“I always wear a mask”: Contributions and learnings from an adapted online Photovoice method for qualitative research in neurodiverse contexts

Epistemic equity issues are increasingly highlighted in methodological reflections, and, more recently, within autism and neurodiversity research. In its original form, the Photovoice method is a participatory visual method where participants use photographs to convey their perceptions of a specific theme or problem, including its causes and potential solutions. A Photovoice method adapted for online activities, using a grounded theory analysis approach, was employed as part of a participatory study with autistic adults. The project was conducted in partnership with a community organization (Quebec, Canada) focused on professional integration. This article presents the contributions and learnings we achieved using an online Photovoice method in a neurodiverse context (i.e., combining autistic and non-autistic participants and researchers). The results show the relevance of this online participatory method in supporting meaningful participation and sharing of experiences among participants. By bridging gaps in verbal communication, it also enhances greater epistemic equity, which is a significant contribution to qualitative research conducted in neurodiverse contexts.