Participatory Research with Young Children from Special Populations: Issues and Recommendations

The literature on participatory research with young children from special populations such as, children with disabilities, is relatively scant. Drawing upon Fielding’s six principles to guide the active student role in participatory research, this chapter examines methodological, ethical, and theoretical issues in empowering children from special populations to serve as active researchers using a strengths-based competency model. The chapter is organized within the research process that includes gaining children’s assent, identifying topic and research questions, designing research, research implementation, and dissemination of findings. Specific recommendations and strategies for outside researchers to overcome these challenges are delineated. This chapter emphasized the importance of equity, accessibility, and authenticity when collaborating with children from special populations in their role as co-researchers. The chapter concludes by advocating for more research from scholars engaging in participatory research with children from special populations.