Learn from the experts — people with autism!
by Patricia
“What’s the best way to learn about autism?” When people ask me this question, my first recommendation is always the same: spend time with people who have autism. Learn from the experts!
One of the best places to learn from the experts is at the Autism Society of America’s annual conference. This year’s conference had plenty of learning opportunities — people with autism shared their gifts and educated us neurotypicals about their challenges. Lars Perner, Judy Endow, and Sondra Williams (all individuals with autism spectrum disorders) delivered presentations and participated in a panel discussion regarding the Culture of Autism. The panel was masterfully facilitated by Brenda Smith-Myles. The panelists didn’t all agree about the current existence of a “culture” of autism, but all of them conveyed the unique nature of their autism and how it may contribute the emergence of a culture.
With years of experience as a professional in the field, I am regularly humbled by what I can still learn about autism. Sharing time and engaging in communication with people with autism will always be a contributor to my learning. Perhaps we can all learn from the experts a bit more at next years Autism Society conference in Dallas!