Flow Unlocked is a creative, autistic-led collaboration that places relationships—personal, sensory, and social—at the centre of autistic experience.
Too often, autistic people are described in terms of what they lack. This project turns that narrative on its head. Flow Unlocked honours the depth, intensity, and sensitivity with which autistic ppl connect with the world, each other, and themselves.
Born during the pandemic and rooted in my research interests on autistic mental health and relationships, the project has grown into a celebration of autistic expression through poetry, photography, drawing, and film.
The team
We are a collaborative; Georgia Pavlopoulou, UCL associate professor, Jon Adams, neurodivergent artist, polymath, Synaesthete and mental health Champion and Briony Campbell, artist, facilitator and project manager. Georgia's work on autistic mental health and relationships is at the root of Flow Unlocked.
Flow Unlocked: The story behind the name
Briony brought up the idea of Regents Canal and Lee River as a geographical focal point for the project. seeing it as a metaphorical flowing artery of her ever-changing neighbourhood, which both connects and divides us. Georgia found an inspiring connection to the positive psychological theory of ‘flow state’. The theory of flow state is popular among autistic thinkers as it resonates with the ability of autistic people to have extended focus, and to hyper-focus on areas of interest. This optimal experience can help autistic people to maintain a positive view of self and the world.
Visual works were created by partners in crime and co-artists Jon Adams and Briony Campbell, in collaboration with the incredible Flow Unlocked participants.
Building the Process
In Spring 2020, we began a six-month autistic-led consultation process with community consultants, artists, and UCL staff. Together, we shaped our mission, methodology, and ethics.
By Autumn 2020, we were ready to invite autistic East Londoners to join a series of creative writing workshops. These spaces focused on exploring relationships—with place, people, objects, and the natural world.
As a group, we built a safe and affirming space to share stories and write poetry—especially about the relational impacts of lockdown. Visual works created by Briony and Jon were shaped in direct response to participants’ words and feedback.
We also reflected critically on co-authorship and representation, ensuring that the project honoured the voices and creative agency of all involved.
What We’re Learning
Flow Unlocked is more than a project, it’s a practice of listening, creating, and making space for new kinds of knowledge.
Through this work, we’re challenging harmful stereotypes and co-creating alternative narratives of what it means to be autistic. We’re learning how creative process can be care. How collaboration can be political. And how relationships, when held with intention and respect, can unlock new ways of being, seeing, and thriving.
If you're autistic, neurodivergent, or an ally who believes in the power of creative collaboration share our work, amplify our voices, and challenge the tired stereotypes. Flow Unlocked is a growing community, and your energy helps it thrive.
Follow, share, and get in touch. This story is still unfolding, with you in it.
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