Comprendre les expériences des étudiants chercheurs neurodivergents : une revue systématique à méthodes mixtes

Titre original en anglais : Understanding the experiences of neurodivergent research students: a mixed methods systematic review

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

Date de publication: 18/10/2025 Ajout dans AutiHub: 05/07/2026 Type: Article Langue de l’article: Anglais

Cette publication est intégrée dans AutiHub via :

Auteurs

Auteur·ices des publications
6
Auteur·ices de la publication identifié·es comme autistes
1 / 6 (16,7 %)

Résumé

La recherche sur les étudiants neurodivergents dans l'enseignement supérieur a augmenté, mais elle se concentre principalement sur les étudiants suivant des enseignements, négligeant ceux inscrits dans des diplômes de recherche. Afin de combler cette lacune, nous avons mené une revue systématique sur l'expérience des étudiants chercheurs neurodivergents, qui comprenait un mélange de recherches empiriques et de réflexions sur l'expérience vécue. Notre analyse des 31 articles inclus a identifié huit thèmes clés façonnant les parcours de ces étudiants : (1) les cultures, structures et attentes académiques ; (2) les défis sensoriels et environnementaux ; (3) le fonctionnement exécutif ; (4) l'insuffisance des soutiens et des aménagements ; (5) les relations avec les autres ; (6) le validisme et la divulgation ; (7) la santé mentale ; et (8) l'acceptation de la neurodivergence. Bien que certaines forces de la pensée neurodivergente aient été relevées, des obstacles institutionnels importants persistent. Ces résultats révèlent des lacunes critiques en matière d'inclusivité académique et soulignent le besoin urgent de changements systémiques afin de développer des programmes de diplômes de recherche qui reconnaissent, soutiennent et autonomisent les étudiants neurodivergents. La revue offre des pistes d'action pour favoriser des environnements d'enseignement supérieur plus équitables et inclusifs.

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.

Bibliographie citée par cette référence

Les références citées sont importées depuis des sources externes de métadonnées lorsqu’elles sont disponibles. La liste peut être partielle.

Vue d’ensemble de l’inclusion dans la bibliographie

Ces indicateurs décrivent la bibliographie citée importée pour cette publication. Les métriques de références citées utilisent le total des références citées comme dénominateur. Les métriques d’auteurices cité·es indiquent si elles utilisent toutes les occurrences d’auteurices cité·es ou seulement les occurrences rattachées à des auteurices déjà intégré·es à la base de données AutiHub. Ils utilisent les rattachements mis en cache entre les auteurices cité·es et les auteurices intégré·es à la base de données AutiHub. Dernier calcul : 16/08/2026 11:30.

Références citées
75
Nombre total de références citées intégrées pour cette publication.
Références citées avec un·e auteur·ice identifié·e comme autiste
16 / 75 (21,3 %)
Occurrences d’auteur·ices cité·es identifié·es comme autistes
32 / 228 (14,0 %)
Parmi les occurrences rattachées à des auteurices intégré·es à la base de données AutiHub : 32 / 89 (36,0 %). Auteurices cité·es distinct·es identifié·es comme autistes : 24 / 205 (11,7 %).
Occurrences citées rattachées à la base AutiHub
89 / 228 (39,0 %)
Auteurices cité·es distinct·es rattaché·es : 66 / 205 (32,2 %)
Occurrences rattachées, non identifiées comme autistes
57 / 89 (64,0 %)
Parmi les seules occurrences rattachées. Sur l’ensemble des occurrences d’auteurices cité·es : 57 / 228 (25,0 %). Auteurices cité·es distinct·es rattaché·es, non identifié·es comme autistes : 42 / 66 (63,6 %).
  1. Eric Margolis (2002). The Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education . Routledge.
    OpenAlex
  2. (s. d.). *Articles included in review
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  3. Bethan Collins (2015). Reflections on doctoral supervision: drawing from the experiences of students with additional learning needs in two universities . Teaching in Higher Education, 20(6), 587-600. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  4. Acker S. (2001). The Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education . The Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education, 61.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  5. Inger Mewburn , Denise Cuthbert , Ekaterina Tokareva (2014). Experiencing the progress report: an analysis of gender and administration in doctoral candidature . Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 36(2), 155-171. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  6. Melvina Amalu , Ekpang Pauline Uwanda , Okeke Stella Uchechi , Emmanuel Uminya Ikwen , Achi Ndifon Bekomson , Fredrick Awhen Opoh et al. (2023). Prediction of Self-Concept and Anxiety on the Tendency of Postgraduate Students with Learning Disabilities (LD) to Acquire Research Skills in Two Public Universities of Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for Counseling . Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment, 11(3), 146-156. Lifescience Global.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  7. Patricia J Lucas , Janis Baird , Lisa Arai , Catherine Law , Helen M Roberts (2007). Worked examples of alternative methods for the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research in systematic reviews . BMC Medical Research Methodology, 7(1), 4-4. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  8. Robyn Barnacle , Inger Mewburn (2010). Learning networks and the journey of ‘becoming doctor’ . Studies in Higher Education, 35(4), 433-444. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  9. Maria Ferreira (2003). Gender issues related to graduate student attrition in two science departments . International Journal of Science Education, 25(8), 969-989. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  10. Louise Beattie (2016). Experiences of a First-Episode Psychosis by a Psychology Graduate Student . Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), sbw071. Oxford University Press (OUP).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  11. (s. d.). Bethke A. F. 2004. "The Relationship between Psychology Graduate Schools and the Experiences of Graduate Students with Learning Disabilities." PhD diss. Alliant International University.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  12. Margot Pearson , Jim Cumming , Terry Evans , Peter Macauley , Kevin Ryland (2011). How shall we know them? Capturing the diversity of difference in Australian doctoral candidates and their experiences . Studies in Higher Education, 36(5), 527-542. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  13. Bethke A. F. (2004). The Relationship between Psychology Graduate Schools and the Experiences of Graduate Students with Learning Disabilities . Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 65(5), 2613.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  14. Nicole Brown , Jennifer Leigh (2018). Ableism in academia: where are the disabled and ill academics? Disability & Society, 33(6), 985-989. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  15. Amber O’Shea , S. Kenneth Thurman (2017). Perceptions of How Doctoral Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Use Disability Services . Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 1(3), 149-157. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  16. Nicole Brown , Paul Thompson , Jennifer Leigh (2018). Making Academia More Accessible . Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 6(2), 82-90. University of the Highlands and Islands.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  17. Danielle Ward , Amanda A. Webster (2018). Understanding the Lived Experiences of University Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Phenomenological Study . International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 65(4), 373-392. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  18. Charlotte Brownlow , Douglas C. Eacersall , Neil Martin , Renée Parsons-Smith (2023). The higher degree research student experience in Australian universities: a systematic literature review . Higher Education Research & Development, 42(7), 1608-1623. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  19. Ana Gabriela Olivati , Lúcia Pereira Leite (2017). TRAJETÓRIA ACADÊMICA DE UM PÓS-GRADUANDO COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA . Psicologia em Estudo, 22(4), 609. Universidade Estadual de Maringa.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  20. Charlotte Brownlow , Neil Martin , Donna-Marie Thompson , Amelia Dowe , Ding Abawi , Jessica Harrison et al. (2023). Navigating University: The Design and Evaluation of a Holistic Support Programme for Autistic Students in Higher Education . Education Sciences, 13(5), 521. MDPI AG.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  21. Joshua P. Byrne (2022). Perceiving the social unknown: How the hidden curriculum affects the learning of autistic students in higher education . Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 59(2), 142-149. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  22. Maciej Perkowski , Maciej Oksztulski , Izabela Kaczyńska (2017). Autism Between the PhD Student and the Promotor. A Case Study . Studies in Logic, Grammar and Rhetoric, 52(1), 143-164. Walter de Gruyter GmbH.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  23. Eilidh Cage , Maria De Andres , Paige Mahoney (2020). Understanding the factors that affect university completion for autistic people . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 72, 101519. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  24. Dorien Jansen , Katja Petry , Steven W. Evans , Ilse Noens , Dieter Baeyens (2019). The Implementation of Extended Examination Duration for Students With ADHD in Higher Education . Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(14), 1746-1758. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  25. Emine Gürbüz , Mary Hanley , Deborah M. Riby (2019). University Students with Autism: The Social and Academic Experiences of University in the UK . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(2), 617-631. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  26. (s. d.). CAST. 2018. Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2. 2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org .
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  27. (s. d.). Chandra K. B. Slater and M. Ma. 2023. Research Rabbit [Computer software]. https://www.researchrabbit.ai/ .
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  28. Jane Ann Sedgwick , Andrew Merwood , Philip Asherson (2019). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD . ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(3), 241-253. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  29. Lynn Clouder , Mehmet Karakus , Alessia Cinotti , María Virginia Ferreyra , Genoveva Amador Fierros , Patricia Rojo (2020). Neurodiversity in higher education: a narrative synthesis . Higher Education, 80(4), 757-778. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  30. Connie Murray (2018). Visual Journey of an Adult with ADHD/Dyslexia: A Heuristic Self-Search Inquiry. Dans Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering (pp. No-Specified).
    Type: Chapitre de livre OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2912679573
    Crossref OpenAlex
  31. (s. d.). Covidence systematic review software. 2024. Veritas Health Innovation [Computer software]. www.covidence.org.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  32. (s. d.). Cumming J. 2008. “Representing the Complexity Diversity and Particularity of the Doctoral Enterprise in Australia [Ph. D.].” The Australian National University.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  33. Jonathan Vincent (2020). Employability for UK University Students and Graduates on the Autism Spectrum: Mobilities and Materialities . Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 22(1), 12-24. Stockholm University Press.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  34. Darby A. (2023). Doctoral Students with LD and/or ADHD: Decision to Disclose and/or Request Accommodations . Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, 21(2), 195.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  35. Nicola C. Taylor , Jessica H. Johnson (2020). Challenges and solutions for autism in academic geosciences . Advances in Geosciences, 53, 33-39. Copernicus GmbH.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  36. Nicola Martin (2021). Perspectives on UK university employment from autistic researchers and lecturers . Disability & Society, 36(9), 1510-1531. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  37. Matthew J Page , David Moher , Patrick M Bossuyt , Isabelle Boutron , Tammy C Hoffmann , Cynthia D Mulrow et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews . BMJ, 372, n71. BMJ.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n71 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3118615836
    Crossref OpenAlex
  38. Stephen Secules , Cassandra McCall , Joel Alejandro Mejia , Chanel Beebe , Adam S. Masters , Matilde L. Sánchez‐Peña et al. (2021). Positionality practices and dimensions of impact on equity research: A collaborative inquiry and call to the community . Journal of Engineering Education, 110(1), 19-43. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  39. Reema Harrison , Benjamin Jones , Peter Gardner , Rebecca Lawton (2021). Quality assessment with diverse studies (QuADS): an appraisal tool for methodological and reporting quality in systematic reviews of mixed- or multi-method studies . BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 144-144. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  40. Matthew Scott , Felicity Sedgewick (2021). ‘I have more control over my life’: A qualitative exploration of challenges, opportunities, and support needs among autistic university students . Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 6, 23969415211010419-23969415211010419. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  41. Inga Koops , Paul Duckett , Adam Gerace (2025). Investigating the Outcomes and Quality of Support Programs for Autistic Young Adults in Higher Education: A Systematic Review . Autism in Adulthood, 7(4), 403-420. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  42. Lam J. M. (2016). The Educational Experiences of Being a Graduate Student with Dyslexia . Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 77(3), No-Specified.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  43. Barbara E. Lovitts (2008). The Transition to Independent Research: Who Makes It, Who Doesn't, and Why . The Journal of Higher Education, 79(3), 296-325. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  44. Kirsty Lauder (2024). The meaning of a word . eLife, 13. eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  45. Eloise A. Stark (2022). Empowering autistic academics . Nature Human Behaviour, 6(9), 1184-1184. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  46. Sioux McKenna , Susan van Schalkwyk (2024). A scoping review of the changing landscape of doctoral education . Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 54(6), 984-1001. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  47. Connie Mosher Syharat , Alexandra Hain , Arash E. Zaghi , Rachael Gabriel , Catherine G. P. Berdanier (2023). Experiences of neurodivergent students in graduate STEM programs . Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1149068-1149068. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  48. Sici Zhuang , Diana Weiting Tan , Susan Reddrop , Lydia Dean , Murray T. Maybery , Iliana Magiati (2023). Psychosocial factors associated with camouflaging in autistic people and its relationship with mental health and well-being: A mixed methods systematic review . Clinical Psychology Review, 105, 102335. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  49. Natalie Wigg-Stevenson (2023). Dismantling the Supercrip Prof: Theological Education and Faculty Accessibility . Journal of Disability & Religion, 27(4), 520-536. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  50. (s. d.). QSR International Pty Ltd. 2020. NVivo (Version 20) [Computer software]. QSR International Pty Ltd. https://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo-qualitative-data-analysis-software/home .
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  51. Tigist Tamir (2023). Working with my brain and not against it . eLife, 12. eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  52. Samuels E. A. (2018). The Experiences of Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students Who Self-identify as Having Tourette’s Syndrome, Stuttering Disorder, or Stereotypic Movement Disorder . Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 79(1), No-Specified.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  53. Teresa Shiels , Neil Kenny , Seth Oppong , Roy Shiels , Patricia Mannix-McNamara (2025). Care does not just belong at home: inclusion in doctoral supervision for a student with traumatic brain injury . Disability & Society, 40(3), 704-726. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  54. Kayden M. Stockwell , Zoë S. Robertson , Andrew J. Lampi , Talyn Steinmann , Erline Morgan , Vikram K. Jaswal (2025). “A System That Wasn't Really Optimized for Me”: Factors Influencing Autistic University Students' Access to Information . Autism in Adulthood, 7(2), 171-184. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  55. Ari Star , Alice Chik , Diana Weiting Tan (2025). Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education and Its Impact on Neurodivergent Students’ Experiences: A Systematic Review . Center for Open Science.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  56. (s. d.). VERBI Software. 2022. MAXQDA 2022 [Computer software]. VERBI Software.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  57. (s. d.). Ward M.-H. 2013. “Living in Liminal Space: The PhD as Accidental Pedagogy.” Doctoral diss. University of Sydney. ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  58. Williams C. (1999). Forged in Fire: Narratives of Trauma in PhD Supervison Pedagogy . Southern Review: Communication, Politics & Culture, 32(1), 6.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref
  59. (s. d.). *Woodfield C. K. Vroman J. Seybert J. Burke S. Kurup B. Dickens and C. Ashby. 2020. Neurodivergent Communicators in Postsecondary Education.
    Type: Autre
    Crossref