28 February 2012
'Autism and Communication: Wanting to be with people' - Saturday Evening Lecture on 3rd March
Commonly held assumptions about autism will be challenged during the next instalment of the University of Dundee's Saturday Evening Lecture Series.
Phoebe Caldwell, an influential expert on the condition, will deliver her talk, 'Autism and Communication: Wanting to be with people' at the University's Dalhousie Building from 6-7pm on Saturday, 3rd March.
Ms Caldwell says she will explore the myths and realities surrounding autism and how autistic people.
"Does having autism really mean that you can't easily connect with other people?" she asked. "That's how autism is often portrayed, but the aim of this lecture is to show that it isn't true.
"When those of us who are non-autistic pay closer attention to the way in which we engage with people with autism, using their own body language as the basis for our interaction, then it quickly becomes clear that they are both able and keen to connect."
Previously a Rowntree Research Fellow, Ms Caldwell trains professionals, therapists, managers, practitioners, parents and carers in the successful approach known as Intensive Interaction.
She is a leading national expert on the use of the technique, with more than 30 years experience as a practitioner working with people whose severe learning disabilities are linked with behavioural distress. During her lecture, Ms Caldwell will present the evidence and explanation as to why this style of communication is so effective and why these insights are not more widely understood.
She is the author of eight books, and also features in four training films. In 2009, Ms Caldwell received the Times Sternberg Award Active Life, which celebrates the achievements of Britons over the age of 70 and, in 2010, was a guest at the Women of the Year Foundation Luncheon.
The lecture is held in partnership with the Dundee Women's Festival, to celebrate the work of this leading national theorist and practitioner.
'Autism and Communication: Wanting to be with people' takes place at 6pm on Saturday, 3rd March in the Dalhousie Building.
The Saturday Evening Lecture Series, which this year celebrates its 88th anniversary, is Scotland's oldest continuous free public lecture series. It attracts thousands of people each year to hear varied and thought-provoking lectures from prestigious, world-class speakers.
This tradition will be continued in 2012, with talks from an exciting line-up of leading figures from the worlds of art, academia, literature and science. Drinks receptions will follow each lecture, and where appropriate, book-signings will be held.
Overflow theatres may be in use, and seating will be filled on a first come-first served basis on the night so patrons should be sure to arrive early if they would prefer to be seated in the main lecture theatre.
Tickets for Phoebe Caldwell's lecture are available from the University's Online Store, by emailing events@dundee.ac.uk, or from the events office on 01382 385564.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
