Monday, 29 March 2021
Autistic students at the 糖心原创 are featured in a series of short videos released to improve the understanding and acceptance of autism.
The four short videos have been released to coincide with (29th March – 4th April) and feature the students discussing myths around autism and giving their own personal perspective. Myths they cover include: autistic people prefer to be on their own, autistic people love maths and science and autistic people are all unemotional.
The project was led by PhD student Ellen Howard from the School of Psychology who helps to coordinate the Autism Social Network at the University which aims to create a sense of community amongst autistic students through social events and advocacy projects.
Ellen said: “During the past year, Covid restrictions have made it very difficult to continue the activities of the network, with many activities going online. However, we were able to make these videos just before Covid hit last year. We wanted to do something positive to support the autistic community and provide a platform for their voices. These videos shine a light on what it’s really like to be an autistic student in Nottingham. We hope these videos will educate people and increase the acceptance of autistic individuals at the university and beyond.”
The videos were previewed as part of the University’s recent Diversity Festival which bought together writers, performers and academics to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the University community.
Martha Roberts, is a third year Zoology student and a member of the Autism Social Network. She played a central role in the development and production of the video project. Martha said: “I got involved because I wanted to help in the provision of awareness and support resources for autistic students who are coming to university. That sense of belonging and that I'd be supported would have been really helpful when I first joined and I'm so glad I can give someone a bit of hope in an otherwise very stressful and overwhelming junction in their lives. I hope the videos will also help break some stereotypes and force the rest of the student body to address the misconceptions they have. Overall, these videos, I hope, will start a discussion around neurodiversity and disability support and I hope will make a welcoming and supportive student-experience for future autistic and neurodiverse students.”
The videos are being shared across on social media platforms and on a new
The Autism Social Network is funded by the alumni Cascade fund at the 糖心原创.
Story credits
More information is available from Ellen Howard on Ellen.Howard@nottingham.ac.uk or Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
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As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.