Training on Participatory Action Research (PAR) with Neurodivergent Children and Young People
Date:
19/01/2026 - 20/01/2026
Organised by:
CSJCA, Durham University
Presenter:
Dr Alison Jobe
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Janelle Rabe anne.j.rabe@durham.ac.uk
Location:
View in Google Maps (DH1 3LB)
Venue:
Durham University Business School - Mill Hill Lane
Mill Hill Lane, Durham,
Description:
Deadline for registration: 22 December 2025
Places are limited to 25, so early booking is advisable. Please register through https://bit.ly/PARneurodivergentCYP or https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/9duhZ47JRY.
Do you want to make your research more inclusive, creative, and impactful? This two-day interactive training course focuses on ethical and neuro-inclusive approaches for working with children and young people. Designed for doctoral students across disciplines, whether using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods, it complements existing PAR courses by offering hands-on tools, case studies, and peer collaboration for applying participatory principles in doctoral research.
Delivered by the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action (CSCJA) (https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/social-justice community action/) and Centre for Neurodiversity and Development (CND) (https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/neurodiversity-development/).
Key facilitators: Alison Jobe, Amy Pearson, Chloe Huang, Debbie Riby, Janelle Rabe, Sui-Ting Kong and other presenters from the CSJCA and CND
Full programme will be circulated a week before the training.
Why join?
Learn how to embed participatory values and ethics in every stage of your research.
Explore neuro-inclusive strategies for co-design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Address ethical complexities when researching with vulnerable populations.
Build confidence through peer support and reflective practice.
What’s different about this training?
Unlike other PAR offerings, this workshop focuses on neurodivergent young people, combining creative research methods, interdisciplinary perspectives, and practical application. You’ll leave with adaptable tools and a draft plan for your own neuro-inclusive PAR project.
Preview of sessions:
Co-designing an inclusive training space
Introduction to PAR: values, ethics, and traditions
Making every step count: neuro-inclusive research design
Ethical, accessible, and inclusive practice
Applying principles: collaboration, shared language, flexibility, ownership
Case studies and peer forum: build your own PAR plan
Who is it for?
Students interested in participatory approaches
Those working with neurodivergent young people or communities
Anyone seeking creative, ethical, and inclusive research practices
Additional information
Free training course with meals provided
Participatory evaluation opportunity: You can opt to join as a participant-evaluator and help co-design this training. Your insights will inform best practices which will be published as a co-authored output on the website of the CSJCA and CND. You can opt to join as a participant-evaluator and help co-design this training. Your insights will inform best practices, which will be published as a co-authored output on the website of the CSJCA and CND. Flexible involvement allows you to choose the time and input you can contribute.
- Accommodation: If accommodation is required, please do let us know via the online application form, and we will send details of local hotels and B&Bs once your place has been confirmed. You will need to book this and pay directly yourself.
- Led by: Alison Jobe, Amy Pearson, Chloe Huang, Debbie Riby, Janelle Rabe, Sui-Ting Kong
If you require any further information about the course content, please email Janelle Rabe anne.j.rabe@durham.ac.uk
Cost:
Free to attend
Website and registration:
Region:
North East
Keywords:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, PAR, neurodivergent
Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs