Autism and Attachment: 6-week course [ONLINE, IRE]

For years, autistic people were often portrayed as uninterested in, or incapable of, successful relationships. Challenges with communication and attachment – the internal framework we all use to navigate connections – were frequently blamed. Yet, modern research paints a very different picture. 

Join Dr Felicity Sedgewick in this 6-week course to explore what attachment is, how it forms, and its impact throughout our lives. This course will challenge stereotypes about autistic people’s relationships, tracing the early years to adulthood. Drawing on evidence-based research, you will leave with practical tools foundational to a meaningful connection. Whether you are an autistic individual, an ally, a professional, or someone eager to strengthen relationships, this course will be a building block in establishing healthier relationships.

Course Overview:

Week 1: Understanding Attachment: Foundations for Connection

Week 2: Friendships and Social Development: Childhood to Adolescence

Week 3: Friendships Growing Up: Adult Friendships and Their Impact

Week 4: Autistic Adulthood: Romance, Intimacy, and Challenges

Week 5: Autistic Elders: What Happens to Social Connections in Our Later Years?

Week 6: Supporting Healthy Relationships Across the Lifespan

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About your host:

Dr Felicity Sedgewick is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology of Education at the University of Bristol. She has worked with autistic and neurodivergent people for over a decade, particularly with autistic women and girls. Her research has focused on gender differences in autism, relationships, and mental health, as well as experiences in higher education. Her work is strongly participatory in design and aims to always reflect community priorities. She is the lead author of the book Autism and Masking: How and why people do it, and the impact it can have.

Testimonials from our guests

⭐ Super Interesting talks! Fun and Informative - Ally S.

⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J