Research

Critical Review of Neurodiversity -Themes & Controversies

This study critically examines the concept of neurodiversity, exploring its central themes and controversies to identify significant aspects of the topic, gaps in existing literature, and opportunities for future research. The synthesis aims to provide valuable insights for academics and practitioners in education.

This is the first part of a series of studies on Special Education research. More are on the way, so stay tuned!

The Narcissist Next Door: A Case Study Analysis

This study is grounded in narcissistic leadership theory and adopts a case study approach to critically examine how adversarial narcissistic traits in leadership influence organisational processes and negatively affect followers. By focusing on real-world work interactions, this study highlights how narcissistic traits fulfil a leader’s need for self-satisfaction at the expense of employee well-being, morale, and productivity. Understanding these dynamics is essential to mitigating the harmful effects of narcissistic leadership and fostering healthier organisational environments.

A Literature Review of Student Engagement in Learning Experiences

Student engagement has emerged as a critical factor influencing academic achievement, persistence, and overall well-being. Despite its importance, many students remain unmotivated, distracted, and disengaged in classrooms, often due to technology and external pressures. This literature review critically examines the construct of student engagement, exploring its definitions, dimensions, and implications for teaching and learning. Student engagement is multifaceted, encompassing behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects and interactions between learners, instructors, and content.

A Review of Assistive Technology (AT) – Innovations, Accessibility, and the Future of Inclusion

The rapid advancement of assistive technology (AT) has created significant opportunities to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by enhancing functionality, independence, and participation across sectors such as education, employment, and daily living. This review explores the development of AT, including its historical foundations, legal definitions, and the shift from device-centric to user-centric models like the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) framework. It highlights key themes, such as the integration of AT in education and workplaces, the convergence of assistive and mainstream technologies, and ongoing challenges like affordability, access disparities, and insufficient training. 

A review of Challenges and Opportunities in the Adoption of Assistive Technology for Neurodiverse Learners

This review explores the engagement of neurodiverse students with assistive technology (AT) across cognitive, behavioural, affective, and sociocultural dimensions. User-centred design emerges as a key factor in effective AT, with tools like Emotraductor, ReadIt, and WELI showcasing the benefits of personalisation. However, the research remains disproportionately focused on autism and dyslexia, overlooking other neurodiverse conditions such as dyspraxia and dyscalculia. Personalised AT has been shown to improve autonomy, educational outcomes, and engagement, but its effectiveness depends on comprehensive training and ongoing support.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- A Review of Characteristics, Barriers, and Support Systems.

Teachers and classroom support staff are inadequately trained to teach children showing autism characteristics in the classroom. Recognising and addressing these complexities is essential for fostering an inclusive environment where all students are supported. This review seeks to examine the core features and variability of ASD, the primary barriers to education, socialisation, and employment faced by individuals with autism, and evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions and support systems.

Exploring Autism Policies and Strategies for Individuals with Autism in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

This research seeks to identify relevant policies and analyse how they have changed. The scope of the study includes autism policies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. By examining these policies and strategies in different nations of the United Kingdom, the study aims to uncover diverse approaches and enhance comparative insights into their effectiveness. This study uses a narrative literature approach, identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.