[Cadaad] CFP: Workshop on autistic focused interests, identity, and communication

[Jessica Aiston]

Dear colleagues (with apologies for cross-posting),

This is a reminder of an upcoming workshop about autism, focused interests, and communication, organised by myself and Professor Nelya Koteyko, as the deadline for expressing interest in contributing is fast approaching!

The workshop itself will take place on the 8-9th January 2026 at Queen Mary University of London, in hybrid format. Please see the attachments for more information.

Our workshop aims to explore how autistic people engage with and express focused interests across diverse communicative settings. Bringing together discourse, narrative, and interactional approaches, the sessions will examine how focused interests shape the stories autistic individuals tell, the way knowledge is shared, and connections are formed— both online and offline. What would it mean to centre focused interests as a strength, rather than a symptom in need of intervention?
We especially welcome participation from autistic individuals and allies, clinicians, educational professionals, and others outside of academia.
If you are interested in contributing to the workshop (as a presenter, or speaker at a roundtable discussion), please get in touch with me by Friday 14th November. I am happy to answer any questions you have.

Once we have the confirmation of speakers, I will circulate information about how to sign up to attend the workshop.

Best wishes,

Jessica Aiston
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
School of Arts, Queen Mary University of London
Current project: https://autisminaffinityspaces.org/


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