Diverse minds, shared spaces: navigating neurodiversity in public engagement with research events

Engaging neurodivergent individuals in research events is crucial, as they offer unique perspectives that can shape the future of research, yet they are often unintentionally excluded. The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration at the University of Exeter, UK, conducts research on neurodivergence and neurodevelopmental differences, as well as engagement events. Here, we aim to understand effective engagement event formats tailored to neurodivergent families. This reflective article compares and contrasts insights from two events that sought to prioritise the needs of neurodivergent families. The first was held at the University of Exeter and was attended by over one hundred family members with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; the second had nearly one thousand attendees in Falmouth, Cornwall and was for the wider public, but it incorporated accessibility adaptations. Evaluation feedback was gathered from participants and volunteers at both events by post-event surveys. The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder event fostered an environment where families felt comfortable and could freely express themselves. Conversely, the wider public event reached a larger audience, yet it faced challenges in identifying and supporting neurodivergent attendees in a busy setting. Variations in event space layout also influenced the visitor experience. Both events effectively engaged neurodivergent audiences. We have created a checklist of considerations for future events. Refining these approaches, prioritising them in current and future event planning, and learning from event feedback, will contribute to securing inclusivity. Making research events accessible to neurodivergent audiences is essential for integrating diverse perspectives into research. By employing meaningful engagement, we can enhance inclusivity and incorporate insights from under-represented voices.