Innovating inclusion: Creative methods for non-speaking communities
Twenty researchers and practioners interested in innovative and effective ways to research with non-speaking autistic individuals came together in an event supported by Methods North West.
I was absolutely delighted to welcome a diverse and engaged group of researchers and practitioners to our recent event, where we explored innovative and effective ways to research with non-speaking autistic individuals. The day was expertly put together by Freddie Jones, a second-year SEED postgraduate researcher, and supported by (a partnership between Universities in the region).
Lightning talks
The day kicked off with a series of lightning talks that really set the tone for the day.
First up was (University of Cambridge), who shared her research involving autistic people with high support needs. Holly introduced us to the ethnographic methods she uses - what she beautifully described as 鈥渉anging around in a particular place, with the goal of understanding that place, and particularly the people in it.鈥�
Her work highlights a big issue: the systems we work within and our over-reliance on spoken language. Holly reminded us how hard it can be to access training on adapting research methods and tools, and the lack of expertise and support networks in this area. She described ethnography as a 鈥渢ender鈥� approach - one that allows us to produce close, attentive accounts of people鈥檚 experiences and create ways for them to be seen and heard.
Next, we heard from (Leeds Beckett University) whose work was equally fascinating. Verity uses digital stories - short videos that convey the perspectives of autistic children and young people. Her approach centres on creating space for different voices to emerge, especially those who don鈥檛 fit traditional data collection methods. We were treated to examples of digital stories, including powerful 鈥淚 am鈥� and 鈥渨e are鈥� narratives that captured both individual and collective perspectives.
Freddie then shared insights from his PhD research and plans to foster creative approaches to inclusion, tailoring, and empowerment within non-speaking communities. A key concern that emerged was whether the wider academic community is always truly welcoming of these innovative methods 鈥� and the associated challenges of publishing such work in traditional disciplinary spaces. Freddie also raised important ethical questions, such as how to adapt consent processes when methods are necessarily responsive and flexible.
Rolling up our sleeves
After the talks, we moved into a more hands-on session. Participants worked together to develop a set of practical guidelines - a hallmark of Methods North West events, which always aim to combine theory with action.
What struck me most during this workshop was the sheer creativity required to involve people who are so often spoken for, rather than listened to. That creativity was on full display when Professor Jill Bradshaw introduced us to , a visual communication tool that helps people express their feelings and views. Meanwhile, Verity guided participants through making their own digital stories 鈥� a brilliant way to experience these methods firsthand.
Why this matters
The day reinforced something vital: if we want to include non-speaking people in research, we need to embrace creativity and treat individuals as, well, individuals. This event was a wonderful example of research and practice coming together, and it was inspiring to see so much energy and commitment in the room.
A huge thank you to Freddie for leading such an engaging session. We wish him every success with his PhD and can鈥檛 wait to hear more about his, and others, work in this space soon!