About

Authors/Presenters

Professor Nicola Shaughnessy (PI, Arts, Kent), Co-I’s Dr Emma Williams (Psychology, Surrey), Dr Melissa Trimingham (Arts, Kent), Dr Rocio Von Jungenfeld (Digital Arts, Kent), Dr Ruth Herbert and Dr Jackie Walduck (Music, Kent), Dr Hannah Newman (Research Fellow, Surrey)

Abstract

Working title: Beyond Stereotypes: reflections on some discoveries about autism and gender, arising from an interdisciplinary participatory arts project with autistic adolescent girls 

 

Draft Abstract

In this paper we consider some of the core themes emerging from this three year participatory research process, working with autistic adolescent girls through a creative practice-based approach. There is increasing evidence of the value of the arts to mental health and to research with disenfranchised communities in terms of agency, identity, emotional expression and relationships. We reflect on the evolution of our co-produced creative practices and our discoveries about mental well-being, performed identity, sensory experience and sociality. These offer new insights into the complexities and nuances of autistic subjectivities, challenging some of the stereotypes and offering stories beyond symptoms.

https://playingapartautisticgirls.org/people/

Last updated 2nd September 2021