Autism, Women and Girls The Hidden Half
19th June 2013 9.30am - 4.30pm The Birmingham and Midland Institute, Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BS
This conference will begin with an overview of the latest research and theories about autism and women. Personal perspectives will be provided for the rest of the day from women with autism in order to give an insight into the range and variety of experiences of women on the autistic spectrum. With some very well known speakers and a variety of fascinating themes including sex, relationships, growing up, pregnancy, motherhood and gender dysphoria, this conference promises to be an interesting and inspiring day.
Speakers Dr. Wendy Lawson ASD, Relationships, Sexuality & Communication
Ros Blackburn Logically Illogical: Information and Insight into Autism
Dr. Elisabeth Hurley Autism, Women and Girls: The Hidden Half An Introduction to the Research
Lana Grant From Here to Maternity: Pregnancy and Motherhood on the Spectrum
Zaffy Simone A Personal Perspective on Autism and Gender Dysphoria
Conference Schedule Time
Activity
9.00
Registration
9.30
Welcome from the Conference Chair
9.40
Dr Elisabeth Hurley Autism, Women and Girls – The Hidden Half An Introduction to the Research
10.40
Lana Grant From Here to Maternity Pregnancy and Motherhood on the Spectrum
11.30
Break
11.50
Dr. Wendy Lawson ASD, Relationships, Sexuality & Communication
12.50
Lunch (Provided)
13.30
Zaffy Simone A personal Perspective on Autism and Gender Dysphoria
14.30
Break
14.50
Ros Blackburn Logically Illogical: Information and Insight into Autism
16.20
Close
About the Speakers Lana Grant From Here to Maternity Pregnancy and Motherhood on the Spectrum Lana is the mother of six children, 2 of whom are on the autism spectrum. She was diagnosed with post-natal depression in 1990 following the birth of her first child. She then received further diagnoses of depression, panic disorder and manic depression. Eventually, Lana was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and generalised anxiety disorder at the age of 38 years following two breakdowns and alcohol dependency. This diagnosis enabled Lana to finally understand herself. She is currently specialising in autism and girls and working within the outreach team in Birmingham. Lana will present her personal perspectives on being a mother with autism and her experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
Dr Elisabeth Hurley Autism, Women and Girls – The Hidden Half An Introduction to the Research Dr Elisabeth Hurley PhD, BSc, has a PhD in Neuroscience, specialising in the development of the body clock. She has extensive experience in academic research and a particular interest in autism. She joined Autism West Midlands as a research officer in October 2012, keeping track of recent advances in autism research and how it is relevant to Autism West Midlands. She will be introducing the research on women and girls with autism. She will cover possible reasons why more men are diagnosed with autism than women, how autism can present differently in women and strategies for helping women and girls with autism.
Dr. Wendy Lawson ASD, Relationships, Sexuality & Communication A psychologist, counsellor, lecturer and author, being on the autism spectrum, Dr. Wendy Lawson is passionate about the rights of those
who so often cannot speak for themselves and she aims to promote justice and equality for all. Wendy is proud of her autism. Being awarded fourth place as ‘Victorian Australian of the year’ in 2008, Wendy knows what it means to represent others and advocate on their behalf. The mother of four children, two of her sons are also on the autistic spectrum. Having written numerous papers and books on the topic, Wendy is committed to enlightening all those who are willing to hear and to see, just how those of us on the spectrum learn and love the best. In this practical workshop, Wendy will be discussing autism, relationships, sexuality and communication and will be considering how people with autism can build social relationships that work.
Ros Blackburn Logically Illogical: Information and Insight into Autism Ros Blackburn was diagnosed severely autistic at a very early age. Now aged 44, Ros tends to feel that while many areas of her autistic condition have remained very severe, others, such as her severe language delay, have disappeared almost completely. Ros will offer an invaluable insight into her world of autism in this presentation and will provide her perspective on the theme of women and autism.
Zaffy Simone A personal Perspective on Autism and Gender Dysphoria Zaffy is a skilled workshop facilitator, public speaker and trainer and talks from a personal perspective about the joys and challenges of autism. Zaffy has lifelong experience and understanding of the autistic sensory and nutritional system and is able to talk eloquently and helpfully on these and other autism related topics. In this conference, Zaffy will be presenting a personal perspective of being a person with gender dysphoria and autism and the strategies that have helped in managing these important aspects of self.
Delegate rates Professionals/standard delegate: £95 Parents/guardians/students: £65 People with autism: £35 Group booking discount 6 places for the price of 5
Booking For more information and to book please visit our website at www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk, call us on 0121 450 7582 or email training@autismwestmidlands.org.uk. You can book online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/autismwomenconference
Getting to the Conference The Birmingham and Midland Institute, Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BS The conference is in the centre of Birmingham and only a 10 minute walk or a short taxi ride from Birmingham New Street Railway Station. There are also various pay and display car parks close to the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
Lunch and Refreshments Lunch and refreshments throughout the day are provided. Please indicate on the booking form if you have any dietary requirements.
About Autism West Midlands
There are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands. We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.
Contact us
Autism West Midlands Regent Court George Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1NU Email: General enquiries: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk Help and advice: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk Telephone: Main reception: 0121 450 7582 Helpline: 0303 03 00 111 (Local rate number, including from mobile phones) Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk
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@autismwestmids Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Registered Charity Number: 517077 Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)