Dr Keren MacLennan
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kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Dr Keren MacLennan
@kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
970 followers 150 following 26 posts
👩‍🔬 Lecturer in Psychology, University of Bath
📚 Researching sensory experiences and inclusive spaces for Autistic and Neurodivergent people (she/her)
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kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
New publication on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music! I am really proud of this study! You can read it for free here: doi.org/10.31219/osf...
New research: “It's like all of my senses and my body become more awakened”: Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music. Herbet, G., Smith, A. & MacLennan, K. (2025). Autism in Adulthood Journal Music matters for Autistic people: Live music can be deeply meaningful for many Autistic people - bringing both joy and social connection. Barriers to live music: Autistic people encounter challenges at music venues and events. We investigated Autistic adults’ experiences to understand what could make live music more inclusive. Planning is essential: Attending a gig can feel like a “military operation” - from mapping exits to packing earplugs, Autistic attendees prepare carefully to manage uncertainty. Crowds are complex: Being in a crowd can be a positive experience (social connection, shared energy) but also stressful (noise, closeness, unpredictability). Sensory duality: Live music can create moments of immersive joy (“the vibrations bring out the colours in my mind”), but also sensory overload (“my brain is screaming at me”). Staff make the difference: Supportive, understanding staff can transform the experience - reducing stigma and creating safe, inclusive spaces. Inclusion reduces isolation: Working together to improve inclusivity at live music venues and events would help Autistic people access the joy of live music - fostering social connection and belonging.
September 25, 2025 at 11:36 AM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
If you are Autistic and aged 16 years+ please take part in our online study! We would like you to tell us about your sensory experiences and your views on a couple of existing sensory measures.

The survey will take around 20-60 mins to complete:

This is the link to the survey: lnkd.in/d-bps77X
June 19, 2025 at 3:04 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Such a lush day at the Community and Inclusion Celebration Event @uniofbath.bsky.social representing the Centre for Applied Autism Research at @psychologybath.bsky.social

We shared our work related to making the University a more inclusive space for Autistic and Neurodivergent students.
Stand with the Center for Applied Autism Research banner and information People mingling at the community and inclusion celebration event at the University of Bath
May 14, 2025 at 4:34 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
New study! We are looking for anyone (aged 18 years+) who attends live music to share their experiences so we can understand how to make live music more inclusive.

Please complete this ~30min online survey: lnkd.in/e-52MrAr

#neurodiversity #music #neurodivergent #inclusion #accessibility #EDI
Study flyer including the information that is in the accompanying post
May 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
In the Department of Psychology at University of Bath we are trialling these fantastic Nook Wellness Pods as a restorative space for staff and students. We are striving to make our department more neuro-inclusive by creating different spaces that provide a calming refuge for those who need it 🙌
Two Nook Huddle pods side by side
February 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
kerenmaclennan.bsky.social
Looks like I’m off to Seattle in May 🥳 Really looking forward to presenting our study on Autistic adults’ experiences of attending live music!
Screen shot of abstract submission approval email
January 31, 2025 at 7:46 AM