Research Insights

Evidence to support participation and belonging for neurodivergent folk.

Discovery Labs is grounded in research, lived experience and practical work with students, teachers, schools and communities.

Our Research Insights hub translates evidence into accessible guidance for educators, school leaders and parents. We explore how learning environments influence engagement, how neurodivergent folk experience belonging, and how strength-based approaches can support innovation and talent identification.

This hub connects published research, practical insights and real-world application of our methods for increased participation and understanding for neurodivergent cohorts.

RESEARCH IN PRACTICE

Publications

Michelle Wong's research and lived-experience as a woman with ADHD and over 15 years teaching, provide the evidence base that informs Discovery Labs programs, professional learning and resources.

Michelle has completed a Master of Philosophy (research) with global publications grounded in strength-based support for the psychological needs of autistic youth. Additionally, Michelle has developed the "Community Contribution Framework," a global model of inclusion for underrepresented community voices.

Wong Research

Informed Insights

Practical articles translating research into school-relevant ideas.

Topics include student engagement, behaviour and belonging, executive functioning, strength-based education, inclusive innovation, classroom participation and practical strategies for supporting diverse learners.

Parent Hub

Accessible resources for parents and carers seeking language, evidence and practical framing to support conversations with schools.

The Parent Hub is designed to help families describe their child’s strengths, needs and learning experiences in ways that support constructive school partnerships.

Why Research Matters

Many schools and organisations are committed to inclusion but need practical, evidence-informed ways to move from intention to implementation.

Research helps explain why some students disengage, why behaviour can escalate, why and what environmental factors support the psychological needs and belonging for autistic youth.

Discovery Labs uses research not as theory for theory’s sake, but as a foundation for practical change. Discovery Labs has emerged from GoSH’s work with thousands of young people, backed by research, and designed to help schools recognise diverse talent in practical ways.

Environment

We all thrive when we are in environments where we feel we belong, are capable and have a sense of agency. We can foster these environments by:

acknowledging and creating opportunities for multiple communication styles
reducing barriers (e.g. clear expectations)
value strengths beyond traditional performance measures

Educators

Research insights are a valuable tool for educators, often providing scientific evidence for what many teachers know and experience intuitively. Research supports:

teachers seeking practical evidence
school leaders planning inclusion strategy
teachers seeking deeper understanding of their learners and behaviours
Education Assistants supporting neurodivergent students

Parents & Supporters

The strongest supporters and advocates for strengths-based practice for neurodivergent youth are their parents and carers. These are the ones who know their young person better than anyone, but constant advocating can be exhausting. This hub supports: