Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Confidence Towards Neurodiversity: An Exploratory Study in The Australian Context.
What is this research about?
In recent years, neurodiversity has become an important conceptual framework. Beyond recognising the diversity in human cognition, it has allowed people who usually struggle to “fit in” to find a common identity and a sense of belonging. Whilst healthcare professionals hold an essential part in the diagnostic process and in providing support to the neurodivergent population, estimates of neurodivergence prevalence are as high as 20% of the population, indicating that healthcare professionals are very likely to be working with neurodivergent individuals, even if neurodiversity is not an identified reason for referral. However, no research has yet been conducted in Australia to assess the level of understanding and endorsement of healthcare professionals towards neurodiversity, despite its potential implications in building the therapeutic relationship and treatment adherence.
The aim of this study is to explore Australian healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes and confidence in relation to neurodiversity. The findings will lay the groundwork for future research on neurodiversity and neuro-affirmative practices in an Australian context and help shed light on the need for potential training.
What will I need to do?
If you are a healthcare provider or studying to become one, are aged 18 years or older and live in Australia, you are invited to complete this 10-minute online survey on the Qualtrics Survey platform.
Who can I contact?
If you have any questions or concerns about this research, please feel free to contact either Dr Jacqui Yoxall at jacqui.yoxall@scu.edu.au or Ms Sophie Szumowski at m.szumowski.10@student.scu.edu.au.
This study adheres to the Guidelines of the ethical review process of Southern Cross University and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Whilst you are free to discuss your participation in this study with the researcher contactable on m.szumowski.10@student.scu.edu.au, if you would like to speak to an officer of the University not involved in the study, you may contact the Ethics Officer on email ethics.lismore@scu.edu.au. All information is confidential and will be handled as soon as possible.
Ethics Approval
This research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Southern Cross University. The approval number is 2025/102.
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