Examining Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Neuroscience Research Networks: A Case Study of the AIMS-2-TRIALS Autism Research Consortium

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Bianco, T. D., Estrin, G. L., Lautarescu, A., Oakley, B. F., Eaton, E., Terčon, J., Douglas, S., Plas, J., Belton, D., Loth, E., Doherty, M., & Jones, E. J. (2025). Examining Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Neuroscience Research Networks: A Case Study of the AIMS-2-TRIALS Autism Research Consortium. Open Research Europe, 5, 120. https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.19394.1

Publication date: 6 May 2025 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
12
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 12 (8.3%)
  1. Teresa Del Bianco
  2. Georgia Lockwood Estrin
  3. Alexandra Lautarescu
  4. Bethany F. Oakley
  1. Eliza Eaton
  2. Jerneja Terčon
  3. Sarah Douglas
  4. J Plas
  1. David Belton
  2. Eva Loth
  3. Mary Doherty *
  4. Emily J.H. Jones

Abstract

Background Due to the increased emphasis on co-produced and community led research, neurodiversity within research communities has sparked interest, particularly within the context of autism research. This study investigates the presence of neurodivergent researchers within a neuroscience research consortium, with a particular focus on autism prevalence. Methods Using survey data collected from active contributors to the consortium, we examined the self-reported neurodivergent status of researchers, including formal diagnoses of autism, ongoing diagnostic processes, and self-identification as neurodivergent. Results A proportion of the surveyed researchers reported formal diagnoses or self-identification as autistic (23%), that were significantly more frequent at career stages below and including postdoctoral roles (Chi-Square p-value = 0.01). Further, we identified an association between neurodivergence and a diagnosis of a mental health condition among researchers (Coef. = 1.93, p-value = 0.002), highlighting the importance of accommodating neurodiversity within research environments. Conclusions This study underscores the need for inclusivity and support for neurodivergent researchers, particularly in the context of neuroscience that does or does not yet embed participatory research initiatives. By amplifying the voices of neurodivergent researchers, research communities can enhance the equity and impact of their outcomes and foster better public engagement by sharing experiences and understanding the needs of community members.

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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 11:30.

Cited references
44
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
12 / 44 (27.3%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
22 / 315 (7.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 22 / 153 (14.4%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 20 / 237 (8.4%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
153 / 315 (48.6%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 93 / 237 (39.2%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
131 / 153 (85.6%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 131 / 315 (41.6%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 73 / 93 (78.5%).
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