Neurodiversity: A scoping review of empirical research

Background: The neurodiversity paradigm represents a shift in the way neurocognitive differences are understood and shapes how neurodivergent people are supported. Examination of research provides a lens through which the neurodiversity field can be viewed and positions more targeted directions for future research. Purpose: The review aim was to map the scope of empirical research where neurodiversity was a central, explicit focus. Research questions included: (a) What is the focus of research? (b) Who is being included? And (c) How is research implemented? Method: Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines for scoping reviews, articles were included if they detailed empirical studies with neurodiversity as a central, explicit theme. Descriptive characteristics aligned to the research questions were extracted from 46 articles. Comparison was drawn between child-focused and adult-focused research to contextualise results and recommendations. Results: Results span 2009–2023 and highlight empirical research with neurodiversity as a central focus is expanding, though relative gaps presented in child-focused research and neurominority group representation. Findings also highlight where further consideration is required relating to research methods, community participation, and terminology use. Conclusion: Although strict criteria produced a narrow scope of article inclusion, this review highlights considerations for future neurodiversity research informing how neurocognitive differences are understood. Lay Abstract Background: Neurodiversity is the idea that all people have different ways of thinking and experiencing the world. People who identify as neurodivergent used to be viewed as having deficits that need to be fixed. Learning about neurodiversity has taught us this is not true, and instead neurodivergent people need to be supported to live the lives they want to lead and improve quality of life. However, researchers and practitioners need to learn more about how to best support all neurodivergent people. Doing research about neurodiversity is one way to learn more. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to look at what research has been done about neurodiversity and show where more research is needed. Method: We looked at studies that have investigated the topic of neurodiversity until the end of 2023. We investigated what topics have been explored, who has been included in research, and how research has been done. Results: The results show there are some areas and groups of people that have been researched a lot in neurodiversity research, and some that haven’t been researched very much. Conclusion: We provide recommendations for future research to include more topics (e.g., education) and additional groups of people (e.g., children and neurodivergent people other than autistic people), so that researchers and practitioners can learn how to best support all neurodivergent people in a neurodiversity-affirming way.