The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

This unique presentation combines the personal and professional perspectives of a special education professor who grew up with autism and a psychologist who has raised an adult child with autism. The presenters are internationally known and have each published extensively. Combining real-life experience with scholarship, insight, and humor, this presentation appeals to a broad audience of family members and professionals. This workshop will help parents and professionals to acquire a better understanding of the impact that autism has on an individual and a family.  Both individuals have co-presented several times along this theme and have been extremely well received. 

As autism specialists, the presenters serve as models of acceptance and rays of hope for those who live or work with those who have autistic spectrum disorder. The presenter who lives with autism was nonverbal until he was four years old.  Because his parents believed in his abilities, they refused residential placement for him. Today, he is a professor of special education, has authored three books rooted in his experiences with autism, and consults to help people on the autistic spectrum develop their capabilities to the fullest extent possible. The presenter who is the parent of an adult child on the spectrum is a psychologist specializing in families of children with autism and other special needs.  He has a special interest and expertise in relating to the issues faced by fathers of children on the spectrum.  His son’s rather severe symptoms and need of round the clock care, in contrast, eventually required residential treatment.

The presenters combine their insights to teach in an unusual way. Participants will learn about autism as a spectrum disorder and how individuals achieve success along the spectrum. Participants will share in the knowledge of how sensory issues can affect learning and what it is like for a person who is living with autism. Those who attend will come to understand how parents and family members can struggle through grief and the uncertain development of a child. And, even though people may laugh and cry, they will leave refreshed, enlightened, and energized by these two remarkable men and the professional and personal stories they have to tell.

The presenters will follow the following outline:

1. Being and Becoming a Parent  & The Autism Bomb                                                                                
2. Feeling the Impact of the Diagnosis and Grieving & Understanding the Spectrum Concept
3. Ordinary Couples, Challenged Marriages & Growing Up With Autism                                                                     
4. What About Everybody Else’s Needs & Social Issues                                                                                        
5. Acceptance Is Not Giving Up & Adult Life on the Spectrum

Learning Objectives: