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3 Voices of Autism: People on the Spectrum Speak Out

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Florida Exhibit Hall A (Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center)

As more people are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, it is increasingly likely for the neurotypical to come in contact with a person with AS. The ability to understand and interface with the AS population is becoming essential. These bright and articulate adults will share their experiences and guidelines for successful interaction.

Given the significant increase in persons receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, there is a corresponding increase in the likelihood of neurotypical persons coming in contact with someone on the autism spectrum. For both populations this can be confusing, awkward and stressful. Whether as a parent or sibling, grandparent or other relative, educator or clinician, employer or supervisor, the struggle to understand the person with a spectrum disorder is sometimes daunting. It goes without saying that the AS individual experiences considerable and predictable difficulty understanding and relating to the neurotypical person. What factors contribute to this communication gap? What facilitates communication and fosters growth? What impedes successful intercourse? How best to teach, work with, interact with, and aid the person on the spectrum? What characteristics are associated with this diagnosis and how best to ameliorate any negative effects thereof? One way to begin to answer some of these questions is to listen to the voices of people on the spectrum themselves. Fortunately, many people on the spectrum are bright and articulate, in some cases, eloquent in speaking of their journey. They are the experts on what has helped and what has been harmful. Many have worked hard to understand the ways in which they are impacted by AS and have developed strategies to improve their quality of life and their functioning in the neurotypical world. They have much to share and are generally eager to do so. This workshop is, in a sense, “Advice for the Neurotypical” from the AS community. Twenty adults were interviewed after completing a set of questions about growing up on the spectrum, relationships, educational and work experiences. They were asked to give “advice” to the neurotypical population regarding best practices for interacting with people on the spectrum. This session will highlight the thoughts and opinions of adults on the spectrum in regard to areas such as: Experiencing one’s own differences and the evolution of self image relative to the diagnosis How best to be a friend, an ally, a facilitator? ` The ways in which Self awareness leads to change. What enhances communication and interaction between people on the spectrum and the neurotypical. What people on the spectrum need from the neurotypucal world. This is an opportunity to listen to and learn from this extraordinary group of people who are increasingly present in our lives. *Important Note: This session can be presented by a powerpoint presentation alone or a powerpoint and panel of adults diagnosed with a spectrum disorder. Insofar as many adults on the spectrum are unemployed and have limited resources I would expect the CEC to waive any registration fees for these panelists. I believe their prescence would be invaluable but could not, in good conscience, ask them to participate and then expect them to pay to do so.

Ellen H. Korin, M.Ed.
Private Consulting & Coaching Practice
Adjunct Faculty - Antioch University New England Graduate School

Ellen Korin is an educator 40 years' experience. She published Asperger Syndrome An Owner’s Manual Volumes 1 and 2 (2006-7). Retired from Lexington, MA schools, she maintains a consulting/coaching practice, speaks frequently at conferences (Harvard Medical School conference on Autism, Council for Exceptional Children, ASA) and is adjunct faculty at Antioch University New England.