NWO grant for improving the inclusion and empowerment of neurodiverse children, at school and at home

NWO awarded a 2-million research grant to UT researcher Jelle van Dijk (ET - Human-Centred Design) and his team. They aim to contribute to reducing stress and anxiety, as well as improving communication and social interaction between autistic children and others (parents, classmates, teachers, siblings). By doing so, they will ultimately contribute to greater school success and the inclusion of neurodivergent people in society.

They will work on several playful, interactive spaces and objects that support safe, fun, and inclusive forms of social interaction for neurodivergent children (with a focus on autistic children). They will codesign with the children and classmates, teachers, siblings and parents; adult experts-by-experience, professionals, and creative companies. Designs are further developed into practical solutions (for example, play materials) to be used in schools and at home. 

"From a research perspective, we are investigating neuroinclusive participatory sensemaking: that is, forms of social interaction that are based on mutual acceptance and creating shared experiences through improvisation and exploration. We aim to explore how interactive technology can facilitate interactions between neurodivergent children and their peers, without making normative assumptions. We also investigate how to co-design 'neuro-inclusively', involving autistic perspectives right from the start." 

"Next to designs, our studies serve as a critical reflection on ableist, 'deficiency-based' technologies. We do not think the problem lies in the autistic (ADHD, ADD, etc) child. We are not teaching 'social skills'. We open the way for an alternative: provide safe, inclusive spaces in which all participants acknowledge the diversity of social needs and styles. We promote interaction literacy on both sides. We reduce stress, anxiety, and let everyone be and become, towards successful participation in later life."