About
Laura Seymour researches early modern neurodiversity studies, focusing in particular on literature from Britain, Spain, and Poland, and on neo-Latin literature. She is the author of Shakespeare and Neurodiversity (Cambridge University Press, 2025) and Refusing to Behave in Early Modern Literature (Edinburgh University Press, 2022).
Laura's current research project, AMEND - Early Modern European Neurodivergence, runs from 2025-2030 and is funded by the Wellcome Trust. This collaborative project has three aims. First, to use archival research methods, digital humanities, and practice-as-research to define how neurodivergence was understood, experienced, and lived in Europe in the years 1550-1750 CE, across languages and cultures. Second, to use early modern texts to hone neurodivergent literary-critical methods. Third, to explore the interrelations between reading, creative writing, and wellbeing for neurodivergent people.
She is currently writing Early Modern Neurodivergence (Oxford University Press, projected to be published in 2027/8) and co-authoring The Sedentary Renaissance with Dr Eva Lauenstein (Brill, 2028) which explores the importance of sitting down in texts and artworks from Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands within the frameworks of gender, race, neurodivergence, and disability and in the context of present-day practices of academic overwork and sedentariness.
Laura prefers to work collaboratively and co-creatively, especially with neurodivergent and disabled people.
Laura tries not to fly wherever possible, including for academic conferences.
Originally from the West Country, Laura studied at the University of Cambridge and Birkbeck, University of London. Before arriving at Swansea thanks to a Wellcome mid-career award, she worked at Oxford University, Bath Spa University, Royal Holloway, and Birkbeck, University of London. Outside of academia, Laura works as a psychotherapeutic counsellor both volunteering and in private practice.