I'm still planning to blog further about 'revisiting Arkadia' - though this will have to be extended to 'autumn AND WINTER' rather than just 'autumn' as I'd envisaged back in October before quite a few things came up - all pressing and all linked in some way with autism and classical myth :)
For now, let me share information about one of these things: a visit to Bristol University - my first in my new role as Honorary Professor.
I spent an intense hour-plus talking about autism and classical mythology. I'm expecting to be able to send a link to the recording of the event soon, but in the meantime, here is the accompanying image from the booking site:
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| Choice of Hercules chimneypiece panel in the Adam Room, Roehampton, London redrawn and coloured by Steve K. Simons |
Professor Susan Deacy (Roehampton/Bristol): ‘“Opening up a world...”: how and why classical myth resonates with being autistic'
Abstract: Since 2008—and especially over the past six years—I have been making experiential applications of classical myth for autistic children. This paper will share details of the project, including the models of autism I am following and the point I have reached to date. In particular I shall talk about the publication, due later this year, of my book of lessons based around Hercules and the conclusion of the ERC-funded Our Mythical Childhood...The Reception of Classical Antiquity in Children’s and Young Adults’ Culture in Response to Regional and Global Challenges, for which I am the Roehampton Principal Investigator. The quotation in this paper’s title will be explained and there will be an opportunity—entirely optional!—to try out some of the activities. I shall also share my plans for future activities, starting with a set based on Medusa before moving to mythologies from other cultures, including Wales.
And here's the link to the booking site.
More soon... I'm hoping that the recording will include the zoom chat which was extremely engaged.