077

Journal or book title
Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
26
Issue
2
Article number
e70077
Publication date: 3 Mar 2026 Added to AutiHub: 29 Sep 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) Full text OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. E. Shore
  2. L. Powell *

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative study investigated the acceptability and suitability of neurodiversity‐affirming psychoeducational resources for children aged 7–11 years without formal autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. Using a reflexive thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 24 families and written feedback from seven stakeholders, the research explored perceptions of repurposed resources. One overarching theme ‘Empowering Individualised Engagement’ and six themes were developed: (1) Active Participation, (2) Harnessing Words, (3) Personal Resonance, (4) Communication, (5) Tailoring for Growth and (6) Strategies for Challenges. These were driven by the resources' engaging, co‐produced design, strengths‐based language non‐clinical terminology, and ability to foster personal resonance. The resources enabled children to develop a shared vocabulary for their needs and equipped families with practical strategies, which fostered a positive identity. This study concludes that non‐clinical, strength‐based resources can bridge service gaps for children on diagnostic waitlists or with suspected neurodivergent traits, offering a scalable inclusive model for supporting child well‐being by prioritising empowerment over deficit‐based approaches.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 3 Oct 2026 08:20.

Cited references
57
With a DOI
44
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
13
19 / 57 (33.3%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
5 / 57 (8.8%)
References with detected author names
52 / 57 (91.2%)
Without detected author names
5
Without a structured title
5
Without a stable identifier
13
References with raw author names still to review
4
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
184
From DOI or external metadata
184
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
4
96 / 184 (52.2%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 88 / 184 (47.8%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
29 / 184 (15.8%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 29 / 96 (30.2%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 19 / 160 (11.9%).
  2. Alyssa M. Alcorn , Sarah McGeown , Will Mandy , Dinah Aitken , Sue Fletcher-Watson (2024). Learning About Neurodiversity at School: A feasibility study of a new classroom programme for mainstream primary schools . Neurodiversity, 2, 27546330241272186. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/27546330241272186 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4402336129
    Crossref OpenAlex
  3. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1979290264
    Crossref OpenAlex
  4. Riana Elyse Anderson , Howard C. Stevenson (2019). RECASTing racial stress and trauma: Theorizing the healing potential of racial socialization in families. American Psychologist, 74(1), 63-75. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037/amp0000392 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2909384753
    Crossref OpenAlex
  5. Laura Benton , Asimina Vasalou , Rilla Khaled , Hilary Johnson , Daniel Gooch (2014). Diversity for design . Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 3747-3756. ACM.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1145/2556288.2557244 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2016834520
    Crossref OpenAlex
  6. Hannah A. Armitt , Leah Attwell , Ellen Kingsley , Piran C. L. White , Kat Woolley , Megan Garside et al. (2024). Reflections and practical tips from co-producing an intervention with neurodiverse children, their families, and professional stakeholders . Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03278-w OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4399916359
    Crossref OpenAlex
  7. Roy Bhaskar (2013). A Realist Theory of Science . Routledge.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4324/9780203090732 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2101234667
    Crossref OpenAlex
  8. Autistica. (2024)‘Not a Priority’ highlights crisis in autism assessment and support. https://www.autistica.org.uk/blog/not‐a‐priority
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  10. Brandon S. Aylward , Diana E. Gal-Szabo , Sharief Taraman (2021). Racial, Ethnic, and Sociodemographic Disparities in Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 42(8), 682-689. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000996 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3199889683
    Crossref OpenAlex
  11. Susan McKenney , Thomas C. Reeves (2013). Systematic Review of Design-Based Research Progress . Educational Researcher, 42(2), 97-100. American Educational Research Association (AERA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3102/0013189x12463781 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2147624292
    Crossref OpenAlex
  12. Karen Bearss , Cynthia Johnson , TRISTRAM SMITH , Luc Lecavalier , Naomi Swiezy , Michael Aman et al. (2015). Effect of Parent Training vs Parent Education on Behavioral Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder . JAMA, 313(15), 1524. American Medical Association (AMA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.3150 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2162520210
    Crossref OpenAlex
  13. Barbara FC van Heijst , Hilde M. Geurts (2015). Quality of life in autism across the lifespan: A meta-analysis . Autism, 19(2), 158-167. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1362361313517053 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2150681219
    Crossref OpenAlex
  15. Hanna Bertilsdotter Rosqvist * , Lill Hultman , Sofia Österborg Wiklund , Anna Nygren * , Palle Storm , Greta Sandberg (2023). Intensity and Variable Attention: Counter Narrating ADHD, from ADHD Deficits to ADHD Difference . The British Journal of Social Work, 53(8), 3647-3664. Oxford University Press (OUP).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcad138 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4378576242
    Crossref OpenAlex
  17. Lorcan Kenny , Caroline Hattersley , Bonnie Molins , Carole Buckley , Carol Povey , Elizabeth Pellicano (2016). Which terms should be used to describe autism? Perspectives from the UK autism community . Autism, 20(4), 442-462. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1362361315588200 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2227393071
    Crossref OpenAlex
  18. Brian Kelly , Stefan Williams , Sylvie Collins , Faisal Mushtaq , Mark Mon-Williams , Barry Wright et al. (2019). The association between socioeconomic status and autism diagnosis in the United Kingdom for children aged 5–8 years of age: Findings from the Born in Bradford cohort . Autism, 23(1), 131-140. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1362361317733182 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2767654237
    Crossref OpenAlex
  22. Eilidh Cage , Zoe Troxell-Whitman (2019). Understanding the Reasons, Contexts and Costs of Camouflaging for Autistic Adults . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(5), 1899-1911. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-03878-x OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2909219349
    Crossref OpenAlex
  23. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2021). One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis? Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18(3), 328-352. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3048560297
    Crossref OpenAlex
  24. Braun V. (2024). Reporting guidelines for qualitative research: a values‐based approach . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 22, 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  26. Mijna Hadders-Algra (2021). Early Diagnostics and Early Intervention in Neurodevelopmental Disorders—Age-Dependent Challenges and Opportunities . Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(4), 861. MDPI AG.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040861 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3131919804
    Crossref OpenAlex
  27. Jennifer Y. Cole , Julia Graham , Shelly Norvell , Patricia Schaber (2024). Universal Design for Learning Principles Impact on Students With Neurodiverse Learning Styles . Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8(2). Eastern Kentucky University.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.26681/jote.2024.080204 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4404676931
    Crossref OpenAlex
  28. L. Powell * , Jack Parker , Anna Weighall , Valerie Harpin (2022). Psychoeducation Intervention Effectiveness to Improve Social Skills in Young People with ADHD: A Meta-Analysis . Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(3), 340-357. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1087054721997553 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3135184319
    Crossref OpenAlex
  29. Anna Cook (2024). Conceptualisations of neurodiversity and barriers to inclusive pedagogy in schools: A perspective article . Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 24(3), 627-636. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1111/1471-3802.12656 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4392646133
    Crossref OpenAlex
  32. Norman K. Denzin (2017). The Research Act . Routledge.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4324/9781315134543 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4255279205
    Crossref OpenAlex
  33. Equality Act (2010). Equality act . Equality act.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  35. Ferreira G.J. (2024). Strengths‐based approaches to autism language and communications research: where are we? Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  37. Fletcher‐Watson S. (2023). Neurodiversity‐affirmative education: why and how? Neurodiversity‐affirmative education: why and how?.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  39. Sue Fletcher-Watson , Francesca Happé (2019). Autism . Routledge.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4324/9781315101699 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4237621835
    Crossref OpenAlex
  40. Blandine French , David Daley , Madeleine Groom , Sarah Cassidy (2023). Risks Associated With Undiagnosed ADHD and/or Autism: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review . Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(12), 1393-1410. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/10870547231176862 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4381470042
    Crossref OpenAlex
  41. David H. Rose , Jenna W. Gravel , David T. Gordon (2014). Universal Design for Learning . In The SAGE Handbook of Special Education: Two Volume Set (pp. 475-489). SAGE Publications Ltd.
    Type: Book chapter DOI: 10.4135/9781446282236.n30 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4242374904
    Crossref OpenAlex
  42. Lea Itzik , Sophie D. Walsh (2023). Giving Them a Choice: Qualitative Research Participants Chosen Pseudonyms as a Reflection of Self-Identity . Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 54(6-7), 705-721. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/00220221231193146 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4386001255
    Crossref OpenAlex
  43. Emily C Taylor , Lucy A Livingston , Rachel A Clutterbuck , Mitchell J Callan , Punit Shah (2023). Psychological strengths and well-being: Strengths use predicts quality of life, well-being and mental health in autism . Autism, 27(6), 1826-1839. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/13623613221146440 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4316174534
    Crossref OpenAlex
  46. Morris J. (2024)The rapidly growing waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments Nuffield Trust and Health Foundation.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  47. NHS England. (2025)Report of the independent ADHD Taskforce: Part 1. Retrieved 28. 08. 2025 https://www.england.nhs.uk/long‐read/report‐of‐the‐independent‐adhd‐taskforce‐part‐1/
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  48. Nuffield Trust. (2024)The rapidly growing waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments. Retrieved 28. 08. 2025 https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news‐item/the‐rapidly‐growing‐waiting‐lists‐for‐autism‐and‐adhd‐assessments
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  52. Florida Uzoaru , Obinna O. Oleribe , Linda Collins , Michael Preston , Levi Ross , Divya Chadha (2025). Addressing racial inequities: a systematic review of intervention programs for Black/African American children with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (2019–2024) . Pediatric Medicine, 8, 14-14. AME Publishing Company.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.21037/pm-24-75 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4413805219
    Crossref OpenAlex
  53. Ragan C.I. (2015). The National Autism Project: aims and objectives . Good Autism Practice (GAP), 16(2), 5.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  54. Robertson S.M. (2010). Neurodiversity, quality of life, and autistic adults: shifting research and professional focuses onto real‐life challenges . Disability Studies Quarterly, 30(1), 1.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  55. Rose D.H. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: universal design for learning . Educational Technology Research and Development, 55, 521.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  56. UK Parliament. (2022)Autism spectrum disorder in children (POSTnote 733). P. O. o. S. a. Technology. https://post.parliament.uk/research‐briefings/post‐pn‐0733/
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  57. Vygotsky L.S. (1978). Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes . Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes.
    Type: Other
    Crossref