CompletedObservational

Understanding sensory experiences of neurodiverse adolescents in mainstream secondary schools

This study wants to understand the sensory experiences of neurodiverse teenagers in UK secondary schools. Neurodiverse means young people who think, learn, and process the world in different ways, like those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Many school environments aren't designed with these differences in mind. Through interviews and drawings, the research aims to learn how these young people experience things like loud noises or bright lights at school. The goal is to gather information that can help schools become better places for neurodiverse students, making sure they feel heard and supported, and potentially leading to improved educational and therapeutic approaches for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Neurodiversity; Sensory processing differences / sensory processing difficulties; Autism spectrum condition (ASC); Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia); Dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental differences

What is this study about?

Many young people in secondary schools are neurodiverse, which just means their brains work in a way that's a bit different to others. This might include conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. These differences are completely normal, but sometimes school environments, with their bright lights, loud noises, or busy corridors, can be challenging for these students because their senses process information differently.

This study is all about understanding what these sensory challenges feel like for neurodiverse teenagers in mainstream secondary schools in the UK. Researchers want to hear directly from young people about their experiences. By using interviews and drawings, they hope to get a clear picture of how things like sounds, sights, and even the feel of certain clothes or textures can impact their school day.

The main aim is to gather information that can help make schools more comfortable and supportive for neurodiverse students. By understanding these sensory experiences better, the study hopes to influence how schools are designed and how teachers interact with students, potentially leading to better environments and new ways to help all students thrive.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on understanding sensory experiences of neurodiverse teenagers in school.
It aims to improve school environments and support for students with conditions like autism and ADHD.
Participation involves interviews and drawings; no medications or physical tests.
You must be 10-19 years old, neurodiverse, have sensory differences, and attend Harton Academy.
Your privacy will be respected, and you can stop participating at any point.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a neurodiverse teenager between 10 and 19 years old. This means you would have a diagnosis like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.

You also need to have what are called 'sensory processing differences.' This means your senses might be more or less sensitive to things like sounds, lights, or touch compared to other people. A professional would have confirmed these differences.

Finally, you must be a student at Harton Academy in the UK, or its special 'Area Resource Base,' and be able to understand and agree to take part, with permission from a parent or guardian.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 19 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition (like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia)?
Have you been identified as having sensory processing differences?
Do you attend Harton Academy (or its Area Resource Base)?
Are you able to agree to take part, and will your parent/guardian give permission?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to share your experiences through interviews, conversations, and drawings. These sessions will focus on how you experience different sensory things at school, like what you see, hear, or feel. The study team will guide you through this process. There are no medications involved, and it won't involve any physical tests. The study is planned to run from September 2024 to April 2026, and your participation will be within that timeframe.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could help you understand your own sensory experiences better and may make you feel heard and valued as you share your story. The information gathered could also lead to better support for neurodiverse students in schools in the future. While there are no physical risks, some questions might be personal or emotionally sensitive, and thinking about challenging experiences could cause some mild, temporary distress. Remember, you can pause, stop an interview, or withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason.

Locations (1)

Harton Academy
Approximate
South Shields, England

Common questions

What does neurodiverse mean?

Neurodiverse simply means your brain works in a way that's a bit different to others, like having autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.

What are 'sensory experiences'?

These are how your senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) react to the world around you, like finding bright lights too much or certain sounds overwhelming.

Who can join this study?

Neurodiverse teenagers aged 10-19 who have sensory processing differences and attend Harton Academy in the UK.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have interviews and conversations, and you might do some drawings to explain your sensory experiences at school.

Can I stop if I don't like it?

Yes, you can stop taking part at any time, for any reason, without it affecting you.

How to find out more

Tanya Oliver

tanya_oliver@hotmail.co.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.