Project Summary
The ‘Supporting Neurodiverse Comics Creators’ project explored the experiences of neurodivergent comic creators in Adelaide. Centring the lived experience of the participants, a collaborative research team from UniSA, Flinders University and the University of Adelaide, in partnership with Writers SA, consulted with neurodivergent comics creators to scope initial themes or concerns of interest to their practice.
We then developed a participatory methodology, engaging a neurodivergent comics creator to facilitate a series of workshops in-person and online, in which participants discussed the support networks which helped them in their comics creation; their engagement with education, both formal and informal; and the challenges of developing a creative practice in Adelaide.
We anonymised and transcribed the workshop transcripts, then sorted them according to themes. Some of the themes which emerged include connection and expression, comic techniques, creative process, barriers, resources, supports, publishing, community and audience.
Project Outcomes
The research team collaboratied with artist Michelle Chan to develop and disemminate a free zine that incorporated the themes, and explains ways to support neurodivergent artists' practice.
A panel was convened on 15 November 2023 as part of a research sharing day on the medical humanities and creative writing convened by UniSA’s Creative People, Products and Places Centre. Members of the research team also presented to the local comics organisation, Squish Squash, on 11 August 2025.
In collaboration with comics creators, the research team are developing and disseminating a zine that explains ways to support neurodivergent artists’ practice.
The research team will develop a peer-reviewed article for a Q1 journal on the methodology, results, interpretation, and implications of the research. Comics will be utilised to communicate the research. A chapter has also been contracted for the Palgrave Handbook of Disability in Comics and Graphic Narratives.
Project Lead
Dr Jessica White, UniSA
Research team
- Dr Jeanne-Marie Viljoen, UniSA
- Ms Jo Mignone, UniSA
- Dr Katerina Bryant, UniSA
- Associate Professor Kylie Cardell, Flinders University
- Dr Aaron Humphrey, Adelaide University
Project funding partners
Supported by the Global Arts and Health Alliance
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Jessica White
Email: jessica.white2@unisa.edu.au
