AsIAm is hosting twenty four Community Support Seminar talks around the country over the next twelve months. These events are for the autism community, on issues important to the community, informed by the community. The first of these talks will take place in University College Cork, in the Boole 1 lecture theatre on the theme ‘Autism in the Home‘. Topics discussed will include sensory processing and sensitivities, “autism-proofing” your home, and tips and tricks on managing a sensory environment for the family. Please register your free place on our Eventbrite page here.

Speakers on the night will include:

Diarmuid Heffernan, an autism consultant, lecturer and author with nearly a decade of experience providing support for people on the autism spectrum. He is co-author of ‘Living with Asperger Syndrome and Autism in Ireland’ with Stuart Neilson and is sole author of the book ‘Sensory Issues for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders’ (published by Jessica Kingsley). He was part of the team that developed Autism Studies in University College Cork and he currently lectures on the Autism Studies programmes as well as Disability Studies. He also is involved in several voluntary projects which involve people on the spectrum.

Stuart Neilson, who lectures and writes about the autism spectrum as a health statistician and from his personal perspective of an Asperger syndrome diagnosis in 2009, at the age of 45. He was a founder member of the team that developed the innovative Diploma in Autism Studies at University College Cork, Ireland. He has a degree in computer science and a doctorate in mathematical modelling of inherent susceptibility to fatal disease. His most recent publications include “Living with Asperger Syndrome and Autism in Ireland”, “Painted Lorries of Pakistan” and a chapter on sensory issues and social inclusion in the anthology “Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism”. Stuart will also have an exhibition in Cork on the portrayal of autism in February.