Towards increased accessibility in survey research for neurodivergent populations: A methodological approach through a pilot study with musicians and audiences.

Description

Engaging vulnerable communities in research is crucial for seeking improved outcomes. However, neurodivergent people have notoriously been excluded from processes until the recent intake of participatory approaches. Traditional recruitment and data collection strategies may exclude neurodivergent people from the research process in which valuable contributions may be beneficial. Through this pilot study for neurodivergent musicians and audiences, we aim to increase the neurodivergent voice through the development of an accessible pilot strategy. In developing survey research where participants are honoured at all stages of the project, this acknowledges a broader range of perceptions and needs, resulting in increased accessibility, academic, and cultural value. Through a review of existing literature of neurodivergent strengths and challenges, musical motivation and engagement, sensory processing, and reasonable adjustments, an accessible pilot strategy was creation to develop and test survey research, completion, and question accessibility. This involved connecting accessible strategies to neurodivergent people’s strengths and challenges and using strategies to reduce overwhelm for participants. 52 responses were analysed for clarity and effectiveness, clear understanding, and accessibility throughout the surveys. Key factors are presented in view of accessible research design, with a critical evaluation of survey methods and responses in relation to neurodivergent people’s strengths and challenges. Strategies align with literature on question clarity, unambiguity, and neurodivergent strengths. This methodological approach has been fine-tuned to suit the population when emphasising accessible strategies and the neurodivergent voice. It is hoped that this will be useful to researchers wanting to make their surveys more accessible to neurodivergent populations.

Period	20 Jan 2026
Event title	North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership Student Conference 2025
Event type	Conference
Location	Manchester, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Regional