Presented by Tanea Paterson and Matthew Peppercorn, this workshop provides an overview of what Autism is and discusses some of the common co-occurring issues. The presentation covers a number of the barriers for social, workplace and whanau connections.
Our time will include discussion of these barriers and how they can affect access to support and social services, how to understand and be aware of these, and importantly, offer ways in which to minimise these barriers.
This workshops co facilitator Tanea has a background in disability advocacy (current advisor for the DCC), is a qualified addiction practitioner currently working at Stopping Violence Dunedin. She has an Autism diagnosis, along with a number of her whanau members - and has spent time educating and advocating in the disability space for herself and others. Tanea has held workshops for Altogether Autism and written a number of articles for their journal. She is one of the founders of iNDx Autistic Artist Exhibition held at Tuhura Otago Museum bi annually.
Tanea Paterson
Matthew Peppercorn
Topics covered;
What is Autism?
Common triggers
Diagnostic challenges especially for level 1 formally known as Aspergers
Barriers/Accessibility for community, workplace and services support
Competency: assumptions
Executive Functioning: Organisation and Initiative
Stigma
Psychosocial Health: different presentations and risk factors