Abstract

PEDAL warmly invites you to an event exploring play, games and autism Tuesday 5 November 5pm to 8pm

About this Event

Our inclusive and accessible event will highlight new research that investigates the role of play, games and friendships for autistic people

Event information

The PEDAL Social Play, Social Lives research strand, led by Dr Jenny Gibson, has an established programme of research exploring ways in which play supports the development of social, emotional and communication skills and helps people to build positive social relationships.

The team is embarking on new research investigating the role of play, games (board games, gaming, cosplay etc) and friendships for autistic people specifically. We invite you to join us in exploring questions such as:

• What is the role of digital technologies in empowering autistic individuals?
• What are the benefits of using play as therapy? Are there any potential drawbacks?
• Can (or should) we reframe the predominately negative narrative about video games and other forms of digital play?

PEDAL Social Play; Social Lives is delighted to be working with Autistica to make this an inclusive and accessible event.

Event schedule and guest speakers

The event is structured is as follows with details TBC :

Event timings = 5pm start – 8pm end. There will be talks (2 hours including breaks) and networking with drinks (1 hour).

Guest Speakers:

• Jenny Gibson – PEDAL
• Emma Chappell – Autistica
• Jake Mackey – Autistica Play
• Prof. Sarah Parsons – University of Southampton
• James Sinclair – Autistic blogger: Autistic and Unapologetic

7pm – 8pm – Networking and drinks reception

Final event schedule with autism friendly visual guides will follow.

Please let us know about any further accessibility needs, or if you have any questions:pedal@educ.cam.ac.uk

Booking required This event is free to all and we particularly encourage people with autism to attend. Book via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/play-games-and-autism-tickets-75126670895?aff=ebdssbeac

About PEDAL

PEDAL (Play in Education, Development and Learning) conducts academic research into the role of play in young children’s lives and aims to inform wider practice and policy. We are a multi-disciplinary team of experts in psychology, education and child development. PEDAL is located in the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education, and was launched in October 2015 with funding from the LEGO Foundation. PEDAL is part of the Psychology, Education and Learning Studies Research Group at the Faculty.

You can learn more about us and our research on PEDAL Hub www.pedalhub.net