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7014 "Social Impairment!?" NOT! the Role of Friendship and Mentoring in ASDs [CRC Session]


Friday, July 25, 2014: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
210 (Indiana Convention Center)
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It's often misunderstood that having "social impairment issues" equates to being antisocial or friendless. Come and enjoy these close friends sharing what each has meant to the other. Learn what peer to peer mentoring offers unlike any other kind of mentoring and what inclusion can provide. Nearly 20 years ago, I found myself strangely drawn to a man--fully grown--sitting in a therapy swing at a conference in Louisville. Little did I know that the hungry conversation we’d share would be the beginning of one of the thousands of mentoring relationships he supported, and with time, one of the deepest and most cherished friendships any two people could experience.

     This circumstance where two people would randomly connect at school, at a conference, on an email, in a letter, in thousands of private messages—all of these lovely connections—represent the “hidden curriculum of love” that exists in the underpinnings of this, the autism community.

  1. In this presentation, participants will explode the myth that people with autism aren’t social.
  2. We will describe the key relationships that have lifted each of us up to seek to be our best, authentic selves.
  3. We will discuss the benefits of autistic relationships
  4. We will discuss the benefits of relationships outside of Autismland.
  5. We will explain how you can create relationships and cultivate mentoring in the home communities the participants will return to.
  6. The panelists will represent many manifestations of ASD, multiple gender scenarios and many ages.

Learning Objectives:

  • This panel will illustrate and examine why how people view "social impairment issues" as being antisocial or friendless are myths.
  • Explain to participants the unique value and benefit of friendship and mentoring specifically between people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the benefits of group engagement with typical peers.
  • Each participant will discover the shared mentoring and friendships that they all can relate to from their own experiences.

Content Area: Social Skills

Presenters:

Dena Gassner, Ph.D., student
Director Center for Understanding
Dena Gassner

Dena is the Director of the Center for Understanding, providing training and information worldwide. Boards for the Arc US, GRASP and the Autism Society benefit from her unique expertise. Wife, mother and non-traditional Ph.D. student at Adelphi University, she's living an authentic life including--not separate from--her own autistic identity.

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.

Diagnosed with "strong autistic tendencies," nonverbal until four and recommended for institutionalization, Stephen Shore is a professor of special education at Adelphi University focusing on helping people with ASD lead fulfilling and productive lives. He’s an internationally known author, consultant, and educator on issues related to ASD.

Chloe M. Rothschild, Self-Advocate
Writer, Advocate

Chloe Rothschild is a young adult with autism and a visual impairment. Chloe is a presenter, advocate and writer. She is managing editor for the Autism Research Institute's Adults With Autism eBulletin and a member of OCALI and iTaalk's advisory boards.

Sondra K. Williams
Parent, Advocate, Speaker, Presenter

Sondra is the director for the Autistic Global initiative, Board member for the Autism Society Ohio, Advisory member for OCALI, PSA person for the Autism Society, and is a national speaker. She was the first person with ASD to receive the Governor's Courage award in Ohio.

Brian R. King, LCSW
President
Brian R. King Intl

Brian R. King is a Relationship Coach for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Brian and his three sons are all have ASD. Brian is an author and his website and interactive presentations have made him known worldwide for his positive approach to living with ASD.  

Brigid Rankowski, B.A.
DSP/CRMA, Vaudevillian, and Autistic

Brigid graduated with a B.A. from Cornell College and is currently working on her Masters from Nova Southeastern University. She works as a teaching assistant, a DSP and is in the award-winning vaudeville troupe The Dark Follies.

Jennifer O'Toole
Author and CEO, Asperkids LLC
Asperkids

Jennifer O'Toole is the author of ASA's 2014 Outstanding Literary Work and bestselling Asperkids series. One of Tony Attwood's "Top Aspie Mentors" and winner of the Temple Grandin Award, Jennifer has advised the President's Council on Disabilities and keynotes internationally. She is an Aspie and proud mom of three Asperkids.

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