{"id":1311,"date":"2026-08-30T22:54:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T12:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/childrensvoicesconference.csu.domains\/2026\/?p=1311"},"modified":"2026-08-30T22:54:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T12:54:50","slug":"cvc2026-603","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/childrensvoicesconference.csu.domains\/2026\/cvc2026-603\/","title":{"rendered":"CVC2026-603 \u2013 Bringing neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices to life through participatory action research"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"cvc-hero alignfull\">\n  <span class=\"cvc-chip\">Presentation \u2013 CVC2026-603<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Bringing neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices to life through participatory action research<\/h1>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<div class=\"cvc-authors\">\n<p><strong>Kate Kernaghan<\/strong><strong>,<\/strong><strong> <\/strong>The University of Waikato, New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"CVC2026-603 Bringing neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices to life through participatory action research\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k2RzU4-GTvs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>Background:\u00a0<\/strong>Neurodiversity has gained prominence in education research, yet many studies rely on assessments and surveys that overlook the lived experiences of neurodiverse learners and their teachers. Such approaches risk silencing those most affected and limiting meaningful change. This study used participatory action research (PAR) to centre neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices and examine how their perspectives shaped teachers\u2019 engagement, reflection, and pedagogical decision-making.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aim:<\/strong>\u00a0The research aimed to co\u2011create movement\u2011based approaches that supported inclusion within a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Conducted in two primary classrooms, the study drew on the shared expertise of teachers and an academic researcher to translate neurodiverse learners\u2019 insights into practice. The aim was to challenge deficit\u2011based models and foster classroom environments that promote agency, belonging, and inclusive participation for all learners.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Method:<\/strong>\u00a0Participatory Action Research was undertaken in two primary classrooms in a semi\u2011rural New Zealand school. Two teachers collaborated with an academic researcher to design, implement, and refine movement\u2011based practices within a UDL framework. The procedure centred ongoing cycles of reflection and adaptation to ensure neurodiverse learners were heard, included, and supported. Ethical approval was granted by The University of Waikato Human Research Ethics Committee, and informed consent processes were followed for all participants.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Results\/findings<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Neurodiverse learners developed a stronger sense of belonging, using movement to regulate emotions, build relationships, and have their strengths recognised. Teachers observed increased emotional and social awareness, more time on task, and reduced behaviour\u2011management demands. Movement functioned as a regulative and relational tool that enhanced engagement when multiple options were offered. PAR ensured neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices shaped practice, prompting educators to adapt their pedagogy and move beyond deficit\u2011based approaches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong>\u00a0Movement\u2011based, participatory approaches can meaningfully amplify neurodiverse learners\u2019 voices and strengthen inclusive teaching. This study demonstrates how PAR and UDL\u2011aligned practices can transform classroom environments, challenge deficit thinking, and offer practical pathways towards more responsive and equitable education.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Implications for children\u00a0and families:<\/strong> You can feel safe, supported, and included here, and your ideas and feelings matter in every decision we make together.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Implications for practitioners:<\/strong>\u00a0You can use these insights to strengthen your practice, helping you notice children\u2019s needs earlier and create environments where every learner feels understood and supported.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keywords<\/strong>:\u00a0participatory action research, neurodiversity, learners, inclusion, disability, education<\/p>\n<p><strong>This presentation relates to the following\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/goals\"><strong>United Nations Sustainable Development Goals<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"cvc-sdgs\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/goals\/goal4\">SDG 4: Quality Education<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/goals\/goal10\">SDG 10: Reduced Inequality<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kate Kernaghan, The University of Waikato, New Zealand<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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