Saturday, September 11 | 1:00 pm | Luna A
Debate: Greta Thunberg and neurodiversity activism.
Following the screening of "I am Greta", dir. Nathan Grossman.
In Polish
Partner: a/typical Foundation
Greta Thunberg is best known for her climate activism as the initiator of the Youth Climate Strike and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Why, then, should a discussion about Thunberg’s work focus on mental health? In addition to the fact that the impact of climate change causes anxiety and depression, it’s widely known that Thunberg was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and selective mutism. Though the debate surrounding Thunberg is rightly focused on climate change, the discourse about neurodiversity—a new concept that highlights the value of unconventional minds—is picking up speed. After all, it’s the hyperfocus, pushing the boundaries of convention, and breaking the rules—often seen as social deficits of the atypical mind—that let Greta become the leader of an entire generation. As a society we must ask ourselves what to do to better support unconventional minds like hers.
Guests:
Joanna Erbel - sociologist, urban activist, expert on housing issues. Founder of the the Blisko Foundation. Author of the book "Poza własnością. W stronę udanej polityki mieszkaniowej". Collaborates with the a/typical Foundation for neurodiversity.
Mateusz Płatos - psychologist, doctor of social sciences, researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw, vice president of the board of 'Mary i Max' Association for Social Innovations. He researches the functioning of people on the autism spectrum in friendship relationships, contemporary methods of supporting persons on the autism spectrum, as well as social aspects of neurodiversity. He has worked and conducted research at the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at the University of California, Los Angeles and in other institutes. Editor and co-author of the report entitled The National Autism Census. The situation of adolescents and adults with autism in Poland (2016).
Moderator:
Edwin Bendyk (born 1965) – journalist, publicist and writer, commentator in the Polityka weekly. Academic lecturer, member of the Polish PEN-Club, president of the board of the Stefan Batory Foundation. He blogs at https://antymatrix.blog.polityka.pl/. Recently, he published the book entitled In Poland, or Everywhere: The Fall and The Future of The World.
