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2382 Making Lemonade*

Friday, July 13, 2007: 3:00 PM-4:15 PM

Cushing A & B (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)

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This session, given by a person with autism who is also a professional in the field, will address the various ways students on the spectrum take in, process and output information including topics of sensory system differences and the literal, concrete thinking so typical of many of our students. As we come to understand, appreciate and work with our student’s reality of life we gain the ability to help them put a positive spin on their differences and to become more comfortable living with and managing their own autism. The presenter will offer selected poetry readings that illustrate the difficult “lemons” of autism in her own life along with the “lemonade” she has been able to turn them into. This session addresses how students take in, process and output information. Topics include sensory system differences and literal, concrete thinking. Selected poetry readings will illustrate how the presenter has turned some difficult lemons of her own autism into lemonade.

The poetry will include examples from Judy's book Making Lemonade, Hints for Autism's Helpers (CBR Press, 2006)which is a compilation of instructive poetry reflecting Judy's life experiences as a person with autism, a parent of a now-grown son on the spectrum and as an autism consultant providing support and consultation to individuals, schools and agencies serving those on the spectrum.

The presentation will conclude with stories from Judy's life that highlight the importance of meaningful relationships for those on the spectrum. In spite of sensory system and style of thinking differences experienced by those on the spectrum, relationships are not only possible, but can be fun and rewarding for all involved.

You will hear about Judy's sojourns with friends, family and colleagues and how together they have discovered meaningful ways to turn the lemons of autism into lemonade within the context of their relationships.

Making Lemonade will take you to new places and give you a renewed hope for the possibilities that can be in all of our futures as we continue to learn how to live with autism in a meaningful, relevant and respectful manner.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the sensory differences that can be experienced by people with autism.
Understand the literal/concrete style that can be experienced by people with autism.
Learn strategies that can be useful in addressing some of the idiosyncratic way that people with autism may experience the world.
Learn strategies for establishing a meaningful relationship with individuals in your life who happen to have autism.
Develop compassion and understanding for the people in your life with autism.

Content Area: Personal Perspectives

Presenter:

Judy M. Endow, MSW
Autism Consultant
Private Practice

Judy maintains a private practice in Madison, WI, consulting for school districts, agencies and families. She is a statewide DPI Autism Trainer for Wisconsin, ASW board member and author. Judy is a mother of three, one with ASD. The blessings and challenges of her own autism impact all she does.

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