New Perspectives on Autism

This February 8th and 15th, Giant Steps Montreal will host its fourth annual evening lecture series titled ASD Perspectives. This training initiative was undertaken by Thomas Henderson in reaction to a predominance of intervention-based information sessions being offered in public training forums. What this means is that the information being offered about what the needs of autistics are, is necessarily biased or influenced by the underlying presumptions upon which the intervention is founded.

The ASD Perspectives series offers a different kind of training option that favours both the first hand perspective of autistics as well as science-based research presentations. As such the series is at the forefront of emerging research about autism and also allows access to the kind of information about autism that only autistics can provide. The series has had remarkable success over the past 3 years, and this year’s series promises to be no exception. In trying to meet its own mandate of offering new perspectives on autism, the series is changing format this year. We will be taking the idea of perspective to heart by offering two evening discussion panels. Relevant and provocative topics have been chosen to allow for a lively discussion of questions relating to learning and life stages in autism. The panelists include autistic adults, researchers, parents, and teachers. Every person’s perspective and opinion is respected. At the end of each panel discussion, the discussion will be opened up to questions from the audience. Come out, hear a different point of view, and join in the discussion. The series takes place in an intimate and charming hall in the historical Atwater Library.

Thomas Henderson is the Training Coordinator and Social Skills Specialist for Giant Steps Montreal.

For more information please call Thomas Henderson
Tel: (514) 935-1911 x236
Email: thenderson@giantstepsmontreal.com



Complete description of the series:

Lecture Location: Atwater Library, 1200 Atwater Ave. between St. Catherine and Tupper, south of the Pepsi Forum and west of the Montreal Children’s Hospital

By metro and bus: Atwater terminus

Parking: Street parking is usually available on Tupper Street, or on Rene-Levesque Blvd. Indoor Parking is available in Alexis Nihon Plaza .

Cost per lecture: Professionals - $30 Parent/Person with ASD /Student - $20


Outline:
February 8th 2010 7-9pm: Life Stages in Autism – This panel will explore the different life stages experienced by people with an autism spectrum diagnosis with regards to issues such as inclusion/exclusion, community participation, rights and services, self-advocacy, self-determination, and outcomes.

Panelists - Dr. Tara Flanagan: an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University , Doug Mitchell: a lawyer interested in the legal rights of autistics and the father of a teenager with autism, and David Lekx: a writer and musician diagnosed as an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Moderator - Michelle Dawson: an autistic researcher affiliated with the Autism Specialized Clinic at Rivière-des-Prairies Hospital .

February 15th 2010 7-9pm : Learning in Autism – This panel will explore personal, professional and research perspectives on current ideas about learning in autism; existing and emerging research, educational implications and intervention approaches.

Panelists - Michelle Dawson: an autistic researcher affiliated with the Autism Clinic at Rivière-des-Prairies Hospital, Dr. Lisa Reisinger: a child psychologist and adjunct professor for McGill University involved in the research and diagnosis of children with ASD at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, was previously an elementary school teacher for 10 years, and John McCluskey: an autistic student at Marianapolis College and a graduate of Giant Steps.

Moderator - Doug Mitchell: a lawyer interested in the legal rights of autistics and the father of a teenager with autism.

Made Everything Accessible!

How often do we hear ‘I cannot do it!’ or ‘It cannot be done!’ Take the 'not' out and what do you see?

What do you tell the little girl in the wheelchair about playing bingo with her classmates? The answer isn’t 'watch your friends’. Get a magnetic wand AC-60 (magnetic grasping tool for limited hand dexterity) to get her into the action.

Do we ask the boy who has physical and cognitive limitations to stay at home when his classmates are going swimming? No. Make sure there are floatation devices at the pool. The issue might be as basic as making sure he has a head float so that it will keep his face out of water and will help prevent tipping or rolling. Of course, he will need an assistant. The assistant might also want to check that the air and pool temperatures are suitable to the boy’s needs.

Maybe the issue is arts and crafts. Make it both possible and fun! Start with adapted tongs. Add a wheelchair easel with an angled lap tray. The participant may need a homemade cuff (participants can strap on tools). Attach crochet and embroidery hoops to a table top to allow for work with 1 hand. How about loop-the-loop scissors (curved scissors made for 1 or 2 hands use)? They can be basic or table top scissors so that cutting becomes easier. Often hand-over-hand scissors are the way to go. Think about using dollar store items such as velcro for objects on a tray or paint brushes with large handles. They may do the trick in making the time pass in a much more fun way. And don’t forget to use no spill cups for the paint and use large printed art paper for those with low vision.

Able-bodied people often take basic things for granted. You can empower those who don’t have your strong voice or ability. Stand up and advocate for the special person in your life!

Erika Tencer is co-founder of Empowerment - A Special Needs Network and a therapeutic recreation specialist.