Using Q Methodology, a Group of Neurodivergent Neurodiversity Researchers Ask: What is the Neurodiversity Movement and what should it do?

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Stenner, P., Pearson, A., Kapp, S. K., Watson, C. L., Pressler, R., Williams, G., Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, H., Hultman, L., Semmens-Wheeler, R., & Botha, M. (2025). Using Q Methodology, a Group of Neurodivergent Neurodiversity Researchers Ask: What is the Neurodiversity Movement and what should it do? Neurodiversity, 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251329625

Publication date: 1 May 2025 Added to AutiHub: 4 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
10
Publication authors identified as autistic
5 / 10 (50.0%)
  1. Paul Stenner
  2. Amy Pearson *
  3. Steven K. Kapp *
  4. C. L. Watson
  5. Ronit Pressler
  1. Gemma Williams *
  2. Hanna Bertilsdotter Rosqvist *
  3. Lill Hultman
  4. Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler
  5. Monique Botha *

Abstract

This paper describes the eight phases of an innovative procedure for collective and reflexive research about neurodiversity. Structured by Q methodology, this procedure allowed a small group ( n = 10) of neurodivergent researchers to identify and discuss our different viewpoints on what neurodiversity means (three viewpoints) and aims for (three viewpoints). The rigour of the procedure was underpinned by the use of Q items collectively self-generated by the group, individual Q sorting of these items to render ‘operant’ each member's viewpoint, Q factor analysis to compare and group these data quantitatively, and group discussion to interpret these factors and to discuss the implications of our differences for the practical future of the neurodiversity movement. The significance of this procedure is that it provides a new way for neurodivergent neurodiversity researchers to collaborate in surfacing and understanding differences and similarities in their views on what the neurodiversity movement is and what it should aim to do. There is a growing focus on neurodiversity across society and it is important to appreciate diversity to avoid misunderstandings around concepts and aims. The variation in viewpoint here demonstrated can inspire future research and help shape the basis for the theoretical discussion informing the movement going forwards.

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Cited references
60
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
17 / 60 (28.3%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
33 / 117 (28.2%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 33 / 81 (40.7%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 22 / 97 (22.7%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
81 / 117 (69.2%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 61 / 97 (62.9%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
48 / 81 (59.3%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 48 / 117 (41.0%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 39 / 61 (63.9%).
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