About this session
Neurodiversity describes the fact that all brains are different, and neurodivergence refers to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, or Tourette syndrome. Neurodivergent individuals think, feel, sense, interact, and behave differently than most people.
In February’s monthly lecture lecture, Dr Lisa Quadt will talk about research on brain-body interactions in neurodivergent adults and how this science can help improve quality of life. Although there are many persistent stereotypes, neurodivergent individuals present on a complex spectrum of (dis)ability, challenges, and strengths, just as anyone else. Previous research also shows that neurodivergent people of all ages have worse mental and physical health, that our life expectancy is up to 30 years reduced, and that our needs are often unmet in healthcare, social care, educational, and social settings, with devastating effects on their wellbeing.
Dr Quadt will present findings from three strands of research, looking at (1) bodily mechanisms, such as differences in the fight-or-flight nervous system, (2) sensory differences in how the world, one’s own body, and other people is perceived, and (3) the impact of living in a world that is built for and favours the non-neurodivergent majority. Dr Quadt will also propose some ways in which we can all help build a more inclusive society for neurodivergent people.
Dr Lisa Quadt is a neurodivergent researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Her research focuses on brain-body interactions in neurodivergent adults, and how we can improve their lives through tailored and novel support strategies.
If you have any questions about this event, or the Monthly Lecture Series, please email the Outreach Team via outreach@bsms.ac.uk
Please note, we do not provide certificates of attendance for any of our online talks or lectures in the Monthly Lecture Series.
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