Arts: Autistic talent in Music, Dance, Visual arts, Poetry (Part 2) | #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

The UN’s 2023 World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance explores the contributions autistic people make to their families and communities, and – beyond that – globally. The second part of this year’s virtual WAAD event focuses on "Autistic talent in Music, Dance, Visual arts, Poetry", and is moderated by Dr. Lutza Ireland, Psychologist and social designer. It features an all-autistic lineup of speakers and contributors and includes: a keynote address by Morgan Harper Nichols, a panel discussion and brief video contributions from around the world.

2 min Introduction to Arts
Event moderator: Charlotte VALEUR, Chair, Institute of Neurodiversity (ION)

5 min Video contributions from around the world

Chima OUNH (Nigeria - USA): Graphic designer
Darren S (USA): Videographer
Rachael JOANA (USA): Creator of BirdBrain on webtoon
Sherin Mary ZACHARIA (India): Author and blogger
Giles VALEUR-ADU (UK-Ghana-Denmark): International D.J.

10 min Keynote
Morgan HARPER NICHOLS (USA): Author & poet

30 min Panel discussion: Neurodiversity in the Arts
Moderator: Dr Lutza IRELAND (Australia): Psychologist and Social designer

Giles VALEUR-ADU (UK-Ghana-Denmark): International D.J.
Debs TEALE (UK): Consultant & facilitator, The DebsEffect
Kate MACHTIGER (USA): Creative Director, Set Creative
John PROFANE [KNAPP] (USA): Autistic podcaster, pretend rock star, socialist
Lauren Melissa ELLZEY (USA): Author, @autienelle
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With four moderated panel discussions, this year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) observance explores the contributions autistic people from around the world make in their communities.

Each panel discussion will specifically focus on the contributions autistic people make at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.

The narrative around autism is gradually moving away from misconceptions of curing and converting autistic people to an inclusive approach focusing on accepting, supporting and involving autistic people, and embracing the concept of neurodiversity – the idea that people experience and interact with the world in many different ways and that there is no one "right" way.

These discussions shed light on how the transformation in the narrative around neurodiversity can continue to be furthered in order to overcome barriers, improve the lives of autistic people everywhere and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Full programme: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/waad_2023_programme.pdf Learn more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day

This virtual event was organized in close collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), an organization established and run by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people and allies. ION is based in Switzerland and currently has a presence in 14 countries. ION is working to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted, represented, included, empowered and heard.

Watch All Segments
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Home: Autistic perspectives of Home, Life and Education (Part 1):https://youtu.be/XWuyHPc74W4

Arts: Autistic talent in Music, Dance, Visual arts, Poetry (Part 2): https://youtu.be/8kx_PuJMaOc

Work: Autistic perspectives on Neurodiversity at Work (Part 3): https://youtu.be/EWDYhRlUme0

Policy: Autistic perspectives on Policy and Advocacy (Part 4): https://youtu.be/E8Znivn_tcI