Donna Williams Talk

[cyberseraphim]

I was lucky enough to hear Donna Williams given a talk on Wednesday. She spoke for about 2 hours (and even ended with a 3 min song !) using hand gestures throughout to amplify and extend her meaning. It reminded me of Makaton. It was all fascinating as you would expect. The practical advice I took out of it was

(1) The importance of an ASD child gaining understanding through doing - don't wait until you think he/she can understand, eg get the child to help with shopping.

(2) Don't become a 'super mum' that takes over from the child. Pretend to be 'useless' so that the child gets frustrated and has to communicate/do more.

I bought a copy of 'Autism:Inside Out Approach' but was too shy to get it signed.

[sphil]

Ooh, lucky you. I'd love to hear her speak. I'm starting to realise the importance of 2) and definitely don't do enough 1)!

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

She's very good in email consultations as well. I've paid for a few with her in the past. She has a good understanding of the entire spectrum, which I think can be quite unusual.

[cyberseraphim]

She was very careful to include all forms of autism or autisms as she described them. She has a wonderful style of presentation - very articulate and insightful but with no artifice. She said someone compared her to Shakespeare - I can see what the person meant as she has unusual clarity and a unique way with words.