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CANCELLED (NOTE FROM PRESENTER UPLOADED): Challenging the Myths of Autism: An Empowering Re-framing of Common Limiting Stereotypes
Thursday, July 13, 2017: 12:30 PM-1:45 PM
Room: 103D (Wisconsin Center )
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Get the Facts! What are the most prevalent potentially damaging fallacies about people with autism? Jonathan examines the origins, explains why dispelling them matters and, importantly, describes new understandings from research that empower parents and professionals toward greater acceptance, insightful education and a new realm of treatment and research possibilities.
In presenting the ideas from my book in several cities across Canada I found that “the myths” are an interesting and compelling jumping-off point into meaningful discussions that both professionals and parents alike are eager to have. My approach has been to not only present information/ facts and to share real-life anecdotes from over two decades of working int he field with families and children on the spectrum, but to encourage participants to do some self-reflection: “What beliefs do you hold about people with autism that might play into a stereotype that could be limiting to the way you approach them?”, for example. I’ve also found that there is never a lack of questions that parents want to ask and never enough time for them! I try to find a nice balance between some lecture and discussion/ Q&A, and I feel comfortable facilitating this.
Of the list of myths/ stereotypes I can present on, there are a few that trigger more discussion so I plan to present on about four (of a possible seven or so. Parents especially tell me these ones are very helpful to understand better and often leave feeleing a confirmation of what they ‘felt’ but appreciate now having good quality research to back it up.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants who attend this presentation will be able to:
1. Identify and critique at least 3 popularly held limiting stereotypes of people diagnosed with autism and understand their origins.
- 2. Explain the research and evidence that refutes the negative stereotypes
- 3. Understand the important policy, treatment, and social acceptance implications of challenging the stereotypes and hopefully be empowered to promote a more positive view of persons with ASD.
Track: Life Stage 1 - Birth to 5
Content Area: Self-Identity and Acceptance
Presenter:
Jonathan Alderson, BA., Ed.M.
Integrative Multi-Treatment Intervention Program
Jonathan Alderson is the founder and director of the Integrative Multi-Treatment Intervention program. He holds a Masters degree from Harvard University, has worked with over 2,000 children on the spectrum, and is the author of Challenging the Myths of Autism which has been honoured with the Mom’s Choice Gold Award.