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Autism, AS and related conditions newsletter - July 2008. Go to the newsletter archive.

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JKP Autism Newsletter
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Autism, Asperger Syndrome and related conditions newsletter

Welcome to the JKP Autism, Asperger Syndrome and related conditions newsletter, a monthly update of relevant news and events, entertaining interviews and articles.

You can find details on how to contribute or give feedback, as well as opt out of these emails, further down the newsletter.


Exclusive Interview with Wendy Lawson

JKP author Wendy Lawson is a writer, poet and adult educator, regularly speaking at Autism events around the world and sharing her knowledge, understanding and experience of autistic spectrum conditions. She is currently working towards a PhD.

Wendy Lawson

When were you diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and how did you react?

When I was 42 yrs. old (in 1994). at first I was upset, then I did some research and discovered what being on the Autistic Spectrum meant. I related well to what I read and this gave me relief because at last I had an explanation that made sense of who I am and why I do what I do.

Has the general public's understanding of autism spectrum conditions improved since you were first diagnosed?

Yes, I believe it has but there is still much work to be done to undo the general ignorance that exists concerning autism.

What do you think are the major challenges we face in making society more inclusive for people on the spectrum?

I think we need to demonstrate to society that we are of value, just the way we are. That we don't need to change and be more like typical people to be worthwhile. Our value is in being human, and in being different. In general society is good at the grey stuff, but they need us because we are good at the 'black & white' stuff. Inclusion is about recognising difference but accommodating it and seeing it as having a place. It's not about making square pegs fit round holes.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by 'Life' and the courage that nature shows us each time she takes a beating. At times Winter brings the cold, damp, harsh reality that death claims all, but, it is defeated everytime time Spring causes a brook to trickle into a river; or a seed grows a new flower; a blackbird lays her eggs and warms her fledglings with soft downy feathers; tadpoles become frogs and the oldest Oak tree spreads her new foliage over the acorns buried beneath her by industrious squirrels. I am also inspired each time a cicada breaks out from it's darkest years beneath the earth and takes to the trees to dry its wings. Or when a child with autism notices and is happy. I guess I am inspired by courage, displayed by so many against all the odds!

What is your favourite book or film?

I have a few 'favourites', some old and well known, others that grow on me after attending to them over time. As a younger person it was: The Water Babies; Ring of Bright Water; The Tolkien Books and The Chronicles of Narnia . As an older person the books by Elizabeth Moon (e.g. The speed of Dark) and Oranges are Not the Only Fruit (by Jennette Winterton). I love the film: Happy Feet and I'm generally a person who is very drawn to science fiction (Star Trek; Deep Space Nine... etc)

Copyright © Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2008

Concepts of Normality

Wendy Lawson's new book, Concepts of Normality is published this month and is now available for purchase. See the below link for more details.

More details of the book


Life & Learning with Autistic Spectrum Diffability

Wendy Lawson's new DVD, Life & Learning with Autistic Spectrum Diffability is published next month, and you can pre-order it now - just click the below link to our website.

More details of the DVD


Click for Wendy's website and tour dates



JKP News

JKP book Help your Child or Teen Get Back on Track, by Kenneth Talan, was Gold medal winner in the 2008 IPPY awards and also honoured by NAMI with a 2008 Ken Book Award.

Another JKP book, Autism Heroes, by Barbara Firestone, was also honoured in the 2008 IPPY awards, receiving a Bronze medal.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers have launched a new imprint, Singing Dragon, publishing authoritative books on Tai Chi and Qigong for martial arts, health and wellbeing. Find out more about Singing Dragon.

Content links

New autism books from JKP

Concepts of Normality:
The Autistic and Typical Spectrum

Wendy Lawson

Click for more details


Forthcoming

Life & Learning with Autistic Spectrum Diffability

Wendy Lawson

Click for more details


Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum:
A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers - 2nd edition

Julia Moor

Click for more details


Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior:
A Step-by-Step Tool for Understanding Children with NLD, Asperger's, HFA, PDD-NOS, and other Neurological Differences

Leslie Holzhauser-Peters and Leslie True

Click for more details


Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol:
Drinking to Cope?

Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx

Click for more details


Why do I have to?
A Book for Children Who Find Themselves Frustrated by Everyday Rules

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer

Click for more details


Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome:
The Way of the Pathfinder

Ron Rubio

Click for more details


Using Intensive Interaction and Sensory Integration:
A Handbook for Those who Support People with Severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Phoebe Caldwell

Click for more details


Multisensory Rooms and Environments:
Controlled Sensory Experiences for People with Profound and Multiple Disabilities

Susan Fowler

Click for more details


Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism

Merope Pavlides

Click for more details


The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Tony Attwood

Click for more details


Useful Dates for your Calendar

What Where When Link
US Autism and Asperger Association 2008 International Conference Austin, Texas, USA September 4th-7th Conference info
Children and Young People with Disabilities & Special Needs: IDEAS INTO ACTION London, UK September 10th Conference info
National Autistic Society Conference 2008 London, UK September 19th-20th Conference info
Annual Sibling Group Leader Conference - Sibling groups with an autism focus York, UK October 4th Conference info
NASEN/TES Special Needs London London, UK October 17th-18th Conference info
Autism 2008 Geneva Centre for Autism International Symposium Toronto, Ontario, Canada October 22nd-24th Conference info
NAA's National Autism Conference Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA November 13th -16th Conference info
Autism Awareness Centre conference in Partnership with the Linwood School - JKP author, John Clements will be speaking. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK November 17th -18th Conference info

Email us with your news, events or feedback at news@jkp.com or visit our website for more on our books.

Please feel free to forward this message on to anyone who might be interested, or want to join our mailing list.


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