The research wing team of faculty and students have tried to organize into groups to explore

research directions and to set a framework for research activities at CNRI.

Two main directions were proposed

(a) Qualitative explorations in neurodiversity

(b) Quantitative approaches towards assessments and retraining.

As a part of qualitative explorations, Samuel, Tanisha, Samara, and Shrishti have worked

together to synthesize current research on neurodivergent women and what is currently

understood about their specific needs. This review project is a reflective and methodical attempt

at giving voice and hearing to the voices and concerns of neurodivergent women to enable

evidence-based inclusive practices and policy. In support of this effort, the group developed a

literature matrix and established a set of research questions designed to guide a systematic

review of the literature. They are now preparing an extraction sheet to enable a systematic

compilation of pertinent studies. The team has developed a series of infographics that graphically

describe the research plan. These infographics indicate the multi-faceted approach followed by

our research arm, which entails:

• Undertaking an extensive review of literature in order to pinpoint and trace the need of neurodivergent women

• Enabling insight-oriented dialogue about the lives of neurodivergent women studentsin higher educational settings

• Refining the research focus with inputs and recommendations from stakeholders to make it meaningful and impactful

• Invite studies addressing the identified questions

As a part of quantitative approach to assessment and retraining another team of students (Asmita,

Shruti Paul, Rithvik, Rutvi) have worked on the following problems:

Use of Eye Tracking in examining the basis of ASD and ADHD and leveraging the knowledge to

assess and retrain specific functions to enhance cognitive competence. In this context separate

teams of students are compiling the current literature to guide new research effort from CNRI, on

the following topics:

a. Developmental “markers” of autism.

b. Using a Gamified approach in retraining for children with ASD & ADHD.

c. Efforts in “Early” detection (< 2 years), Assessment, and Interventions.

 

Asmita Tarafdar and Shruti Paul have compiled the literature matrix for “Gaze-based

Assessment Research”. A presentation with current tasks used in the development of eye

tracking markers has been compiled from literature. Rithvik and Rutvi have compiled a literature

matrix on gamified approaches and cognitive assessment markers in neurodiversity. The next

step is to refine the research focus with inputs and recommendations from the neurodivergent

community of students at our university to make the questions more meaningful and impactful.

Subsequently the questions will be shared to invite research teams to take it forward.

Other interns have either helped with the above effort, or taken up other literature reviews to

develop a list of research gaps. These efforts are still ongoing.

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A proposal for CNRI Research Day was compiled and shared with the faculty group of CNRI.

This one day Neurodiversity research summit is a platform for student researchers to present

their work on various topics related to Neurodiversity. In principle the idea was approved

however, finalising the dates are under discussion.