Understanding the experiences of neurodivergent research students: a mixed methods systematic review

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Tan, D. W., Edwards, C., Mewburn, I., Simpson, K., Webster, A. A., & Brownlow, C. (2025). Understanding the experiences of neurodivergent research students: a mixed methods systematic review. Studies in Higher Education, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2025.2573209

Publication date: 18 Oct 2025 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
6
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 6 (16.7%)
  1. Diana Weiting Tan
  2. Chris Edwards *
  3. Inger Mewburn
  1. Kate Simpson
  2. Amanda A. Webster
  3. Charlotte Brownlow

Abstract

Research on neurodivergent students in Higher Education has increased but primarily focuses on coursework students, overlooking those in research degrees. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review about the experience of neurodivergent research students which included a mix of empirical research and reflections on lived experience. Our analysis of 31 included articles identified eight key themes shaping these students’ journeys: (1) academic cultures, structures, and expectations; (2) sensory and environmental challenges; (3) executive functioning; (4) insufficient supports and accommodations; (5) relationships with others; (6) ableism and disclosure; (7) mental health; and (8) embracing neurodivergence. Although some strengths of neurodivergent thinking were noted, significant institutional barriers persist. These findings reveal critical gaps in academic inclusivity and highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to develop research degree programmes that recognise, support, and empower neurodivergent students. The review offers actionable insights for fostering more equitable and inclusive higher education environments.

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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
75
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
16 / 75 (21.3%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
32 / 228 (14.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 32 / 89 (36.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 24 / 205 (11.7%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
89 / 228 (39.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 66 / 205 (32.2%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
57 / 89 (64.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 57 / 228 (25.0%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 42 / 66 (63.6%).
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