® Autistic 2014/2015 NaturallyShowcasing the Strength and Talent of the Global Autistic Community

5th Anniversary Issue Connected UK Tour SKOOG Music Tribute to Autistic Women

2014 5th Annual ANCA® World Autism Festival™ Celebrating 2011 Award Recipients

Andrew PJ Clark, England Erin Clemens, USA Esther Brokaw, USA Isabell Doucette, Canada Jacynthe Geschke, Canada Jeremy Bernstein, USA Performing Arts Literary Arts Visual Arts Literary Arts Community Achievement Judges’ Pick

Action for Autism, India Community Leadership

Kevin Hosseini, USA Maria Iliou, USA Samantha Ruderham, Scotland Exceptional Minds, USA Visual Arts Youth Community Mentor Performing Arts (youth) Entrepreneur/Corporate Celebrating 2010 Award Recipients

Tim Mueller, USA Maria Iliou, USA Joel Anderson, USA Scott Siegel, USA Gina Marie Incandela, USA Community Mentor Visual Arts Community Achievement Performing Arts Performing Arts (youth)

John Pickup, Crossroad Nicole Nicholson, USA Arts, Australia Literary Arts Community Leadership

2 | www.naturallyautistic.com NATURALLY Contributors ® Bob Delaney Bob Delaney is a freelance copy editor and fact checker for various book and magazine AUTISTIC publishers. Previously, he served for six years as editor at Squadron/Signal Publications of Carrollton, Texas, USA. Mr. Delaney was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2004. www.naturallyautistic.com He lives in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and his interests include refereeing soccer, scale model- ing, reading, and viewing classic films. Leonora Gregory–Collura Charlie Collura Publishers Leonora Gregory-Collura Leonora Gregory-Collura Dipl. RBS TTC – Co-Founder of ANCA® Consulting Inc, ANCA® [email protected] Foundation, INAP AWARDS, ANCA® World Autism Festival, Co-publisher Naturally Autistic® magazine, Co-Founder of ANCA® Radio Shows and ANCA® TV Online, author “Anthony’s Story an autistic mother and her son”. A graduate of Elmhurst Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School, UK, Leonora has 40 years of experience teaching and working with special Bob Delaney – Contributing Editor needs children and adults, has produced numerous international choreographies and productions related to promoting the talent and abilities of Autistic People. Diagnosed [email protected] as autistic in the early 1990’s.

Lil Fawcus – Layout Design James P. Wagner James P. Wagner is a publisher, writer, poet, editor and host of ANCA’s Human [email protected] Potential show along with Nick Hale and Marc Rosen. His essay in the previous ANCA magazine entitled “Remembering Matt, My Childhood Autistic Best Friend” was very well recieved. James also is the co-editor for the Perspectives series, poetry and other Mailing Address writings concerning autism and other disabilities and James firmly believes that despite our differences we are all human. PO Box 1658 Gibsons BC Canada V0N 1V0 Tania Marshall Tania Marshall is a psychologist and author with 20 years of experience in the field of child ® ® Naturally Autistic ANCA and family psychology, autism and Asperger Syndrome. She is a published author, with three books on female autism being released in 2014. Her first book is entitled “I Am AspienGirl®: To Subscribe Visit The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Females on the Autism Spectrum”, was www.naturallyautistic.com released June 17th and went to the #1 best seller Amazon rank in its first week as an e-book. Charlie Collura Published by Naturally Autistic® press Self-identified, Charlie is a graduate of Sheridan College and McMaster University and is the co-founder of ANCA Consulting and the non-profit ANCA Foundation.Charlie is an educator, workshop presenter, writer and consultant. He has thirty years of experience working with Printed by Rhino Print Solutions autistic children and adults in the public school, group home, community and consulting settings. www.rhinoprintsolutions.com Vern Bahti Minard ® Copyright 2014 ANCA Consulting Inc Official Photographer -2013 INAPACF: working with digital and film work flows to create emotionally charged images, under the umbrella of commercial photography. Vern has All Rights Reserved worked with innumerable organizations and publications throughout North America, Australia and New Zealand, galleries in Vancouver. For more information please visit: ISSN 1923-9890 ww.fineartamerica.com/profiles/vern-minard; My Art Channel – vminard.myartchannel. com; Photoshelter – www.photoshelter.com/c/vernminard; Zenfolio – www.zenfolio. com/vbmp Follow Us On: Dr. Emma Goodall Dr Emma Goodall is a skilled and experienced special needs teacher and consultant. Hav- ing completed her doctoral research into the effective teaching of students on the autistic Twitter Name: naturallyautist spectrum in mainstream education, Emma is passionate about the ability of autistic children and young people to gain skills and knowledge. Emma also has a Masters in special educa- tion, a BEd hons as well as Montessori pre-school and school teaching qualifications. She has worked in pre-schools, schools, and as an educational consultant and advisor in Europe and New Zealand, including for the NZ Ministry of Education. Photos: Naturally Autistic® ANCA® archives and James Scott Photography Information contained in Naturally Autistic® is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. Naturally Autistic® and its content are not intended to provide medical advice, and are not intended to be used to diagnose or assess health conditions or to be substituted for professional medical advice. You should not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in Naturally Autistic®.Naturally Autistic® and its employees, contributors, agents and publisher are not liable or responsible for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information contained in Naturally Autistic®. Your reliance on any information provided by Naturally Autistic® is solely at your own risk. Naturally Autistic® takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements published in Naturally Autistic®. Naturally Autistic® presents the www.blogtalkradio.com/autistic-people information contained herein without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, or for any loss or damage caused by reliance on such information. Naturally Autistic® does not endorse or suggest any particular medical www.livestream.com/naturallyautisticanca tests, pharmaceutical products, physicians or other health providers, products, or medical procedures. www.naturallyautistic.com | 3 6 25 Naturally Autistic ANCA: Connected

Cover Photo by: Shaz Ruderham

12 28

In this Issue Departments In Next Issue 3 Contributors Naturally Autistic® People 2015-2016 Issue 5 Editorial 6 UK Tour Articles showcasing the International ANCA® Community, 6 A Commentary on 10 Letters to the Editor 2014 INAP Awards and the ® The Cure Mentality 15 ANCA 2014 World Autism ANCA® World Autism Festival ® Festival 26 ANCA around the world 28 Skoog Music

Naturally Autistic® Options 25 INAPACF Ambassadors 30 Tribute to Women

4 | www.naturallyautistic.com From the Co-Founders of Naturally Autistic® ® Welcome to Naturally Autistic by Leonora Gregory–Collura my son Anthony and daughter Cathe- led us to develop Naturally Autistic® rine (to whom the name ANCA is dedi- magazine and the International Natu- cated), my parents (who laid the foun- rally Autistic® People Awards, Conven- dation from which I would be inspired tion and Festival now known as ANCA® to be of service to humanity), the World Autism Festival™. families and autistic people we serve. This event and publication now cele- To the many others not mentioned – brating five years, was launched on the you know who you are - thank-you all, pillars of the children, teens, adults and without your support and belief in us their families whom we have served - we could not have accomplished our the annual theatre presentations, an- vision and objectives! nual camp outs (19 years and count- In recent years many have asked us ing), Christmas Open Houses, ANCA® how we had the vision of Naturally Foundation Conferences and monthly Autistic® some 20 years ago when so ANCA® groups provided the develop- many others at the time believed be- mental experiences from which to ex- ing autistic was anything but ‘natural’. pand to this now international event ® World Autism Festival. At the time we were fortunate enough ANCA In reviewing the past twenty years of to be working with families who were This year’s theme – CONNECTED – is Naturally Autistic® ANCA® there are so in search of others like themselves, like a tribute to our early families that so many important people that have sup- their children, who they believed had wanted to connect with others like ported and contributed to our journey the right to be their ‘natural selves’. themselves, like their children; now a that to name them all would fill several These remarkable people wanted to reality that reaches out to autistic peo- issues of our magazine. Having said understand autism from the source – ple, families and friends in more than that there are a few to whom we are successful autistic adults. 23 countries around the world. greatly indebted that have been with At that time we could only ‘dream’ of I am truly honored to be a part of this us since day one ANCA® Foundation autistic acceptance but dream we amazing process, creating a better fu- directors, Leslie Jones & Dr. Lars Perner; did working day by day, year by year ture for all human beings embraced Neila Skinner (Special Needs Educa- for each individual within our local, by being ‘Connected’! Congratula- tor Ret.), Maria Iliou, Tim Pylypiuk; NA regional outreach and by default na- tions to all 2014 nominees, INAPA Am- magazine layout designer Lil Fawcus, tional and international! bassadors, and thank ‘YOU’ for sharing Editor Bob Delaney; Charlie Collura your values, gifts and personal journey co-founder of our organisations and The foundation of our consulting com- on the world stage each year. projects, partner, husband & father, pany and work in support of our clients

Our Autistic Community by Charlie Collura

Our first foray outside Canada takes the general population’s understand- us to Edinburgh Scotland for our ing of autism. Leonora Gregory-Col- 5th Annual INAP Awards event. lura sums up her connection-intensive A fitting choice considering its histori- tour of the UK while Dr. Ben Schogler cal relationship to Canada where it discusses how technology helps lev- is said there are as many Canadian’s el the playing field for so many who claiming Scottish ancestry (4.7 million) have traditionally been excluded as there are people living in Scotland from the joys of music making. Tania (5.3 million). Marshall & Emma Goodall pay ‘A Trib- ute to Women’, discussing the chal- In this issue we explore what it means lenges and triumphs of women on the to be ‘connected’ - person to per- spectrum. son, community to community, lo- Midsection you get the inside scoop cally and internationally. In our Let- Lest we not forget, congratulations to on all our 2014 nominees, hosts, am- ters to the Editor we find expressions all our 2014 nominees who are rep- bassadors and past INAP Award re- of friendship and collaborations nur- resenting their respective countries– ® around tured via the myriad online and in- cipients; photos from ANCA the World and letters of congratula- and a special thank you to our event person connections of the ANCA® delegates in Edinburgh having come community. James’s Wagner’s poem tion from dignitaries and well wishers. Don’t forget to check out our back from far and wide to celebrate the ‘The Playground’ revels in the simple autistic community. joy of childhood play while his article cover featuring our very own Google ® of past and present nominees, th ‘Commentary on the Cure Mentality’ Map We hope you enjoy our 5 annual edi- recipients and judges all across the ® provides a deft examination of the tion of Naturally Autistic magazine. globe. myths and illogic that still beleaguer www.naturallyautistic.com | 5 couple of years ago, I announced on social media that The reception was an opportunity to learn directly from the I would be doing a UK Tour at some point, meeting those founding directors and inventors of The SKOOG and to meet with I had come to know as online friends in the autistic com- those who have played a major role in supporting the emergence munity. I had no idea that it would come to fruition a of Samantha E, with her music, singing and visual art! Represen- A lot quicker than initially perceived. The International tatives from Scottish Autism, Sleep Scotland and Teens Plus were Naturally Autistic® People Awards has taught much to present at this event. me and influenced me greatly by connecting with individuals, or- The UK tour began to grow and grow, meeting with musicians, ganisations and political leaders around the world. It has taught lyricists, and composers who have participated in working with me that although we have ‘world structures and doctrines’ to fol- the INAPACF/ANCA World Autism Festival in recent years. These low as functioning geographic and cultural societies, the com- artists provided songs and musical scores for PR videos and for mon thread and bond we all possess as human beings enables collaboration of artists in Canada with Samantha E. This tour also the fabric of those structures to stretch, grow and develop as the meant physically going to the buildings and locations where the interface to human potential! organisations Scottish Autism, Sleep Scotland and Teens Plus oper- I ended up taking two tours in the past year: the first in October ate from. There, I met staff, clients and the general infrastructure and November of 2013, after our 4th international event was held surrounding one of the awards recipients/ambassadors Samantha here on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia (B.C.), Canada; E. I was feeling and defining the inner connections of the mosaic the second this past April and May of 2014. Everything happens for of fabric turned tapestry, filled with life experiences that contrib- a reason: When the 2013 Performing Arts recipient James Hobley uted to the support of one family to excel beyond expectations of (representing England) was unable to attend the awards event the once trapped and isolated ‘myths of autism’. last October, my trip to London as a first stop on my UK tour in The Lord Provost of Edinburgh was next, meeting with Dr. Ben 2013 enabled James and his family to receive the INAP award Schogler at a private ceremonious reception in the Lord Provost and commendation. That trip also included a meeting with Anna Chambers. The depth of history pervaded itself, the historic archi- Kennedy OBE, and receiving letters from the Prime Minister and tecture weaving a history in time not lost or stayed, a history in the deputy Prime Minister of present representing Britain at a special cer- the depth of culture, in- emony and reception ter connected with the by Ian Swales MP at the Scottish lifestyle, values Palace of Westminster, and beliefs. This was an with print media cover- opportunity for two of age headliner “A new Scotland’s own to share high as Canada falls for Connected within the chamber dancer James’ talent!” walls, how history has As a result of this very created innovation in special occasion, Gor- technology, inspiration don Campbell, Cana- UK Tour for music and the per- dian High Commissioner forming arts to be a part to the UK, invited me to a meeting and a of education, bringing back the context relationship of the work which started as an of communications through sound and offshoot of our company began. movement, the integral part of any world The UK is a part of the world I will always history, geography, politics and culture! cherish for its distinct culture and history. Meeting with business owners and those It’s where I did most of my growing up, my from other parts of the world who now call professional training and education in the Edinburgh, Scotland their home was a fa- performing arts (Elmhurst Ballet School, the miliar backdrop for me. Having spent the Royal Ballet School) and where I continue past forty years in Canada, I could feel to remain a British Citizen pioneering the and understand by experience the multi- tools from the roots of my education and culturalism. Individuals from such cultures British history to Canada. From the High as Italy, Ireland, America, Russia, Canada, Commissioner’s office, I went on to meet and Czech Republic were in- parents with autistic children from diverse spired to move to Edinburgh and lives: Phill Wills, Leigh Ann and Leonid. to develop their careers in this Leonid arranged the luncheon gathering, unique Cultural City of Scotland in Leigh Ann arranged for parents to come the UK. Two radio show interviews and attend and Phill Wills took the op- and the opening of an Edinburgh portunity whilst on his regular schedule ‘a landmark allowed me further to train, pass-through London from Cornwall meet with and learn from the hu- to visit his son in hospital in Birmingham.’ man architecture of society in Edinburgh ‘Shared life experiences’ is human, and Gordon Campbell, Canadian and the surrounding areas. Friendly, talk- is what makes up the ‘fabric of our soci- ative, entertaining and never without a ety of human beings.’ Encounters such as High Commissioner to the UK with connection to history, geography, politics these enrich and strengthen the weave of Leonora Gregory–Collura and culture—this is how I experienced the the fabric, creating everlasting branches UK Tour. It was refreshing to go back to my outreaching in ways no one could imagine at the time of con- roots and to re-experience this rich land and peoples from the ception. Through such engagements, ideas grow, get nurtured— perspective of my now North American culture. It was not with the sprout new branches, buds, flowers, and symbiotic with nature the ‘us and them’ perception, however. The experience was framed fabric engages its destiny of mosaic to tapestry and beyond. in a consciousness of subjective life experience, freed of percep- Beyond London I went. A beautiful train ride to Edinburgh, tion and perspective. This was not drawn from external objectives, Scotland, where a reception with the 2013 Scottish recipient for Ex- rather from the intensity of human and geographical history wo- cellence in Technology, Dr. Ben Schogler of Skoog Music Ltd., was ven within the social fabric of any society—politics and culture! scheduled with local representatives from autism organisations. I came back to Canada, renewed in subjectivity, and relieved This was hosted by 2011 recipient for the Performing Arts (now that we have the technology to ‘connect’ with family and friends INAPCF/ANCA World Autism Festival Ambassador), Samantha E across the globe at any given moment in time. At the same time, & her family. this journey reminded me of the power of physical ‘connections!’ 6 | www.naturallyautistic.com During the first UK Tour, whilst at people who were enthusiastic and supportive of the 5th annual the Palace of Westminster pre- event. Once the business in Edinburgh was organised, a Glasgow sentation, it was mentioned to trip to a dance company with people with diverse abilities was bring the ANCA® World Autism next, then came Ireland to meet 2014 International INAP awards Festival to London. The city of judge Josie Murray, his family and friends! After Ireland, the cre- Edinburgh was also suggested. ation of the new awards needed to be confirmed with Scottish Logistics will always play a role Borders Art Glass, enabling me to experience the country side in whatever endeavor one which surrounds the great City of Edinburgh. The Borders is breath chooses in life and within logis- taking and the towns and villages en route had more ‘life history’ tics and planning are human shared with me by Geoff, Shaz’s other half. beings, no matter the ad- Listening to the ‘life history’ as told in real time by those who vancement of technology. It are a part of that tapestry, whether in England, Ireland or Scot- has been my experience that humans land, placed me in a position of explorer on the part of my own desire to ‘connect’ with one another ancestry. I was looking into the background of my father’s and— and wish to ‘feel connected.’ Technol- by default—my own history and legacy of Irish and Scottish de- ogy has its place and human connec- scent. This made me a purveyor of mixed cultural heritage, as my tion is enabled by it. Interconnectiv- earlier observations from my first UK Tour demonstrated. ity is the outcome of both working My autistic self started to find new pathways in my thought symbiotically, like the architecture of history processing paradigm, pinned to an exhausting trip to accomplish in the making every millisecond in nature, in surrounding what would normally take two months into just over three weeks. environments. And so, the City of Festivals, Edinburgh, became Tired but never short of focus, I learned how much further I could the first International City for ANCA World Autism Festival to host stretch my cognition. Paralleling years of schooling in the body, our outreach from Canada around the world to 23 countries in- the transference of skills started to take hold. Timing and mistakes clusively! were made due to the exhaustion of processing one’s cognitive The second UK Tour came as an extension of the first. This year’s function through daily and at times hourly decision making, living trip included a second meeting with the Canadian High Com- in several world time zones at once, and not eating the natural missioner to the UK, making connections with more of our online foods I have become accustomed to at home in Canada. It was friends from the international Autistic Community and meeting a marathon at its best, a hike to Everest at its worst, I imagine. But new people (by chance) as a result of some of my working sched- miracles do happen if we ‘go with the flow’ knowing what it is ule and personal friendships from my homeland days. The tour be- we want to accomplish and not necessarily how will often lead gan in London and bridges you to what I call ‘miracles.’ On the path to ex- out to the south east, south, periencing miracles are whispers, which more west and the north, getting often than not appear in silence. familiar with trains, sched- The interconnectedness of ules and ‘lugging’ several the human world and the suitcases with friends in tow! world of nature interfaced, I met with old friends, nomi- creating the synthesis of nees, partners, past Judges knowledge–knowledge that and recipients, new Judges is always surrounding us ap- and sponsor/partners for the pearing in silence. This was my 5th annual event to be held ‘take away’ from both UK Tours, in Edinburgh! The tour took a culminating in a newly formed life of its own, determined not friendship in London as my final to stop in London; rather, to stop prior to my returning flight to pursue physical landmarks of known online friends draw- Vancouver. ing the mapping system for the physical connections to be Not only was Denis inspired, made. overwhelmed and impressed by After the High Commissioner’s Office a luncheon with the 2014 INAP awards nominations for the Mike and Matthew Williams and Kirsty Seager, all three had ANCA World Autism Festival, he told me he travelled long hours to get to the centre of London—all on the first was left wanting to share this experience, his day of a major ‘tube’ (subway) strike. The original scheduled pho- personal invitation to visit with and learn from each nominee, with to opportunity with Gordon Campbell could not take place due others... I knew little about Denis, other than I was told I should to the transportation issues for all three. Meeting people for the first meet him and get to know him. One of our 10 International Judges time after communicating via social media for years is an event for our fifth international event, Denis shared how he was drawn in itself. Yes, we are all real; yes, we can interact socially in the in to every contribution, their personal stories, and works of art. physical realm; and yes, we can go out of comfort zones when He also said how each one–no matter what culture, or part of the opportunity to be and feel ‘connected’ on the physical plane the world–had one thing in common: The natural gift to draw the comes along. So, between two friends Shirley and Shaz, the jour- viewer and reader into the natural tapestry of talent and abili- ney of ‘connected’ begins, after personal friends, relatives, and ties, the space in which their creations took shape, inspiring the business associates a trip to Farnborough and Guildford recon- viewer, to be inspired to aspire. Many on the International Judging necting with Mike Williams and his family and now his friends at a panel have shared similar experiences. The Judge in Ireland said birthday party for Matthew, his son. I also saw 2012 International he could not sleep–he spent days and nights thinking, breathing, Judge George Ian Cullen and his wife Yvonne, 2012 recipient SEN and living what he was invited into. Lives have been changed ASSIST, husband and wife business partners Adele and Quentin, with many more to come as the mainstream tapestry of society Paul Isaacs in Oxford, Rod Morris in Leamington Spa, and the gains direct insight to the world population of the Autistic Experi- Hobley family in Redcar, Yorkshire. ence, a shared experience on the world stage, lives ‘connected.’ Back in Edinburgh in search of a venue location (theatre) and And so the tour ended with an internal tour, remaining per- hotel (accommodation for delegates and conference rooms for sonal and reflective of a synthesis in time, where time does not the convention and Gala dinner awards presentation), I booked even exist. A gift I have learned (at times and like many of us in myself in with the same Guest House as my previous UK Tour–The the autistic population) to disregard, not now, not ever again be- Emerald Guest House. This bed and breakfast is run by the fabu- cause the present presence, is all we ever have whilst time passes lous Annie, who I had become good friends with her and her fam- through us and that my friends is how ‘we remain connected’. • ily by this time. It was great to be back in familiar surroundings with www.naturallyautistic.com | 7 NATURALLY AUTISTIC ®.COM Showcasing the Strength and Talent ofof the Global Autistic Community

HHOMEOME MAGGAAZINZINEE 2014 ANCACA WOWORLD AUTISMUTISM FESTIVFESTIVAALL COMMUNITY SERVICESSERVICES PROODUCDUCTSTS RADIODIO SHSHOWOW We Understand Autistic People... ANCA Directors are available to meet and consult with: Employers • Community Living Agencies Government Ministries • Organizations

naturallyautistic.com

The Naturally Austistic® People Awards Convention & Festival was created to celebrate the accomplishments, talents and abilities of autistic people throughout the world. We invite members of autistic communities everywhere to participate in this event.

Hosting Partnerships Host Naturally Autistic People Awards There are many ways to work together Convention & Festival in your community to make these events the best they can be Be a Sponsor Contact Us Support the autistic community [email protected]

® 0 Fall 201 AUTISTIC 2011/2012 Natu NatuShowcasing ther Strengthall andy Ta lent of the Global Autistic Community Showc asing ther Stall ity rength AU om un and y stic C Ta l Au lent TISTIC® ba o of the f the Gl d Talent obal Au C ti trength an stic Co ing the S mmunit 2012/201 Showcas y 3 A y of ANC Changing 15 YEARS The Journe Perceptions

® ® 2013/2014 Limited Edition AUTISTI AUTISTICC 2014/2015 NatuShowcShowwcasinga thera St lly r NatuShowcasing thera Strengthll andy Ta lent of the Global Autistic Community tic be Autis rning to BeBe Lea rs Premi yyoond th of Colo Issue e Journal Quality Publication trum Lab Spec MyMy AuA tistic el Best Fr iend What’s in a Na Moving me out of the 2 atiionaonal 012 3rd l Interrnna Annua augura 10 Na l InIntnteerr In ober 201 P tura nanatitionna ent Oct eople A lly Auti al Ev shadows wards sttic® Conven Online Special– $9.95 t Human Condition ion & F essttival Public’s View 5th Dr. Goodall Speaks Anniversary Issue plus postage and handling Connected UK Tour SKOOG Music Tribute to Autistic Women Limited Time O er

2013 4th Annual International 2014 5th Annual ANCA® Naturally Autistic® People Awards World Autism Festival™ Convention & Festival Order Today while supplies last! Journey into theth HearHtt off thethe AutisticA tisticC Communito y TM Makes a Great Gift Order your copy Today! www.naturallyautistic.com Meet the People • Read their stories • Understand the Challenges • See their Success

NATURALLYAUTISTIC.COM contact: [email protected] • PO Box 1658, Gibsons, B.C., V0N 1V0, CANADA ® Asperger Women’s Association (AWA) was created in 2008, a year after ATURALLY UTISTIC COM the director, Yvonne Mikulencak, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. N A . Little was known about women on the autism spectrum at that time. Showcasing the Strength and Talent ofof the Global Autistic Community AWA was created to bring education and support to women, children and seniors on the autistic spectrum. Very few organizations and doctors could meet the needs or, even, the recognition of women on the autistic spectrum. HHOMEOME MAGGAAZINZINEE 2014 ANCACA WOWORLD AAUTIUTISMSM FESTIVFESTIVAALL COMMUNITY SERVICESSERVICES PROODUCDUCTSTS RADIODIO SHSHOWOW In six years, Ms. Mikulencak was able to build an organization with over 80,000 followers around the world. Women were always measured by male characteristics, which left the We Understand Autistic People... majority of females undiagnosed. Today, with neuroscience at its call, the medical world and society have learned that autistic women have a different brain operating system than men on the autistic spectrum. Giving support ANCA Directors are available to and facts to the world of women with autism, autistic women and girls today meet and consult with: are finally being recognized, in their own classification and characteristics. AWA has always maintained that autism is not a disorder, but, merely, Employers • Community Living Agencies a different brain operating system than neuro-typicals, like MAC vs PC computer operating systems. Research is now showing there are too many Government Ministries • Organizations autistic people in the world to consider it a disorder, with more women being diagnosed on the spectrum. The challenge we have today is educating the medical field to look beyond cures (which none exist) and work with parents and educational systems for naturallyautistic.com all children to understand what autism is and how to nurture an autistic child from birth. To know the differences between autism and co-morbid disorders, which are shared by neuro- typical children. Most important of all, to accept The Naturally Austistic® People Awards Convention & Festival was created to celebrate the individualism and uniqueness in all children and make a better world for them. accomplishments, talents and abilities of autistic people throughout the world. Yvonne Mikulencak, Director of Asperger Women’s Association We invite members of autistic communities everywhere to participate in this event. [email protected] 713-522-0207 Hosting Partnerships Host Naturally Autistic People Awards There are many ways to work together Convention & Festival in your community to make these events the best they can be Be a Sponsor Contact Us Support the autistic community [email protected]

® Fall 2010 AUTISTIC 2011/2012 Naturally NatuShowcasing ther Strengthall andy Ta lent of the Global Autistic Community Showcasing the Str ength and TalentAUTISTIC of the Global A ® Talent of the bal Au stic Com unity utistic C h and C the Strengt ommunity 2012/2013 Showcasing Changing 15 YEARS The Journey of ANCA Perceptions

® ® 2013/2014 Limited Edition AUTISTI AUTISTICC 2014/2015 NatuShowcShowwcasinga thera St lly r NatuShowcasing thera Strengthll andy Ta lent of the Global Autistic Community BeyondBBeeey the Label Learning to be Autistic Premi yon Issue Journal Quality Publication Spectrum of Colors My AAutistic Best Friend What’s in a Name Moving out of the 2012 3r ational d Ann l Internationalrn ual Int 10 Naturally Autistic®Innteerernationalrnna Inaugura ber 20 People aattioionnaal Event October 201 shadows Awards Conventionutitissttiticc® ®& Festiv nt Online Special– $9.95 Human Condition tiioonn & Fesestitival Public’s View 5th Dr. Goodall Speaks Anniversary Issue plus postage and handling Connected UK Tour SKOOG Music Tribute to Autistic Women Limited Time O er

2013 4th Annual International 2014 5th Annual ANCA® Naturally Autistic® People Awards World Autism Festival™ Convention & Festival Order Today while supplies last! Journey into theth HeartHt off thethe AutisticA tisticC Communito y TM Makes a Great Gift Order your copy Today! www.naturallyautistic.com Meet the People • Read their stories • Understand the Challenges • See their Success

NATURALLYAUTISTIC.COM contact: [email protected] • PO Box 1658, Gibsons, B.C., V0N 1V0, CANADA www.naturallyautistic.com | 9 LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

As a parent of one of the performers importantly—that the spark of potential within people is seen from Dance Works Academy, I have in all people. Autism comes with difficulties, but also with to say seeing the opening production strengths and when families, schools and the wider society in rehearsals over the weeks prior to focus on nurturing those strengths, many of our challenges the 2013 INAPACF Opening Ceremony become less challenging or at least less problematic. was incredible. It was great to have an I am honoured to be nominated for an ANCA award in insider view on how it all came together: 2014 and sad that I can’t meet up with the ANCA family musicians, dancers, lighting, hair and again, but I have a full time job working as a teacher in an makeup, stage setting. autism program in Australia as well as continuing to run my The final product was amazing, the experience during consultancy and lecturing at the University of South Australia the day of tech rehearsals and staging to final performance in their School of Education. was an eye opener to see how much work and how many Best wishes to all attendees and I hope they make great people were involved. It was a great experience for my new friends and that together we can all spread the word daughter to perform with live musicians, including a singer that autistics can and do live happy and fulfilling lives when on the autistic spectrum from Scotland, Samantha E, and the people believe in us and provide the opportunities to suc- collaboration of all the people from around the world com- ceed in whatever it is; living as who we are. ing together on the first day! I am very much looking forward to the 5th ANCA World Dr. Emma Goodall Autism Festival this year in Edinburgh, Scotland, where my Autism Consultant daughter will perform representing Canada! http://healthypossibilities.net http://amzn.com/149222572X Coral Cassidy, parent of performance artist Ciara Cassidy. Sunshine Coast, B.C., Canada

Having attended two conferences, festivals, and awards with ANCA, in 2012 My trip to Canada in 2013 was special and 2013, I am now attending the 2014 for a number of reasons, all of which are NAPACF in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am linked to autism. Firstly, I was in Canada attending because of the most gracious to present some of my doctoral research experiences I have had by meeting and findings at the international association working with other Asperger’s Syndrome of special education conference. (AS) people and loving their individual- I was presented with an award for this ity. It is true that we are unique in every on the final day of the conference. That which way. We eat, we perform, we was very exciting as my research was present, we receive awards, and we have a most spec- qualitative and not quantitative, which is unusual in the field tacular gala and dinner the last evening. The speakers are of autism research. Secondly, my PhD supervisor was also phenomenal and I have learned so much from them. Not presenting at the conference and we had also arranged to just science, but their unique contributions to the world. meet up so she could hopefully sign off my post-PhD exam I saw a Physical Therapy Specialist, who was given a edits to my thesis. She did and this meant that I was officially young female Autistic girl to work with in Turkey. The young Dr. Emma Goodall, a huge achievement and a big relief as girl was basically living in a bubble, not developing and not we had been unable to meet up prior to the conference. I living in the world. The Group worked with her, along with her was so worried that I would lose my laptop, USB stick and the athletic mother in Turkey, and turned her into a champion hard copy printout of the edits! swimmer and a beautiful young woman who competed at In addition, I was catching up with a good friend who the Olympics. At the NAPACF, I met amazing used to live in the same city as I did, but had left post-earth- AS people from all over the world, and saw how they are quake (the 2011 Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake) to working so successfully with autistic children. From artists to return to the USA. It was so lovely to hang out with Pat and entrepreneurs to Olympic-class swimming champions, I have see the sights and celebrate becoming a doctor. One of the been educated on the wonders of all the groups in the things that Pat and I did was go up to the Sunshine Coast to world who are making an incredible difference by not being meet Leonora, Charlie and their son, the founders and driv- limited to one country or culture. ing force behind ANCA. Our timing was perfect as we got This year, my husband will be attending with me for the to meet lots of people who were holding an autistic summer first time. He will be available to talk about our beautiful 39 camp. I was also given the opportunity to do a presentation years of marriage together. He is a neuro-typical and I am to the group and any interested passers-by. Leo and Charlie autistic. The world can live and work together if they have an kindly picked us up from the ferry, welcomed us into their open heart and open mind. INAPACF provides this experi- home, showed us the summer camp and gave us a quick ence to grow. tour of the area. Not only is the Sunshine Coast beautiful, but I felt so comfortable being around so many other adults on Yvonne Mikulencak, the autism spectrum. Director of Asperger Women’s Association Leo, Charlie and I share a vision of a time when autism is simply seen as a difference and not a disability and—more 10 | www.naturallyautistic.com LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

Matthew and I were very Autism is clearly a world-wide phenomenon. pleased to meet Leo Gregory- Yet, historically, most autism organizations Collura in London earlier this year have tended to be focused at the national (25 April 2014), with Leo’s friend or local levels. Anything else was—and to Shirley and Kirsty Ann Au. The next some extent still is—logistically difficult. With day, Leo and Shaz Ruderham the rapidly growing rates at which autism has joined us and some friends at a been diagnosed, most organizations have pub for Matthew’s birthday meal. had their hands full. As the Internet took off in (Matthew loves his food and everyone else’s for that matter!) the late 1990s, an increasing amount of infor- It was good to see Naturally Autistic magazine’s 2013/2014 mation started to become available from across the world. A large issue and earlier issues that Leo had brought along. What did number of books also started to be published in this period; however, Matthew like about the magazines? As usual, his response relationships mostly stayed online and in print. was, “Everything!” When I first started to attend ANCA® events back in the early I particularly liked reading Letters to the Editor, seeing all 2000s, these were largely Vancouver area events with a modest the Nominees (including Matthew’s photo and our friends number of speakers and other participants coming from the U.S. from SEN Assist), the countries and talents represented, along Then, in 2011, I attended the first ANCA® International Naturally with reading about Ambassadors and what they are doing. Autistic People Awards Convention & Festival. This first time around, there were only a few people from outside the U.S. and Canada. In Mike Williams, Farnborough, England contrast, last year saw not only an increase in both the number of people attending from other countries and the number of different countries involved. With the event being held in Scotland this year, On April 29, 2014, I traveled to London to this will be the first time that those attending will be traveling to a meet Leo Gregory-Collura for the first time. destination other than Canada. This is an exciting development, Whilst I met with Leo, I was introduced to although—every now and then—I become nostalgic for the “good nominee Matthew Williams, his dad Mike, old days” when our community was more “exclusive.” But, then and Leo’s friend. It was nice to meet them again, progress is a good thing. all and I am glad that I did. While travel- ling I felt ill with motion sickness, but I never Lars Perner, Ph.D. gave in. I still planned on meeting Leo Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing, Department of Marketing, Marshall School of Business, and the Canadian High Commissioner as University of Southern California, Accounting 306K arranged to have a photo shoot; however, a tube (subway) [email protected] strike the same day caused traffic chaos, which meant my www.LarsPerner.com car service was delayed during the awful time. www.ConsumerPsychologist.com When I finally got to London, I was on the hunt to finding Leo. I finally found her in a pub there. Although we had been connected online for five years, it was nice to meet in per- son. We had lunch at a cool pub and chatted while seeing Matthew’s amazing work. Leo and I then went to her hotel, where Leo and her friend were staying, and we continued chatting whilst receiving the ANCA tote bags, magazines, and a very special gift: Canadian maple syrup, which was a lovely gift to receive. We then went down and had pudding and drinks while I got Leo connected by phone with Shaz Ruderham. The Pam Button 1949 - 2012 meeting that day was amazing, but going home was so stressful as the traffic went from bad to worse. Thus, my car IN MEMORY OF MY ANGEL FRIEND service could not pick me up, but Leo was amazing in trying to keep me calm while trying to flag a taxi cab for me. I am Angel above heavenly gate so proud of everyone and I’m glad I found Leo. Whispering words I am really looking forward to attending this year’s 5th An- Echoes in your ear nual International Naturally Autistic People Awards, Conven- Grasping paintbrushes tion & Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. After meeting Leo, I felt it would be such a shame to miss out on an opportunity Lightly within Hand like this that, it would be an amazing experience for me. Captures the moments Although I am flat (apartment) hunting, I said that I’m not Photo’s Images pouring going to miss out at this year’s autism festival. I was ecstatic Within your soul...amazing paintings for the honour of being asked to join the production crew for Edinburgh’s festival and I cannot wait! Deeply penetrating This would help me to raise my confidence levels, learn Touches your heart of soul new skills, and meet amazing people. Maria Iliou© July 9, 2014 Kirsty Seager, Bournemouth, England

www.naturallyautistic.com | 11 A Commentary on the Cure Mentality By James Paul Wagner

dds are you’ve seen one of people who are actually on the autism such operational definition for autism. those autism commercials spectrum (many of whom you would Can you define autism? Probably not. on television—you know the never know had autism based on the Professionals struggle with defining it Oones where they feature an monolithic viewpoint pushed forth into as well—especially when you take a individual or individuals who lead a the mainstream by narrow-minded or look at the check list of social items life of perceived low functioning abili- even opportunistic individuals seeking that many go by to try to be able to ties. The ones that show the hardships to make a profit from other people’s tell who has autism. the parents go through, and then ask misfortunes) find the concept of want- Take a few of these for example: for money to fund autism research ing to cure them of “disease” to be Prefers to play alone? searching for a cure. These commer- downright insulting, and would refuse This one could be autism, it could cials, similar ads, radio campaigns, a cure if one showed up tomorrow. But also be that the other kids are stupid and other media tend to pollute the beyond that, the simple truth of the and annoying, right? Maybe the per- mainstream, and as a result, many matter is that scientifically speaking, son is just an introvert. Clearly nothing people tend to have a monolithic a cure for autism is not only offensive operational about this one. view of the autism spectrum. They see and riddled with moral ambiguities, it Eye contact? it as a disease, a medical issue that is is also impossible. This one is quite controversial un- an attack on an otherwise “healthy” til we remember that eye contact is individual, and something that must something we learn and is not inher- be cured. Therefore, medical research ent to any of us. In fact, in nature, eye must push towards this goal. contact is usually a bad thing—pro- The concept of a cure is nothing ceeding some kind of attack or show new for the human race. It isn’t only of force. Culturally, we learn to make since medical science has started to eye contact, but biologically? This is understand the concept of a disease still uncomfortable for many people, or sickness either--it seems that since autistic or not, because that is what the dawn of time, humankind has had our instincts tell us. a desire for some type of miracle pill, Fidgeting? an herb, a potion, or a remedy to solve Do you know a kid who doesn’t what it perceived to be a problem. fidget? Very few—usually ones who In the strictest definition, a cure is a are dead. (Or at least dead inside, medical term that means the eradica- right?) But seriously folks, this one is on tion of a disease. In order for a cure the checklist and how do you know if to exist first you need the disease, and The statement that autism cannot a child is fidgeting because they are then the medicine, the therapy, the be cured is not a popular one in the autistic or fidgeting because they feel treatment, the surgery or whatever mainstream. Emotional rallying cries like fidgeting? means to make this disease disap- come left and right from parents who Do you see anything operational pear. The concept seems simple when pray for a cure as well as many oth- or definitive about any of these? Prob- you put it in those terms—however, ers in education who see autism as a ably not. curing autism is anything but a simple disease. They will argue that we cured You may also have noticed that idea, and an idea that is far too often polio and smallpox, and have man- the number of those who are diag- treated as simple in the mainstream. aged to make great strides with can- nosed with autism has gone up ex- The biggest question one needs to ask cer; therefore why can’t autism be ponentially in the last couple of de- when deciding about a cure for au- cured in a similar fashion? cades—from very young ages as well. tism is—is autism a disease? Any respectable scientist or math- In many cases people are being diag- There are quite a few people, par- ematician could tell you that before nosed before age three. Is autism on ticularly in the mainstream, who tend to you can find a solution to a problem, the rise? Or is the public’s awareness believe that the world would be better you need to first identify the prob- of autism on the rise and therefore the without autism and fully believe that a lem—or have what the scientific com- spectrum widening? That is a curious cure is the answer to this “problem.” munity calls an operational definition. question that there is no simple answer The fact of the matter is that millions of Contrary to popular belief, there is no to—but it can’t be denied that more

12 | www.naturallyautistic.com and more things are being considered er know for sure.) Imagine what would autistic-like behavior than ever before have been lost to the world if he was and therefore the spectrum grows. If forced to draw with his right hand in- The Playground you’re assigning people to autism be- stead of his left? Imagine what might cause of fidgeting, avoiding eye-con- have been lost to us as a society to the When I was seven It was huge. tact, or preferring to play alone (and autistic brains of many of our greatest I enjoyed my Nintendo there are many other “symptoms”), thinkers, such as Einstein, if a “cure” then it’s no wonder. had been found early on? The truth I loved television This, of course, just poses more of a of the matter is many of those who But the playground problem for the concept that some- are autistic, or consider themselves Was my favorite place to go how there will be a simple cure for au- autistic, don’t want to be changed After school tism. In order to really understand this, or cured any more than those who To see the friends I made there one simply has to think of how a cure were forced to be “cured” of their left- Who met up with me three, actually works. Say an individual is in- handedness. Many consider their au- Or four times a week. fected with a disease—even cancer. tism to be just another way of living— You identify the disease in the body, an alternative, or a natural variation. After school, Take two people on the spectrum through various means. In some cases, Weekends you have to locate the corruption and for example: one young girl we will call Vacations then attack it through various thera- Aleesha, and a man in his mid-40s. The pies—treatments to either reduce it in man in his 40s has extreme obsessive- I’d get my mother, size for surgery or let the white blood compulsive disorder (OCD), the girl is Grandmother, grandfather, cells take care of it, depending on non-verbal and constantly self-stims To take me there, what the disease or illness is. Have you by hitting things, sometimes herself. To climb the hill ever seen an autism? I haven’t. No sci- Can you imagine one thing that would To rock on the swings entist to date can ever claim to look “cure” both of these individuals when To slide down the slide, in an MRI (magnetic resonance imag- their sets of problems are entirely differ- And run back up it. ing) and say “There! I found the au- ent despite having the same diagno- tism!” It’s not a cluster of cells, it’s not sis? In fact, the forty-year-old man has My friends and I played channeled his OCD into his creative a mutation. Now and then you will find All sorts of games a study that suggests brain patterns, work and has made millions of dollars I was often King but all of these have been disproven doing so. Do you think he would want or never had any conclusive findings a “cure” for this? As for the young girl, Or Prince of the castle to which there were no exceptions. it turns out she was having blood issues While they ran to slay the dragons The simple truth of the matter is if that were causing her pain with no Or to sneak into the no boy’s allowed you do not have an operational defini- way to communicate it. Should you try Section and the girls would scream tion for autism, you cannot even begin to cure the autism? Or maybe it’s her And run away to think about “curing” it. Where then, blood issues that require the more im- And it would all be ours! do you wonder, do all of those millions mediate attention. of dollars in donations that so many It is great that the public is becom- Even today, give to find a cure for autism go to if ing more aware of autism. The public The playground is there is also becoming very aware of quan- they realistically can’t even begin to A bit different now. find a cure? (The sad truth is much of tum mechanics, at least in the sense More plastic, it goes into the pockets of the execu- that they know they exist—but could tives in charge of these for-profit chari- the public typically define or under- A bit more safety conscious ties, but that’s another story entirely.) stand quantum mechanics? Probably Still maintained But the tragedy of the situation is that not. It is a similar story with the public And funded by the town. so little of this money actually goes to actually understanding what autism improving the quality of the lives of is. People know the word autism, they I drive past there those affected by autism at all. have a vague idea about autism, but Every so often Once upon a time, it was consid- they don’t really know what autism is. And every time I do ered a disease to be left-handed—in And as long as the public view of au- And see the swings blowing back and forth fact, institutions would (not that very tism is that it is a disease to be cured, In the wind there will be those who seek to profit long ago) smack and beat students The empty tunnels who used their left hand to write, or from it by spreading misinformation The vacant slides eat, as opposed to their right hand. and fear. All the while actual, tangible Right handedness was considered the problems that affect the quality of life I feel sorry for the children way to be. Leonardo da Vinci wrote of those who are affected by autism Who are children today left handed quite often. Although he are overlooked and ignored while And lament was rumored to be ambidextrous, and time, energy and money is spent at All the adventures capable of using either hand to write, best trying to look for something that, They are missing. he was always spotted using his left operationally, cannot even exist. Or at hand to do his painting and drawing. worst, lining the pockets of those who —James Wagner (Some say he might have had an au- claim to be looking for such a “cure.” tistic brain as well, though we will nev- •

www.naturallyautistic.com | 13 15% in the Bridge Restaurantdiscount and Bar from food purchased by delegates from this event Congratulations to the 2014 International Naturally Autistic People Awards nominees and recipients Situated on North Bridge overlooking The Royal Mile, the hotel is just minutes from Princes Street and the legendary Edinburgh Castle. The Carlton Hotel is ideally located for exploring the vibrant and diverse city of Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

33 4 star city centre hotel 33 Car park nearby 33 189 bedrooms 33 Dog-friendly hotel 7 miles from Edinburgh airport 33 Conference facilities 33 Adjacent to Waverley train station 33 Free Wi-Fi Health club with swimming pool 33 5 minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle 33 Beauty rooms 33 Squash courts

North Bridge | Edinburgh EH1 1SD

thehotelcollection.co.uk/edinburgh @CarltonHotelUK /TheCarltonHotelEdinburgh

69537_THC_CARLTON_BRIDGE_FULLPAGE_Proof02.indd 1 17/07/2014 13:41 NATURALLY AUTISTIC® ANCA® Presents ANCA® world autism festivalTM 5th anniversary

15% in the Bridge Restaurantdiscount and Bar from food purchased by delegates from this event Congratulations to the 2014 International Naturally Autistic People Awards nominees and recipients connected Situated on North Bridge overlooking The Royal Mile, the hotel is just minutes from Princes Street and the legendary Edinburgh Castle. The Carlton Hotel is ideally located for exploring the vibrant and diverse city of Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

33 4 star city centre hotel 33 Car park nearby 33 189 bedrooms 33 Dog-friendly hotel 7 miles from Edinburgh airport 33 Conference facilities 33 Adjacent to Waverley train station 33 Free Wi-Fi Health club with swimming pool 33 5 minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle 33 Beauty rooms 33 Squash courts OCT 1, 2014 opening ceremony The Pleasance Theatre, 60 Pleasance, edinburgh, scotland OCT 2-6, 2014 Convention, festival and Gala North Bridge | Edinburgh EH1 1SD carlton highland hotel, 19 North bridge, edinburgh, scotland thehotelcollection.co.uk/edinburgh @CarltonHotelUK /TheCarltonHotelEdinburgh www.naturallyautistic.com to register

69537_THC_CARLTON_BRIDGE_FULLPAGE_Proof02.indd 1 17/07/2014 13:41

Ministre responsable de la Britannique Colombie- Minister Responsible for British Columbia

October 1, 2014 the Government of Canada, I would like to (INAPCF). On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 a series of International Naturally Autistic People Awards Conventionmportant & Festival awardsCelebrating festival that with celebrates the

The Opening Ceremony marks the beginning of an i accomplishments of exceptional individuals from around the world. , I would like to performances from talented artists, the Opening Ceremonies are sure to be an unforgettableand

evening. and the Governmentfrom both of CanadaCanada and abroad,towards , participants Your efforts Prime Minister Stephen Harper I would like On behalf of the Festival’s organizers thank and congratulate for your continued commitment to supporting autism awareness. volunteers the INAPCF ambassador, April Dawn Griffin, for her the ongoing success ofacknowledgement this event are something of that all Canadians can be proud of. to include a special to fundraising and raising awareness. commitment volunteer work and . outstanding Opening Night and Festival I wish you all an

Sincerely,

The Honourable James Moore, P.C., M.P. Minister Responsible for British Columbia

A Message from Premier Christy Clark

As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I am pleased to congratulate everyone here at this 5 know there is a good mix of people here representing all age groups, professions th and countries, and this promisesAnnual to ANCA bring evenWorld more Autism optimism Festival and in hope Edinburgh. to I There has been an amazingcurrent amount and of future research generations done on ofAutistic people Spectrum with autism and and i their families. in how it impacts each person – British Columbia, we have stepped to the plate and shown great leadership in raising awareness about autism, and we are a national leader in Canada in providing autism supports and services. their needs, skills and abilities. I am proud to say that in the province of I am also pleased to know that at this important international conference a number of key individuals will be duly recognized for their research, their accomplishments, and their c all better understand autism and autistic people. t is clear that it is diverse doing and have done.

Thank you to the organizers and volunteers who have worked hard to plan and prepare for this event. It is great to know a lot of Canadians, including BritishI commend Columbians, them are all involved for the importantand connected work tothey this are important dialogue as well. ontributions to helping us I wish you all the best in your deliberations and congratulations to all those being recognized for their contributions, their gifts, talents and achievements – autistic people around the world.

Sincerely,

all of which is creating a promising future for

Christy Clark Premier

16 | www.naturallyautistic.com 2014 Award Nominees

Alysha Adam Andrei Albu Andy Dreisewerd Anna Kennedy, OBE Visual Arts Excellence in Sports Entrepreneur Community Leadership Canada Romania USA Organization England

Anthony Rivera April Goodbrake April Dawn Griffin Athena Iliou Visual Arts Performing Arts Youth Community Visual Arts USA USA Achievement USA Canada

Barbara Cook Bill Peters Candy Waters Carl Parker Community Community Visual Arts Youth Visual Arts Achievement Achievement USA Canada Australia USA

Carly Campagna Carly Ryan Carol Gabrielson Carson Lenz Visual Arts Youth Performing Arts Community Mentor Visual Arts USA England Canada USA

Cem Erdonmez Chasmin Bjorkman Chef Tom Dickinson Claire Macdonald Performing Arts Visual Arts Youth Community Scottish Autism Turkey Sweden Achievement Community Leadership USA Organization Scotland

Clarence Zhengwei Cody Perry Connie Harrison Curran Dobbs Kang Visual Arts Community Performing Arts Performing Arts USA Achievement Canada Malaysia Canada

David Beresford David Johnston David Kot Delwin Cheah Visual Arts Community Literary Arts Visual Arts Youth Canada Achievement USA Malaysia Canada

Di Maitland Diane MacNaughton Duane Burnett Efe Aydogan Community Mentor Community Community Mentor Excellence in Sports South Africa Achievement Canada Turkey Canada

Dr. Emma Goodall Eren Ozturk Eric Holst Fiona O’Leary Entrepreneur Excellence in Sports Visual Arts Community Australia Turkey USA Achievement Ireland

www.naturallyautistic.com | 17 2014 Award Nominees

Frank Louis Allen Gabrielle Hogg George Hobley Glen Pendlebury Visual Arts Community Excellence in Sports Visual Arts England Achievement England Australia New Zealand

Hannah Pelley Ibrahim Acar Inna Sergiyenko Iris Gray Performing Arts Youth Entrepreneur Community Mentor Community Canada Turkey Ukraine Achievement Canada

Ivan Corea Jack Anderson Jake Lynch James Tanaka Community Community Mentor Literary Arts Excellence in Achievement USA England Technology England Canada

James Wagner Jan Brooking Jean Nicol Jean-Louis Hetu Entrepreneur Community Community Mentor Visual Arts Youth USA Achievement Canada Australia New Zealand

Jeremy Samson Jessica Davis Jewel Griffin Jo Anne Gauthier Entrepreneur Community Visual Arts Youth Community Mentor Australia Achievement Canada Canada USA

Joanne Dacombe John Greally Jordan O’Kelley Joshua Cochrane Community Mentor Community Mentor Community Performing Arts Youth New Zealand New Zealand Achievement Canada USA

Joshua Wills Jovana Lazic Katy Kenah & Khurshid Alam Visual Arts Performing Arts Robbie Love Khurshid England Serbia Excellence in Sports SADA Community New Zealand Leadership Organization Pakistan

Kim McGill Kimberley Dragseth Kyle Coleman Kyle Nobel Visual Arts Community Mentor Performing Arts Community USA Canada England Achievement USA

Leith McMurray Lois Brady Luka Mijovic Marc Rosen Community Excellence in Literary Arts Literary Arts Achievement Technology Serbia USA New Zealand USA

18 | www.naturallyautistic.com 2014 Award Nominees

Marco Guerra Mariapia Vernile Martin Edge Matthew Williams Performing Arts Community Mentor Visual Arts Visual Arts Youth Italy Italy Australia England

Michael Tolleson Nalini Srivastava Nichi Pluschke Nicholas Mitchell Visual Arts Entrepreneur Excellence in Sports Community USA India Canada Achievement Canada

Nick Hale Noah Pelley Oguzhan Hakki Olley Edwards Literary Arts Visual Arts Youth Egilmez Visual Arts USA Canada Entrepreneur England Turkey

Paul Dierks Paul Grayhurst Paul Isaacs Paul McAuliffe Community Mentor Pioneer Lodge Community Performing Arts USA Community Leadership Achievement USA Organization England Canada

Penny Hudson Perla Messina Rod Morris Rose Whitson- Community Mentor Visual Arts Community Guedes Canada Greece Achievement Literary Arts England Canada

Roshan (Orko) Roy Russell Lehmann Sara Wegwitz Sean Cosgrave Visual Arts Performing Arts Community Mentor Excellence in Sports India USA Canada Canada

Shain Neumeier Simon Hart Steven Coventry Steven Licardi Community Community Visual Arts Literary Arts Achievement Achievement Australia USA USA New Zealand

Sue Norris Susan Noble Susie Anderson Teresa Catto-Smith Literary Arts Epilepsy Warriors Community Mentor Autism in Scotland England Foundation Scotland Community Leadership Community Leadership Organization Organization Scotland USA Thomas Ritchie Tim Pylypiuk Tom Rosicki Udruzenje Urdas Teens + Literary Arts Rosicki, Rosicki & Community Leadership Community Leadership Canada Associates Organization Organization Community Leadership Bosnia-Herzegovina Scotland Organization USA

www.naturallyautistic.com | 19 2014 Award Nominees

Umar Hasfizal Utka Mahanoglu William Boutin Xayala Karimova Performing Arts Performing Arts Literary Arts Community Mentor Malaysia Turkey USA Azerbaijan

Yvonne Mikulencak Zoey Roberts Asperger Women’s Community Association Achievement Community Leadership Canada Organization USA Judges

Cydney Mar INAPA Judge representing Canada. Ms. Mar is a celebrated Canadian Fashion designer. Cydney’s early Couture Collections Kenny Moir firmly established her standing as a recognized designer INAPA Judge representing USA. A native of Vancouver Canada, capturing the interests of the public when she appeared as Kenny Moir began his journey in figure skating at the age of a finalist in the Clairol Awards Premier and winning Design 3. Kenny went on to compete in 8 Canadian Championships awards in New York at the age of 21. resulting in a Silver medal and became a Skate Canada (CFSA) triple gold medalist. In 1979 he was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame. One of Kenny Moir’s proudest achievements is the Sky Rink Youth Scholarship Fund which Denis O’Connor helps off-set the high cost of skating for young hockey and INAPA Judge representing England. As Executive Producer of figure skaters in New York City. Big Brother UK, Mr. O’Connor is experienced in the world of tal- ent and aspiration. With a professional background in the arts; theater, television and film and community work Mr. O’Connor Diane Durant Dipl. RBS TTC will inspire our international nominees, as well as be inspired! INAPA Judge representing Italy. After exceptional junior and senior years in training for ballet and the performing arts, Diane joined the Royal Ballet School graduating in 1979, after which she moved to Bari, Italy opening her own school “Acad- Josie Murray emy of Dance” with colleagues Cheryl Gill and Margaret Fenn. INAPA Judge representing Ireland. Mr. Murray is originally from She holds certification and qualifications in the following: Dip Burtonport Co. Donegal Ireland. A practicing martial artist for R.B.S.(T.T.C), Imperial Ballet Fellowship, A.R.A.D., A.I.S.T.D. 35 years, black belt in 7th dan in jiu jitsu, 5th dan in Cobrai Kai (Cecchetti)., I.S.T.D .National Advanced. kickboxing, black belt in Judo, and brown belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Royce Gracie (his representative in Ireland for 10 years). With seven gold medals, four silver and one bronze Chris Adams – The Buzz Project from competing in Brasil at the masters and seniors. INAPA Judge representing Scotland. Chris is a professional, award-winning musician and composer who has worked in the music industry for many years and has taught music in Selina Allan – MissionHair Salon secondary schools. He has recorded and performed with some INAPA Judge representing Scotland. Selina is passionate about of the major rock bands in the UK. Chris has an ability to bring self loving. She has her own business within Edinburgh and out the best in people in a non-intimidating way and is pas- established her salon in 2011. She now has a stylist she has sionate about creating positive change in young people. trained up to become the stylist she is now and since opening she realises that BIG salons fed her the business head she has. She’s changing hairdressing for the best. Victor Simon – International Pianist & Composer Honorary Judge Cyndy Cassidy INAPA Judge representing Argentina. VICTOR SIMON is an Is a Canadian artist and writer with a business background in acclaimed composer and a soulful performer, as much at home publishing & marketing and martial arts. She is representing in the classical repertoire as he has been pivotal to Canadian Canada as the Honorary Judge this year and will be attending tango music. Raised in the famous musical family of Los Edinburgh to meet the nominees. hermanos Simón, he was immersed from childhood in the rich rhythms and evocative melodies of South American music, including tango and Argentine folklore, and from those roots pursued his classical studies.

20 | www.naturallyautistic.com “Connected” Celebrating Canada’s National Autism Awareness Month Event Venues Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Opening Ceremony Production & Festival The Pleasance Theatre, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, Scotland

EMCEE: Denis O’Connor, Executive Producer Big Brother UK 3.30pm Meet and Greet/Registration; 4.00pm VIP Reception and Red Carpet; 5.30pm Stewards seat audience 6.00pm - 8.30pm Opening Ceremony Production (with 20 mins intermission) Tribute to Scotland and Canada celebrating Canada’s National Autism Awareness Month; International Showcase of 2014 Nominees Performances showcasing International artists, with special Canadian artists: AyÂû, Curran Dobbs and Joshua Cochrane Opening welcome speeches by Canadian Representatives Tammy Klein with special guest Anna Kennedy OBE

Thursday, October 2 to Friday, October 3, 2014

International Workshops and Festival - Canadian Pavillion, Nairn Suite Carlton Highland Hotel, 19 North Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland

9.30am - 9.45am registration - Canadian Pavilion - Nairn Suite

October 2, 2014 – Cromarty Suite; 9.50am - Keynote: Anna Kennedy OBE 10am – 4.30pm International Workshops with coffee/tea service in afternoon October 3, 2014 – Cromarty Suite 9.50am – Keynote: Tammy Klein 10am – 4.30pm International Workshops with coffee/tea service in afternoon

Saturday, October 4, 2014 Gala Dinner AWARDS Presentation, Highlander Suite Carlton Highland Hotel, 19 North Bridge Edinburgh, Scotland

EMCEE: Josie Murray, Jiu Jitsu Gold Medalist 4.00pm VIP and nominees, delegates, guests/Red Carpet; 5.00pm Cocktails, no host bar 6.00pm – 10.00pm Dinner, speeches, live entertainment, 2014 Awards Presentation, announcing 2015 ANCA World Autism Festival (country & location TBA), general dancing Special Presentation: James Hobley, Ciara Cassidy, Samantha E, Kyle Coleman, Joshua Cochrane and Curran Dobbs

Sunday, October 5, 2014

First International Summit, Autistic Peoples Federation 9:45am – 4.45pm Keynote: Dr. Lars Perner; Asperger Women’s Association Forum – Yvonne Mikulencak, Catriona Stewart, Phd, Tammy Klein; Plenary Speakers: Dr Ben Schogler, Rod Morris, MA Special Guest via Skipe: Donna Williams, Dr. Emma Goodall

Monday, October 6, 2014 Photo opportunities with AWARD Recipients, organizers and special guests in designated locations in Edinburgh. TBC.

www.naturallyautistic.com | 21 Emcees, Host, Honorary Speakers & Keynotes

Emcee Emcee Red Carpet Hosts Anna Kennedy Lars Perner Denis O’Connor Josie Murray Tammy Klein OBE Hons D Prof Ph.D. Rose Whitson-Guedes Performance Artists

AyÂû Joshua Kirsty David McNiven Curran Kyle Ciara Cassidy Cochrane Seager Emma Clark Dobbs Coleman and Ella Garrick

Khurshid Alam Utku Samantha E Sergei Ciara James Matthew Khurshid Mahanoglu Desmond Cassidy Hobley Williams Workshop Presenters & Summit Plenary Speakers

Inna Erdal Dr. Ben Rod Khurshid Alam Jeremy Paul R. Chris Sergiyenko Artes Schogler Morris MA Khurshid Samson Dierks Adams

Peter Michael Donna Dr. Emma Yvonne Tammy Catriona Cunnington Tolleson Williams Goodall Mikulencak Klein Stewart Ph.D Canadian Pavilion Canadian Pavilion

22 | www.naturallyautistic.com Award Sponsors

Community Mentor Community Achievement Kits4Kids Foundation Visual Arts (youth) CBI Consultants Worldwide / Prof Dr Eric Lim Malaysia Chewigems UK Community Leadership Organisation Asperger Women’s Association

Performing Arts Anna Kennedy online

Literary Arts Victoria Meet Up Group Peter Cunnington, Sean Cosgrave, Iris Gray Visual Arts Artists with Autism, Anthony Gregory, Jocelyn Eastman Performing Arts (youth) Canadian National Autism Foundation

Excellence in Sports ANCA® BodyTrack® participants

Excellence in Technology Entrepreneur 2nd and 3rd Place Awards Millenium Foundation for Youth Rossler Family Cosgrave Family

With special thanks from the organizers of the 5th annual ANCA® World Autism Festival™

ANCA Foundation and the ANCA World Autism Festival would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone far and wide across the globe and locally especially ‘The Gibsons and Sunshine Coast Community’ of British Columbia. Carole Carlton and Ellen Knott for doing such an amazing job of fundraising and gathering friends and local business community members to participate in the 2014 Kick-Off and Silent Auction; Vern Bahti Minard for his photography, Stand for the B.E.A.R. for their music, April Dawn Griffin for coming out to BC from Saskatchewan as INAPACF Ambassador, the many volunteers; Josie, Mark, Maureen, to name a few; Danceworks Academy, Boomer’s Burger Bar, The Ruderham Family, volunteers from Sleep Scotland, Dr. Ben Schogler the Cassidy Family, The Gregory-Collura Family, associates,friends and clients of ANCA, Erdal Ates, Ciara Cassidy and Ella Garrick of AyAu, Mayor Wayne Rowe and the Town of Gibsons, the RCMP, our 2014 Award Sponsors and silent auction contributors; Sen Assist, Ian Cullen, Uncommon Minds, Chris Adams, Yvonne Mikulencak, Janet Panic for continued use of ‘It will all work out’ and Enchanted Canyon Productions; Rompost TV, JoyBCTV, VISION TV, Steve Sleep of Cable TV Sunshine Coast and the Elphinstone Students, Ashly Hautala, Samantha E, April Dawn Griffin, Tim Steinruck and Thilo Mernhoff for creating the album AuSome AuCoustic, Jeremy Bernstein and his family, Tammy Klein and Dr Lars Perner, Leslie Jones, Dr. Wenn Lawson, Dr Emma Goodall, Bob Delaney, Lil Fawcus and the huge online social media community that consistently supports and shares this annual event around the world! Our radio show hosts Maria Iliou, Tim Pylypiuk, James Paul Wagner, Nick Hale, Marc Rosen, Phoebe Murer, Jocelyn Eastman and radio show guests; Sunshine Coast Coffee News, Heather Jeal, Autism Daily Newscast, Roberta Hill, Autistic Spectrum Digest and Asperger Women’s Association. The International Judges for their devoted commitment and time. Selina Allen and Amy of Mission Hair Salon, Edinburgh for providing hair and make up for the event. The many people, organisations and businesses, community leaders whom without their support this annual event would not be possible. *A special ‘thank-you’ goes out to Flirt Cafe and Lorraine from Chewigem supporting British delegate Kirsty Seager; to Rushmoor Youth Forum for their support to 2014 nominee Matthew Williams; to ATHENA AUTISTIC ARTIST, ATHENA AUTISTIC ARTIST COLLEGE for their donation in support the Afternoon Tea during the first annual International Autistic Peoples Federation Summit. Special thank-you to Cst. Steve Kahng and the Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment

www.naturallyautistic.com | 23 Celebrating International Judges 2013

Adelina Suvagau Al Tsji Irem Bekter NIcholas Treadwell Sebastian Hugeneck Sonia Suvagau Romania Canada Turkey England Austria Canada 2012

Romela Quinn & Marcus McClelland Elaine Tan Comeau Ian Cullen Meredyth Desmond Pernille Kruse New Zealand Canada England Scotland USA

Anne & Steven Sergei Desmond Sonia York-Pryce Berman Scotland Australia USA

2011

Janet Panic John Pickup Ken Cowle Quentin & Adele Devine Stephen Nikleva Tammie Tim Mueller Canada Australia Canada United Kingdom Canada Cunningham USA Australia 2010

Brian Hubenig JoAnne Bennison Kris Anders Shelly Twohig Canada Canada Canada Canada 24 | www.naturallyautistic.com International Ambassadors INAPACF ANCA® World Autism Festival™

James has had a very busy year her third book, continues to since accepting his INAP Award perform with play writer Tim 2013 recipient for Performing Pylypiuk on ANCA Radio Arts (youth) at the Palace of Shows’ weekly Radio dramas Westminster with Leonora each Saturday - many of the Gregory-Collura. Since, he has plays have been adapted by accepted to be Ambassador Tim from Phoebe’s books. She representing England, has recently landed a job upon her James Hobley accepting return interning in Italy this his award, with Leonora met with Ian Swales MP, Phoebe with her books and at her arts Gregory-Collura, Ian received commendation and craft table in Philadelphia! past Summer. Swales MP, Sheila Hobley letters from Prime Minister and Anna Kennedy OBE David Cameron and Deputy Since receiving her 3rd place Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and a private reception with MP’s, recipient representing Canada Council and the Mayor of Redcar. He has also accepted to be an and tied with Silke Heyer of ambassador for a national charity based in Langport, Bibic, which Germany, April has taken her helps children and young people with conditions affecting their so- role of Official INAPACF cial, communication and learning abilities, as an ambassador. This Canadian Ambassador very seri- past summer he joined the York Summer Ballet school program ously. She has also made a huge step as a business woman in her passing his audition with full scholarship last spring! April Dawn Griffin, Ciara Cassidy region of Nipiwan, Saskatch- receive Autism proclamation from ewan. Apart from her continued Jeremy Bernstein, 2011 recipi- Town of Gibsons, BC Canada ent for the INAP AWARDS for success fund raising for all kinds Entrepreneur and ANCA World of causes related to children, single mothers, art and environmental Autism Festival Ambassador research, April has also dedicated her life of art toward support- has increased his presence as an ing autistic children. Last Spring she attended the annual ANCA Entrepreneur with his jewelry World Autism Festival ‘Kick-Off’ in Gibsons on the Sunshine making business and community Coast of B.C., received the Official Proclamation from Mayor involvement with the following Wayne Rowe and council and participated in local fund raising for shows & events: Vendor at the the two young performance artists. April is exemplary in her local, Jeremy with his models at one of national and international support for the autistic community, his vendor exhibitions at the Kiwanis Club of Warner Center Bully FreeEvent in Long Beach, 21st KECSA Competition for demonstrating her commitment on a daily basis through her California June 1. Special Athletes at the Hansen vigorous updates in social media. Dam Equestrian Center, CA; Interviewed and aired by Channel 2 News for participation in Mission Possible training between Law Current and Past Ambassadors Enforcement and the Autism Community at Mission College, CA, with continued friendship with Officer James Ream; Vendor at The Rose Guedes, B.C., Canada Tammy Klein - California, USA Special Needs Resource Fair by Family Focus Resource Center at Scott James, Stockton-On-Tees, England Russell Lehmann - Nevada, USA California State University, University Student Union, Northridge John Greally Au - Auckland, Trent Altman, Kentucky, USA Center; Designer at The International Jewelry show Intergem Pasa- New Zealand Michael Buckholtz - Georgia, USA Emma Goodall - New Zealand/Australia dena Convention Center, CA; One man jewelry show Grassroots Maria Iliou, New York, USA Samantha E - Edinburgh, Scotland James Paul Wagner, New York USA Natural market and Kitchen, CA for Valentines Day; Representing Erdal Ates, Alanya, Turkey Joel Anderson, California, USA another jewelry designer Jenny Marcos with Cystic Fibrosis to fun- draise for her cause; 4th time Vendor at Autism Highway’s Chalk Art Festival Covina, CA;. Presented a video on INAPACF at the Gemological Institute classroom Carlsbad CA; Jewelry table at the Honoree Ambassadors Autism Society of Los Angeles booth at the Walk for Autism Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA; Vendor at the Bully Free event with Autism of Long Beach, CA employing models to model his jewelry. Recently hosted an event for 2013 INAP Award recipient actress Tammy Klein at the Elves Club CA. Jeremy is currently creating his own YouTube video showcasing all of his accomplishments since his award in 2011 and INAPACF Ambassadorship in 2012.

Phoebe Murer 2012 INAP Award recipient for Visual Arts Dr. Temple Grandin Pam Button has had an amazing past year - she is in the process of writing USA Canada 1949 - 2012

www.naturallyautistic.com | 25 ANCA® around the World

26 | www.naturallyautistic.com ANCA® around the World

www.naturallyautistic.com | 27 Naturally Autistic Magazine Interviews Dr. Ben Schogler

Creating an environment where all students, with disabilities direct and immediate access to a range of creative possibili- or without, can come together to learn and perform music as a ties. The positive impact of music making for Autistic people is collective has been a long standing challenge for music teach- well documented and researched and Skoog simply opens the ers everywhere. The challenge is all the more daunting when door. There is no dress code or policy as it were, everyone is wel- we consider many students with disabilities have difficulty hold- come. The intuitive nature of the Skoog interface can be of real ing and using traditional music instruments; while still others face benefit to those who do not engage in conventional language communication and language barriers that make following tra- and communication; allowing them to connect with their mu- ditional instruction difficult if not impossible. sicality without the need for linguistic mediation or instruction. While assistive technology has fast gained a reputation for The support for improvised music making can be of real benefit providing avenues to address some of these challenges there at home. Supporting individual and joint activity that the whole has not been any one form or piece of equipment that could family can be part of something we can all share. address many of these challenges at the same time. One promising exception to this comes in the form of a NA: How did you come to create the Skoog – what was your squeezable multicolored cube called the Skoog. Stephanie intent? Forrest, a student and Skoog musician at Braidburn School, Ed- inburgh states, “Having a Skoog is good because it lets every- BEN: I am a psychologist and musician. I am passionate about body take part in music...it gave me a chance to do things I did music and its place in our day to day lives. Especially in the lives not know I could do...” of our children. My background is in human communicative To learn more about this ground-breaking instrument, musicality, ecological psychology, communication, human Naturally Autistic Magazine recently inter- development, music and its application in viewed Dr. Benjamin Schogler, Creative rehabilitation and therapy. It is important to Director of Skoogmusic and co-inventor of note here that I am but one half of Skoog the Skoog. and that Dr. David Skulina, Co-inventor and Co-founder of Skoogmusic, is another part NA: The Skoog does indeed break barriers of the Skoog story. He is a physicist and mu- for children and adults who cannot physi- sician and his desire to make music more cally manage a traditional music instru- accessible, to make better instruments that ment. What kind of responses have you wit- make it fun and easy to feel the joy of music, nessed when these individuals first learn to is a large part of the Skoog story. play with the Skoog? Music is part of what it is to be human, not the notes on the page or the sound on the BEN: The response has been overwhelm- radio but an activity we do with other peo- ingly positive. A typical first encounter is ple. But more recently, we have lost this, and one of surprise and delight at feeling that music has become something we buy and moment of control, “I’m doing this.” Again, consume like ready meals. And like ready you can read and see more via the web, meals, if that is all you ‘eat’ then it can be but in the words of a young Skoog musician unhealthy. All children are naturally musical herself, Stephanie Forrest, “This is something and have their own spontaneous musical I can play.” culture. Ages 3, 4 and 5, they sing and dance without being told With adults the response can be disbelief; “it is as if I am re- or taught how; in fact, much of the time we tell them to sit still ally playing music.” “You Are,” I tell them. or be quiet. This spontaneous music of childhood supports our Wendy Whyte is a teacher at a special school in Scotland; natural development and acts as scaffolding, making us more here, she describes the response from one of her students: “[The coordinated. Not just physically, but emotionally and cognitive- Skoog has] transformed the life of one young girl at our school ly as well. It is our role as adults, peers, educators, caregivers, in particular. On the autism spectrum with limited speech, she parents and musicians to foster and support this creativity in all struggles to cope in every area of the curriculum. However, children. But what if this rich vein of support is cut off, impeded when she plays the Skoog, she becomes graceful, confident in some way? This is where Skoog came from. A desire to enable and at ease with herself. It’s wonderful to watch.” The most cru- children for whom the barrier to making music was the instru- cial observation is that given the right opportunity we can all ments themselves. make music. NA: Recently you appeared in the documentary The Sounds NA: Autistic people are one of the target groups for the Skoog. of Colour, which explores the connection between sound and How do you see the Skoog helping children/adults who are au- movement in the body and brain. Can you tell us something tistic? about your involvement with the documentary and what it was out to explore. BEN: The Skoog is a platform for making music and music making activities. It offers a widely accessible way to engage in BEN: This documentary highlighted some of the research that music that is independent of conventional knowledge or instru- formed part of the background to the Skoog development, the mental skill. In that regard it can offer people with autism a very study of how we physically create and control musical sounds.

28 | www.naturallyautistic.com It was through Professor Trevarthen that I was introduced to Pro- fessor David Lee and his work in ecological psychology. Profes- sor Lee’s work with tau theory provided a platform to study the act of music making in all its richness. Tau theory provides a win- dow to understand how we balance information in our nervous system and use that information to control our interaction with the world around us and inside us. It is a biologically grounded approach that enables us to look at the currency of information in human behaviour, our actions. Essentially, there is an array of changing, flowing information in the world that is available to all our senses, in light, sound, pressure, etc. and how we bal- ance that flowing of information with nervous information from within our own bodies underpins all our actions. It is all part of a continuum of perception and action. This ground breaking work enabled us to look at how musicians skilfully control their bodies interacting with the physics of their musical instrument to create the Edinburgh council and to put Skoog on their mental map of and sculpt sound. I worked closely with Professor Lee to apply what’s happening in Scotland and across the world. tau theory to the study of making music, from babies to skilled performers. NA: There is an incredible photo on your website called Sinfo- nietta which features the Skoog orchestra among others. It is, I NA: You are a musician yourself. What instrument do you play believe, a dream many people have had, but one which you and how do you explain the physical movements you make have brought into reality. Please share with us how this came during performance? What goes through your mind and body? about and reaction to the performance Are they separate experiences, or one in the same? BEN: That photo is from Lancashire Music Hub. As a service BEN: I am a bass player and it has taken me a long time to they have been proactive in addressing the needs of all their play. Traditional instruments require skill, practice and work. But I young people and took the bold step of making Skoog acces- feel now at age 39 (I began around 12) that I can play. To play, sible to all their special schools across the county. This is the first you need to not think about the movements or any of those authority to do this to our knowledge. By doing so they have minutiae, but you think about the sounds you want to make or made it possible for groups of Skoogists to come together and how you want to shape them and your body does the rest in work in partnership with mainstream orchestras, such as the Lan- collaboration with the instrument. It is as if you have your hands cashire Sinfonietta. I include a press release with this on the de- directly on the sound wave and you can sculpt it, bend and tails. The photo you refer to is from a performance celebrating shape it. But it is a shape that is constantly changing too. When the work of pupils and the service over the course of a year. By you are in control of your instrument, you are really in control supporting their distaff (female branch) and pupils, the schools of the sound and the instrument is a seamless part of that. I were able to create a Skoog ensemble and support them in wouldn’t say I was totally there but I am getting there. working with the other schools across the county. This type of inclusive approach is a benchmark for music education and NA: You were recently awarded with the 2013 International one we hope will be replicated for students across the UK and Naturally Autistic People Award for Excellence in Technology. further afield. All credit to Lancashire Music Hub, notably Tim It was presented to you at a ceremony with the Lord Provost in Rogers the head, David Ashworth their SEN advisor, and Tom Edinburgh, Scotland. Please tell us about this experience and Harrold the composer who created the piece for the final per- what the award and acknowledgement represents for you. formance.

BEN: We were honoured NA: What role do you see technology playing or will play in the to be nominated and even future, when it comes to the fundamental desire of one human more so to actually receive being, wanting to engage and communicate with another. the reward! We were disap- pointed that we could not BEN: Sometimes I hear people talking about whether tech- attend the ceremony (in nology is a ‘good thing’ especially in education. Technology is Canada), but it did give us neither good nor bad; it is part of our lives and always has been. a chance to meet the Pro- A pencil is technology! It will only become more and more so vost and to connect with our as we are witnessing. Technology has the capacity to positively home city, Edinburgh. During impact all our lives but we need to apply a bit of judgment. We the research and develop- are all new to this, there is no right and wrong, and we must ment phase of Skoog (2006- share information, ideas and best practice to help find the best 2008), we were spread far ways through. and wide across Scotland. Technology can sometimes be the barrier; classical instru- When we launched Skoog, ments are a good example of this. We need to all work together the interest was immediately to create technology that is enabling. I believe this quote by international and in many Mary Pat Radabaugh, Director of IBM National Support Center ways it has taken us a while for Persons with Disabilities sums it up pretty well: “For people to get the Skoog word out without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people around our own stomping with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” ground! Meeting the Provost was a great opportunity to Interviewer for NA magazine connect with members of Charlie Collura www.naturallyautistic.com | 29 Tribute to Women

When Leo asked me to write about female autism, I was honoured. I am pleased to see more attention on a group of females who are most often misunderstood and marginalized. Despite the obstacles, females on the autism spectrum have a stunning array of gifts, and its time for women on the spectrum to be celebrated. Research on the autistic female profile is in its infancy, and as such, is many years behind clinical and anecdotal observations. The “female profile” is a relatively new concept and as such, many of the characteristics that are seen in clinics, inpatient and outpatient settings, schools, written about in blogs and books, have yet to be confirmed by solid research. Since its initial discovery, the field of autism has predominately been focused on autism in males and how the condition impacts them. The majority of the research, assessment tools, diagnostic criteria and interventions are male biased and many females who are on the spectrum do not fit this male model of autism. Females with autism often do not present with the typical “male” characteristics and traits, with many being misdiagnosed with other conditions and/or disorders. The impact of autism on females is the same as it is for males; the difference is that females often present differently.This is what leads them to then be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, mismedicated and/or mistreated. Many females with autism struggle just to find someone knowledgeable enough to provide them with a diagnostic assessment, let alone any post-diagnostic support and intervention. Many women experience post-diagnosis invalida- Tania Marshall tion, and even disbelief, from family members, friends and professionals. Despite these obstacles, many autistic women are quite successful in their chosen craft or field of inter- est. I have personally worked with hundreds of females on the spectrum, who have a unique constellation of strengths, gifts and talents. I am never ceased to be amazed by what females on the Spectrum can and do achieve. The females I have met are superheroes; for they battle on a daily basis to achieve what their neuro- typical peers can do effortlessly. I am pleased that ANCA is showcasing females and what they “can” do and achieve. It is time for a change in focus, a time to give females with autism a voice, a time to recognize their unique profile of characteristics, traits and strengths, and a time for awareness and education of the female profile and their inherent strengths. Thank you Leo Gregory for highlighting such an important area; that of female autism. Bravo! Working in this area for 20 years and hearing about the stories of females on the autism spectrum, I started blogging about my work. My detailed blog list on adult female characteristics was reblogged and translated into several languages. I began receiving requests to write a book and the AspienGirl Book Series was born. My first book on the female autistic profile was published June 17, 2014. For more information: [email protected] Dr. Emma Goodall

Women on the spectrum can be hidden in the shadows for much longer than autistic men; we can celebrate our differences from society in numer- ous ways, art, literature, music, drama, health, social work, education and yes even the sciences and technology just like our autistic brothers! I have found autistic women to be particularly sensitive to the attitudes of others or completely driven to be on their own path. Our goals and drive can be intense and bring huge enjoyment personally as well as success in a tradi- tional sense. From forging a path of self-determination, even if dependant on or caring for other autistic women are coming into the light of advocacy, not just for self but for others who are placed outside of the mainstream cultures. Spectrum women are finding their supports amongst the autistic community and through this finding strength to apply and further develop their skills and knowledge. Women who felt marginalised or alone have found joy and friendship amongst other autistics and a bridge to living well in the wider world. Rose Guedes Iris Gray Dr Emma Goodall, Autism Consultant www.healthypossibilities.net www.amzn.com/149222572X

Wenn Lawson, PhD Phoebe Murer Tammy Klein 30 | www.naturallyautistic.com Celebrating 2013 Award Recipients

Sue Larkey, Australia Erdal Ates, Turkey Dr Wendy Lawson TJ Straw, Australia Dr Ben Schogler, Scotland Trent Altman, USA Community Leadership Community Mentor (Wenn Lawson), Australia Excellence in Sports Excellence in Technology Visual Arts Organization Community Achievement

Thurstin Lakerink, Tammy Klein, USA James Hobley, England Russell Lehmann Martin Schöngarth, Australia Performing Arts Performing Arts (youth) Literary Arts Germany Visual Arts (youth) Entrepreneur Celebrating 2012 Award Recipients

Adele & Quentin Devine, Phoebe Murer, USA Cooper Berella, USA Paul Cojocaru, Romania Parvathy Viswanath, Karen Wills, USA England Visual Arts Visual Arts (youth) Community Mentor India AIKYA Excellence in Sports Excellence in Technology Community Leadership

Scott James, England Kristie Dix, Australia Michael Buckholtz, USA Maria Iliou, USA Jeremy Sicile-Kira, USA Performing Arts Performing Arts (youth) Entrepreneur Literary Arts Community Achievement www.naturallyautistic.com | 31 ANCA® World Autism FestivalTM Participants 2010-2014

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