Artistic Processes of University Art Students Self-Identifying Along the Neurodiversity Spectrum

Introduction

This qualitative study seeks to gain a greater understanding of artmaking processes of students enrolled in fine art programs at Finnish universities, based on the students’ self-identification along the neurodiversity spectrum — from neurotypical to neurodivergent. Specifically, this study seeks to learn about the neurodiversity experience of students’ engagement with artistic thinking within their artistic processes. It will do this by analyzing the differences and similarities in responses across various themes about the students’ artistic processes, based on their self-identification along the neurodiversity spectrum. The implications of this analysis will contribute to enhancing the understanding of the diversity of artistic thinking, and to inform the refinement and further development of strategies of diversity, equity, and accessibility in approaching teaching and learning through artist pedagogy.