MethodsLab: Listening to the non-speaking experience
This MethodsLab is a full-day event at the University of Manchester focused on developing ethical and effective qualitative methods for including non-speaking neurodiverse young people in research. Bringing together academics, practitioners, parents, and autistic young adults (18+), it will feature talks, posters, and hands-on activities to explore and test different approaches. Co-created with neurodiverse participants, the event will produce inclusive research guidelines and foster a collaborative community of practice.
The MethodsLab will tackle the methodological and ethical challenges of qualitatively eliciting the voices of non-speaking neurodivergent young people. Hosted at the University of Manchester, this a collaborative event between academics, parents, practitioners, and young people. The day will feature lightning talks and hands-on sessions. A key outcome will be the co-construction of research guidelines with neurodivergent young people, ensuring recommendations are inclusive and grounded in lived experience.
Ultimately, the MethodsLab aims to foster methodological innovation and build a community of practice that empowers researchers to include non-speaking neurodivergent young people ethically and effectively in qualitative research.
This event is supported by a MethodsLab grant from Methods North West.
Speakers
Dr Holly Sutherland
Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Biography: AuDHD researcher and postdoctoral research associate at the University of Cambridge who has experience with qualitative research methods and analysis techniques with individuals with high support needs.
Dr Verity Ward
Role: Lecturer
Organisation: Leeds Beckett University
Biography: Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and founding member of the Digital Stories research approach Dr Verity Ward has experience using values-based approaches to research, which aims to focus on students' agency and strengths through the use of Digital Stories
Dr Jill Bradshaw
Role: Consultant Speech and Language Therapist
Organisation: Talking Mats & University of Kent
Biography: Consultant Speech and Language Therapist and RCSLT National Clinical Adviser for Learning Disabilities; she joined the Talking Mats team as an Honorary Research Associate in 2017 and has since founded and leads the Talking Mats Research Network, Jill is also a Reader in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Tizard Centre at the University of Kent.
Freddie Jones
Role: PhD Researcher
Organisation: University of Manchester
Biography: PhD researcher at the University of Manchester whose work focuses on illuminating the experiences of non-speaking neurodivergent young people through the use of creative and material methods as well as other methods established by other speakers including Digital Stories and Talking Mats.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Aliiance Manchester Business School
Booth Street West
Manchester
