Ethical navigations in participatory action research with students: reflections on a pilot study

This research note presents reflections on some of the conceptual, methodological, and ethical considerations and questions that emerged from a pilot study for a larger-scale research project that aims to explore and understand the needs of neurodivergent students (here specifically students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia) in higher education in the United Kingdom. The pilot study uses participant action research with a small group of undergraduate students. The research note presents a personal reflective account of research experiences, and provides critiques and considerations surrounding the conceptual framings of the project and its methodology, particularly the use of the neurodiversity model as a conceptual foundation, and the use of participant action research when collaborating with students.