Many autistic individuals are attending two- and four-year colleges/universities across the United States. Participatory research is transforming how we understand and support neurodiverse college communities. This session will explore how Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), Participatory Action Research (PAR), and Civic Science foster inclusive and equitable research spaces in higher education. These participatory approaches center autistic leadership, foster collaboration, and drive advocacy, ensuring that neurodivergent voices meaningfully influence research and policy. One example of participatory research in action is the Community-Led Autism Research Engagement and Services (CARES) initiative at the Louisiana State University, a model for integrating autistic leadership in research. CARES was created by an Autistic PhD student with input from other autistic adults, autistic service providers, and participatory research practitioners.

Although the project is managed by the founder, all collaborators have co-ownership of the project and research. In that way, CARES functions similarly to any other academic partnership. However, collaborators do not necessarily have any prior research experience. This model ensures that lived expertise is valued equally alongside academic knowledge, making research more accessible, representative, and impactful. While CARES was built by autistic people, this work has implications for all neurodivergent individuals/neurotypes. Drawing from the process of building CARES and related research, including studies on autistic stimming, identity, and communication, this session will examine the importance of autistic-led inquiry, intersectional representation, and research as a tool for community empowerment. Participants will gain insights into the process of building sustainable participatory research networks in university settings, supporting neurodivergent students, faculty, and disability professionals.

Through interactive discussion and case studies, we will highlight practical strategies for implementing collaborative research models, fostering cross-neurotype partnerships, and leveraging participatory research for systemic change in higher education.