Laughter, Loneliness, Autism (and me)

Join us for our annual Disability History Month lecture, delivered by Helen Keen.

Helen Keen was diagnosed (twice) as autistic during her time working as a comedy writer and performer. Curiosity led her back to university, and she began researching autism, loneliness, and social connection. Presently in the final stages of her PhD at the University of Exeter, Helen's work explores autistic sociality - driven by the insights of autistic people both within and beyond academia. Her research interests include the social dynamics of autistic individuals - and our sense of humour.

Helen's innovative and collaborative research with fellow autistic and neurodivergent artists has yielded intriguing preliminary findings, some of which she'll be sharing. Alongside these insights, Helen will discuss how her passion for comedy and her distinctive interests have shaped her career(s).