Community of Inquiry
Autism and Neurodivergence Research in South Carolina
What should autism and neurodivergence research focus on? What would make it more useful in everyday life?
The Community of Inquiry brings together Autistic and neurodivergent people, family members, advocates, professionals, researchers, and students to explore these questions together.
Led by Dr. Margaret Janse van Rensburg at the University of South Carolina College of Social Work, the group creates an ongoing space to share research, exchange perspectives, and identify priorities for future work. Lived experience is valued as expertise.
Through online meetings and opportunities to contribute between sessions, members can:
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Hear about current research, findings, and opportunities to get involved.
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Share experiences, questions, and community priorities.
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Identify overlooked issues and perspectives.
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Help shape future research questions, resources, and collaborations.
The group began meeting in October 2026. Early conversations highlighted adult support needs, access to understandable information, and ways to make research more respectful and accessible.
Participate in ways that work for you
You do not need research experience. You can speak, type in the chat, listen with your camera off, or share written feedback outside meetings.
There is no expectation to attend every meeting or contribute to every discussion. The Community of Inquiry is an ongoing forum, rather than a formal advisory board.
Upcoming meetings
The next online meeting will be offered at two times:
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Monday, April 12, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern
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Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern
Choose the session that works best for you. Meeting details will be shared with the email list.
Want to join the COI?
Get in touch so we can start working together.