Art in Autism, ADHD, and Addiction: seeking east London autistic and ADHD adults

About us
We are a diverse collective of neurodivergent artists and researchers passionate about exploring the intersections of art, neurodiversity, and mental health.

Our team includes researchers Vassilis Sideropoulos and Georgia Pavlopoulou, interested in mental health and neurodivergencies (e.g., autism and ADHD), along with artists Milou Stella, Jonathan Hogg, and Andy D’Cruz, whose expertise spans various creative mediums. 

What we’re doing 
We aim to codesign and codeliver an arts-based participatory research project, which will allow us to the experiences of autistic and ADHD people with addictions (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, porn, drugs) and the role of environments and relationships in shaping addiction experiences.

Our intention is to create a space for neurodivergent east Londoners to share their perspectives and ideas as part of a knowledge exchange activity with artists and researchers.

We want to exchange awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent people may experience addictions, by creating honest and compelling public art inspired by how neurodivergent people relate to the communities and environments around them and the emotional burdens they face. 

How you could be involved
We are asking potential experts by experience to join a consultation group in 3 creative meetings (approx. 5-6 hours) where:

1. We will collectively define project objectives, aims, and methodologies.
2. Share relevant aspects of your lived experiences and insights as a neurodivergent person with past or present experience of addictions.
3. You respond to a simple creative brief, contributing your thoughts and reflections.

In return, we will reimburse you for your time to the project (£50-80 per person). All meetings will be accessible, with agendas and instructions provided in advance. Dates/times for meetings will be agreed collectively to allow maximum accessibility.

Interested?
Experts by experience must reside in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, or Waltham Forest, be over 25 years old and consent for recording of meetings for research purposes. To joining the consultation meetings, please complete this form or email Vassilis Sideropoulos with your full name and preferred contact details. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our Future Goals: This project serves as a pilot initiative to inform a larger arts-based participatory project proposal, with the potential to create a public artwork highlighting the experiences of autistic and ADHD people with addictions and which will allow us to convey one or two key messages or debunk common myths. Your contribution will help us shape an authentic, accessible, and rewarding project.

About Our Funder: We are being funded by the UCL Trellis programme. The intentions of Trellis are to connect UCL researchers with local artists and engage the east London communities that surround the UCL East campus. 

Thank you for your time and interest!