Topological Mappings of Neurodiverse Learning Space and Flows

Abstract

The first purpose of this experimental (post)qualitative research paper is to illustrate diverse possibilities of neurodiverse movement and classroom variations across different spaces in a neurodiversity-affirming summer camp. The summer camp was designed to facilitate the development of computational thinking (CT) using wearable music sensors (WMS) for neurodiverse youth. Both the WMS and CT lessons were co-designed through a research practice partnership and had been previously tried out with neurodiverse middle school students in various settings. Our research question addresses: How do neurodivergent learning spaces map across/within/through physical, pedagogical, and technological flows during a 1-week neurodiversity-affirming summer camp? The second purpose is to experiment with topological mappings as one potential form of neurodivergent data (analysis) interactions. We illustrate how molar/neurotypical and molecular/neurodiverse topological flows potentially structure neurodiverse learning spaces and spacetime. Implications extend to re-conceptualizing possibilities of social research methods and designing neurodiverse, embodied inquiry approaches for neurodiverse educational contexts.