Craft activity: Embracing autistic joy

From short bursts of pleasure to a more sustained sense of wellbeing, happiness is something we’re all seeking. 

 

In a conversation designed to disrupt stereotypes, Liz Pellicano (University College London) will explore the essence of autistic joy. Alongside collaborators and colleagues, Liz will compare neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences of happiness and challenge the assumption that autistic lives lack joy. 

 

Liz will share her research into ‘flow states’– when someone becomes so immersed in a task that they pay no attention to usual demands and expectations. Periods of intense focus have often been considered restrictive and discouraged, but Liz will argue how they can be joyful and bring a sense of control. 

 

Reframing hyperfocus as something positive, you're invited to rethink it means to be happy.

 

This drop-in arts and crafts activity will follow a 60-minute interactive talk which will be accompanied by a short trumpet performance. If you would also like to attend the talk, you can book tickets here.