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 the results of over two decades of research into autistic experience, much of it co-produced with autistic people from many different parts of the world. She will reveal how many autistic experiences have been stigmatised and criticised by non-autistic researchers, clinicians and policymakers for far too long. In particular, she will show how autistic “flow” offers an opportunity for a deeper and more profound appreciation of the world than is standardly assumed. 

 

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

 

The interactive talk will feature a short trumpet performance by Robyn Steward. 

The event will be followed by a drop-in craft activity. You will be invited get hands on in an activity call 'springy thingy', which is designed to disrupt stereotypes around autism. More information here.