Neurodivergent Community Involvement in Research: Insights from Autism Research Practices in the UK

This project investigates how participatory research practices in autism—especially those grounded in co-production with neurodivergent individuals—can be adapted and applied to the Brazilian context. While participatory models are increasingly recognized internationally as essential to producing ethical, impactful, and community-relevant research, their adoption in Brazil remains limited. Drawing on the well-established practices of the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, this study will analyze strategies for inclusive research design, researcher-community collaboration, and knowledge translation. By engaging in a reflective, cross-cultural analysis of participatory methods and their underlying values—such as respect, authenticity, infrastructure, empathy, and the challenging of assumptions—the project will generate recommendations for cultivating a Brazilian research culture that meaningfully includes autistic voices. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of context-sensitive participatory frameworks that enhance the relevance, accessibility, and social impact of autism research in Brazil.