Improving neurodiversity awareness in school students: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

Objective: This scoping review aims to map and characterize existing programs present in mainstream schools internationally that are targeted at improving children's awareness about neurodiversity.

Introduction: Neurodiversity is a term used to describe human neurocognitive heterogeneity. Increased understanding and awareness about neurodiversity among school students has the potential to improve general student health and well-being. However, there is currently no standardized approach to raising children's awareness about neurodiversity in schools, and the associated literature is diffuse.

Eligibility criteria: Literature will be included if it describes or evaluates programs designed to be delivered in mainstream schools aimed at increasing awareness of neurodiversity among students aged 5 to 18 years, regardless of geographical location. Published, unpublished, and gray literature from 2013 to the present will be considered.

Methods: An academic literature search will be conducted across 5 databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and ERIC (ProQuest). A gray literature search will also be performed across sources including ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global and Google Scholar, as well as targeted websites, expert opinion, and reference lists of relevant peer-reviewed literature. Articles will be selected based on eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be conducted independently by 2 extractors using a predetermined form documenting study methods, population, interventions, and outcomes. Analysis and presentation of results will be reported according to the review objectives.

Review registration: OSF https://osf.io/6b378.