This research explores the creation of costume, performance, and the embodiment of metaphorical armour as a means to process and transform unresolved complex trauma associated with lived experience, for neurodivergent persons. Utilising my personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic individual, the study investigates how trauma alters one’s existence, mental health, and physical well-being.

Through the creation of physical forms that represent metaphorical armour, this work investigates the hypothesis that trauma survivors can retrain their nervous systems to mitigate the perception of danger in non-threatening situations. The impact of complex trauma on mental health is elucidated, revealing its capacity to induce feelings of worthlessness, shame, and emotional dysregulation, alongside physical manifestations that may predispose individuals to various health issues.

This inquiry employs performance as a vital tool for self-actualisation, utilising practices such as mindfulness, grounding, and movement exercises to facilitate transformation. Transformation in this context translates to benefits either large or small. Some benefits I have experienced and which have been recorded by others are individual empowerment and reduced anxiety. Additionally, the case study of the Wearable Sculpture Workshop exemplifies the dissemination of these practices, emphasising trauma-informed care in creative processes to minimize re-traumatisation. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of trauma through embodied practices, highlighting the potential for creative expression to foster resilience and recovery for neurodivergent persons.

Kat Cope is a late diagnosed autistic mixed-media artist and PhD researcher from the United States. Their research asks, “How can costume and performance embody metaphorical armour to process and transform complex trauma?”

They create wearable sculpture, performance, film, installation, and facilitate community workshops. Cope examines their lived experience as a undiagnosed neurodivergent person, and aims to help others like them and those not so like them to coexist and collaborate.

Kat holds a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College (2005) and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (2009). They have exhibited in numerous group exhibitions and select solo exhibitions internationally.