Presentation
Descriptions
A View From Inside
The Autism Puzzle
Time: 90 - 120 Minutes
Named after the sub-title of his
first book, this is probably the talk Thomas has done most often and is his
most popular. Thomas talks about autistic perceptions and how those
perceptions differ from that of the general population. Autism has infinite
varieties, and so as far as autism goes in this (or any other) presentation,
Thomas can only speak from personal experience. (And occasionally from
conversations he has had with other individuals with autism over the years.)
Childhood is covered to the extent Thomas remembers it, the years in the
psychiatric facility (where Thomas was misplaced) are touched upon, his
relationships (both platonic and romantic) are discussed, as is his current
life living alone in Bedford, VA.
A lot of this is designed to be a Q&A
session to give people a chance to ask general questions about autism.
Life As An Adult With
Autism
Time: 90 - 120 Minutes
This talk focuses on life as an
independent adult with autism and how it differs from that of the general
population. Sensory problems need to be addressed and dealt with, and there
are educational and work issues to look at. This talk focuses on the ways
Thomas has managed to deal with these issues and gives some tips Thomas has
received from others as well. If there are a lot of people in your community
who have high functioning adults with autism, this is a good presentation
for you.
Relationships: What I Have Learned
Time: 60 - 90 Minutes
This
talk focuses on relationships. Romantic and platonic, the mistakes Thomas
has made as well as the things he has done right, and of course what he has
learned. If you are curious how your child will handle friends or
relationships, this may be a good presentation.
Creating A Care
Package For The Individual With Autism
Time: 90 - 120 Minutes
This one is a bit more complicated.
This is presentation that is designed to show parents, educators, and
therapists how to "improve the quality of life" for people with autism.
Using slides, computer graphics (still and/or animated), or by bringing in
the actual items themselves, Thomas goes through a series of several
material items that can ease the pain associated with autism. Some are
obvious, some are not so obvious. The participants leave with many (SAFE)
new ideas to try and a better understanding of sensory integration and the
dysfunction as it relates to autism.
Understanding Sensory
Integration Dysfunction
Time: 60 - 90 Minutes
This presentation focuses mainly on
the sensory aspects of autism. Things like tactile defensiveness and
auditory hypersensitivies are explained in detail and the therapies
available for treating them are also discussed. This presentation covers in
great detail all seven senses, including vestibular and proprioceptive.
Autism 101
Time: 90 - 120 Minutes
This is your basic beginner's course
on autism. It goes into detail on not only what autism is, but also what it
is not. All the statistics are given, along with great advice on what the
appropriate first steps to take are when your child receives the diagnosis
of autism. Recommended reading list is given out, as well as a list of books
to avoid. (Thomas has a book of his own on both lists!) If you want to bone
up on the latest in autism, or help new parents, or just get a refresher
course, this is a good way to do all those things.
(NEW!)
What To Do
When Your Child Is Diagnosed
Time: 60 - 90 Minutes
This talk came about when Thomas
noticed this information was missing from most conferences. Feeling it was
important for new parents to know the basics, Thomas put this together so
parents would some idea of what to do first. This very basic talk covers
things such as how to find books to read, support groups, appropriate web
sites to visit, and more of the things a parent needs to know so they don't
panic. Panic comes from lack of knowledge. This talk gives the knowledge
needed to move forward and to make those initial educated and informed
decisions about the child.
Keep checking back as Thomas will
continue to add to the list...
