Each year at the Autism Society conference, a “Townhall” meeting of persons on the autism spectrum is held.  This year, the Townhall Meeting will be on Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 12:00 PM-1:30 PM in Turquoise AB.  (In case any of you are wondering, the “town” does not have a zip-code.)

For the past several years, some fifty to one hundred-plus individuals who have identified themselves as being on the spectrum have attended the conference.  Many have chosen to attend the Townhall meeting where we get to know each other.  Although talking at the meeting has been reserved for people on the spectrum, well behaved others have traditionally been invited to observe.

OK, but why would one want to attend such a meeting?  Isn’t actively seeking out other people are rather inautistic thing to do?  Perhaps, this is an opportunity to learn a great deal!

For people on the spectrum, it can be a very empowering experience to meet a number of others who have shared a similar challenges and experiences.  Better yet, it is often possible to learn a great deal by talking with people who have learned by trial and error over time.  There is typically turnout by “spectrumites” of many different age groups.  Some have learned useful adaptations over time, often before being diagnosed.  It is also important to recognize that there are huge variations among people on the spectrum.  Many, in fact, will be polar opposites of others in some respects–some, for example, may be hyper-sensitive to certain stimuli while others will be quite insensitive.  At this type of meeting, there may be a chance to find someone who seems to “match” oneself–or someone of interest–in many different ways.  Such a person can often be a great “model” who can provide a great deal of vicarious insight and knowledge.

Special interests are often a large part of the lives of people on the spectrum.  The townhall may also be an opportunity to find someone else who shares an interest that few others get!

Lars Perner, Ph.D.

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