Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) secondary school consultation study

The Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) resource is an evidence-based resource pack designed by a neurodiverse team of researchers, for teachers to educate mainstream primary school pupils aged 8-11 about neurodiversity. Anecdotal evidence has highlighted public support for provision of a LEANS resource to teach about neurodiversity in secondary schools. This study aimed to articulate what factors need to be considered when adapting the LEANS resource for use in secondary schools, assessing the fit between LEANS as designed for primary schools and the secondary school context. We conducted semi-structured online focus groups consulting with secondary education professionals to gain feedback on key aspects of the LEANS materials. These included the taught elements of the LEANS curriculum, the usefulness of narrative elements for teaching about neurodiverse experiences, the role of teachers and pupils in engaging with the resource and the format of activities used in the resource. A mix of inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted to derive themes from focus group discussions. By consulting with education professionals with experience of working in secondary schools, the study identified three main themes which together capture their perceptions of LEANS suitability in this context: relevance to adolescent experiences, pedagogy, and school fit. This work is an official part of the LEANS project, conducted as a 10-week student mini-project on the Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, and originally submitted as an assignment to the University of Edinburgh Medical School Biomedical Teaching Organisation (15/12/21). The complete LEANS resource pack can be downloaded at the LEANS project webpage. https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/lean