[Free Talk] Amplifying Autistic Joy

Everyone wants to be joyful, be it in a short burst of immediate and intense happiness or a deep and sustained commitment to the hobbies and pastimes that give our lives their meaning. Autistic people are no different than anyone else in this regard. Nonetheless, Autistic experiences of joy - and the building blocks on which it depends - are generally ignored by broader society. All too often, clinicians, educators, scientists and researchers presume that autistic lives are so full of challenge and difficulty that these moments of joy either do not occur or do not really matter if they do. Listening to Autistic people telling their own stories, however, shows us the absurd mistake at the heart of this way of interpreting Autistic experience.

In this event, Liz Pellicano and Robyn Steward will together explore the essence of joyful experience for Autistic people, establishing if and how it differs from so-called neurotypical joy and what we all need to do together if we are to enable Autistic people to thrive in the ways that they have the right to expect.

About the speakers

Liz Pellicano is a developmental and educational psychologist, who is committed to transforming autism science so that it accurately reflects everyday Autistic life. She is Professor of Autism Research at University College London (UCL), where she seeks to identify ways to bridge the gap between lab and life and open up research to greater involvement of Autistic people themselves, with the aim of generating scientific discoveries that bring real benefits to Autistic people and their families.

Robyn Steward is an Autistic trainer, consultant, author and musician. She's written three books: The Independent Woman's Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum, The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods, and The Autism Friendly Guide to Self-Employment. Robyn co-hosted the BBC Sounds podcast 1800 Seconds on Autism, and speaks internationally on topics including stimming, meltdowns, safety, self-employment, and creative identity. A skilled musician and trumpet player, she continues to perform, such as her regular residency at Cafe OTO in East London.

Entry is free, all ages welcome.

Complementary tea and coffee will be available during the break.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hampstead Community Centre, 78 Hampstead High Street, London, United Kingdom

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