The Autistic Newly Weds - Navigating a Successful Marriage!

Internationally recognized Autistic Newlyweds share their experience of courtship, their famous ALL-AUTISTIC Wedding, and their happily ever-after advice! The Autistic Newly Weds – Navigating a Successful Marriage!

Officiated by Globe-Trotting Autism Ambassador Dr. Stephen Shore, Anita Lesko & Abraham Talmage Nielsen were married in an ALL-AUTISTIC Wedding ceremony.  The wedding attracted international media attention, From PEOPLE, Good Morning America, Fox News, Huffington Post and many more.  It was part of the Annual Love & Autism Conference on September 26, 2015 in San Diego. The bride and groom opened their wedding to the public to generate awareness that people on the autism spectrum have the same need for love, relationships and marriage as everyone else.

The Conference Organizer, Dr. Jenny Palmiotto, quickly added Wedding Planner to her agenda once the idea to host the wedding at her conference was born.  A simultaneous idea of having an ALL-AUTISTIC wedding party was thought of by Jenny and Anita.  From there, the planning began, and a wonderful group of autistic people were selected to participate in the historic event. Dr. Stephen Shore, friend of the bride & groom, was selected to be the Officiant of the Day and performed the wedding ceremony.  Dr. Temple Grandin made a pre-recorded message for Anita and Abraham, and her mother, Eustacia Cutler called just as the cake cutting ceremony begain with her well wishes.  Alex Plank, Founder of Wrong Planet was selected to be the Best Man.  Michael Tolleson, Autistic Savant Artist, did a live painting that was 6 ft by 8 ft and used as the backdrop for the wedding ceremony. Kat Highet, an autistic harpist, brought her harp to provide the music.  Also were numerous other participants in this event.

The entire event was captured on video to create a documentary by Joey Travolta’s film company Inclusion Films.

Anita and Abraham will discuss how their relationship began, and how they transitioned from best friends into a romantic relationship.  The audience will learn how an autistic couple approached intimacy and sex, and how they learned to communicate effectively.

The group will discuss the ALL-AUTISTIC wedding, from the planning stages to the actual event.

Anita and Abraham will then conclude the presentation with how they deal with everyday life and stresses present in everyone’s life.  They make the presentation humorous at times, heartwarming, and provide great wisdom everyone can take home and use in their own relationships and marriage!

This will be a presentation like no other!

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how autistic people have the same need for love, relationships and marriage as everyone else.
• Relate a successful transition from friends to lovers.
• Identify our strategy for maintaining a happy, loving, successful marriage.

Track: Lifespan 4 - Adulthood

Content Area: ​​​National Advocacy

Presenters:

Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Flying High with Autism Foundation

Diagnosed at 50 with Asperger's, I then became an autism advocate, authoring several books, and speaking. I've been working full time the past 26 years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Now 56, I just married my autistic husband, together we are striving to change the world's view of autism.

Abraham Talmage Nielsen
AutoCAD Draftsman
Butler & Associates Professional Land Surveying & Mapping

Diagnosed at age two with Autism, Abraham didn't receive typical intervention. Receiving his education in Cyber Security, he then went on to study AutoCAD Drafting and works full time doing that. Recently married, he's enjoying a happy marriage with his autistic wife.

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.
Professor at Adelphi University
Adelphi University

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" & "too sick" for outpatient treatment Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Non-verbal until four, with support from parents, teachers and his wife, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where research focuses on matching best practice to needs of autistic individuals.

Alexander Plank
Self-Advocate, Founder of Wrong Planet

Alex runs, owns, and develops WrongPlanet.net, a popular autism community that he started after being diagnosed with Asperger's. He graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Film and Video Studies and started the popular online TV show, Autism Talk TV.

Jenny Palmiotto, Psy D
CEO, The Family Guidance & Therapy Center of Southern California
The Family Guidance & Therapy Center of Southern California

Michael Tolleson
Autistic Savant Artist
Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center

Michael Tolleson is a late diagnosed autistic savant artist who has created over 600 paintings in his short 3 years career of painting. He is based in the Seattle Washington area where he operates an art mentoring facility and art gallery.

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