I am a career-long Autism Spectrum Disorders Consultant.  Since that fateful day in the Fall of 1977 when I first stepped foot in the Edmonton School for Autistic Children, I have been intrigued and fascinated by persons so diagnosed.  My formal ASD education and research, combined with my now 28 years working with persons on the spectrum, is indicative of my own PERSEVERATION with ASD.

 

My approach is eclectic.  I rely on the tenets of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) to guide me in the most respectful fashion possible; challenging behaviors are communication albeit nonconventional.  I would be remiss if I did not mention how Temple Grandin, Ph.D. has informed my practice.  Dr. Grandin's book Thinking in Pictures, was for me, truly enlightening. 

 

I am committed to providing visual supports and to acknowledging communicative impairments even where none seem apparent.  I rely heavily on the teachings of Attwood, Hodgdon, Myles, Twachtman-Cullen, and Quill (in alphabetical order) and many, many more professionals.  My true teachers have been the many people with ASD and their families that I have had the pleasure of knowing and supporting. 

 

Philosophically I am committed to inclusive environments and supported employment; I feel strongly that we've come too far to retreat back into segregated environments. 

 

Please contact me for speaking engagements or consultation if you feel that I may be of assistance to you or your program.  References are available upon request.