In this internet age the word ‘friend’ has become progressively watered down. Today it can mean any acquaintance who adds themselves to your list. Read the rest of this entry »
I recently had someone challenge the degree of my autism on the basis of not having been a poo smearer. Well, whilst Temple Grandin (known as ‘The Woman Who Thinks Like A Cow’) has spent decades entertaining audiences with tales of being a poo smearing toddler, it seems that poo smearing is yet another autism stereotype.
When I was 9 my younger brother was 3. Whilst I had lots of stored language I had just began to acquire functional communication. He had 6 words, none of which were understood outside of the house. We made a great pair, being surreal, kinesthetic, sensory and a pair of buzz junkies. Read the rest of this entry »
Here I interview artist and singer, RozaGy about a recent song to raise autism awarness.
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Ever wondered what it takes to make yourself autism friendly? How autism friendly is the DSM? What happens if we use the DSM criteria for autism to help define what might be autism friendly and how to become it? In this you tube video you can find out… it goes a bit fast so do pause the slides to take your time reading. Enjoy… from autistic author and artist, Donna Williams *) http://www.donnawilliams.net
Donna Williams is an Australian born adult with autism who was assessed as psychotic at the age of 2 in 1965, labelled disturbed in the 1970s and diagnosed as autistic in her 20s in 1991.
She acquired functional speech in late childhood and went on to become a qualified teacher with an honors degree in Sociology and a degree in Linguistics. She is the author of two international bestselling autobiographies and has 10 published books including 4 text books widely used in autism education and two books of poetry and prose.
As a screenwriter, she wrote the screenplay to “Nobody Nowhere”, the first book in her 4 book autobiographical series. That screenplay is currently under option to become a Hollywood film. She is an professional artist, singer-songwriter and published poet as well as a world renowned public speaker on autism now living with her husband in Australia. In her presentations she draws not only on her own experiences but on international experience as a professional autism consultant since 1996.
Donna’s is a speaker in demand around the world due to her unique perspective and ability to share her feelings and experiences on a very personal level. More information about her and her life’s work can be found on her website at http://www.donnawilliams.net .