F. Jones: Qualitative methods for eliciting the ‘voice’ of nonspeaking neurodiverse young people

Freddie Jones: Qualitative methods for eliciting the ‘voice’ of nonspeaking neurodiverse young people: A systematic literature review and qualitative meta-aggregation.

Why was the study done? This study was conducted to investigate the types of methods used to explore the experiences of young people with neurological differences who are yet to develop spoken language. Such individuals are often excluded from research because their experiences are often difficult for researchers to access. Reviewing how researchers can better include this population in research is important to develop inclusive research in education.

What did the researchers do? To review the different types of methods used, the researchers took a structured approach to reviewing research. They carefully identified, analyzed, and interpreted the qualitative research findings from all the studies included in the review. From that, they developed overarching categories which were presented as findings.

What did the researchers find? 2 overarching categories were identified from the studies reviewed. Each category had 3 subcategories within them. The overarching categories related to the methods that were used to explore the lived experiences of young people with neurological differences who are yet to develop spoken language perceive themselves.

What do the findings mean? This review has identified some important research methods used with young people with neurological differences who are yet to develop spoken language; future researchers may use those to conduct more inclusive research. The methods include different techniques to engage with young people ensuring that the young person's voice is always at the center of research.

F. Jones1, P. Qualter1, C. Bond1, R. Fayette1
1University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, Manchester, United Kingdom