The Diffractive Readings group aims to foster dialogue among three researchers (Rita Serra, Andreia Dickinson and Fernando Fontes) working in fields related to autism, neurodiversity, and disability. In each session, two texts will be discussed, presented by the organisers, to explore their similarities and differences, as well as emerging ideas. The discussions are open to anyone wishing to attend and participate, subject to registration.

Researcher-readers

Rita Serra, PhD. Autistic with a neurodivergent family. Researcher at the Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra. Through APVA (Portuguese Association Voice of the Autistic), she led the project AUTICORPOS - Giving substance to mental health in autism and AUTICORPOS 2.0 – improving the mental health and well-being of autistic people, co-funded by the INR, I.P., which consisted of participatory research with autistic adults and allied professionals on experiences of accessing mental health care, and peer mentoring experiences. She co-organises, with Carla Oliveira, social gatherings for autistic adults at the Trama bookshop in Porto. She is currently part of the team for the CES project EcoGrief - ‘EcoGraphies of Grief: Assessing Climate Intangible Loss and Distress in Rural Portugal’, coordinated by Irina Velicu.

Andreia Dickinson, MA. Psychologist, psychotherapist and researcher. She is involved in action research, collaborative projects and initiatives with a social impact. She works primarily with neurodivergent and migrant populations. Her main areas of focus are identity processes/transformations and access to healthcare. She is a member of APPsyCI – Applied Psychology Research Centre for Capabilities & Inclusion, ISPA.

Fernando Fontes, PhD. Sociologist. Researcher at the Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra. Lecturer on the Doctoral Programme: Human Rights in Contemporary Societies (CES/IIIUC). He has led and been involved in the development of various research projects in the areas of disability, violence, poverty and social exclusion, human rights, social inclusion, sexual and reproductive citizenship, and gender equality. He is the author and co-author of several publications in the field of Disability Studies.