"You know how it is," said my friend who'd just returned from a national autism conference. "After awhile you've heard it all and nothing seems new." "Yes, I know," replied I–The Seminar Slut."But!" she went on to add excitedly there was one workshop in which she learned a tidbit or two that was new and revelationary to her….
And that's how I feel about Dr. Charles Ihrig, Ph.D. and his theory of the four personality subtypes of Asperger's syndrome. I mean, I've crisscrossed the country hearing autism experts address conference goers, attended more workshops and seminars locally and regionally about autism than I can ever recount. You know, the whole slut thing….One of the best conference keynotes I ever heard was Aussie Tony Atwood–considered a leading expert in Asperger's–a high functioning form of autism. But sitting down and talking to Dr. Ihrig one recent afternoon was life changing. I found his theories about the four common subtypes of Asperger's syndrome to be so on target they rang-a-clanged-resounded a huge bell of truth in my experience with many individuals who have Asperger's.
Now, here's the deal, however. I can't yet tell you what these four subtypes are. You'll have to come to hear Ihrig for yourself at the workshop hosted by my friend, Dena Gassner, founder of The Center for Understanding. The date is Thursday, August 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Center's new offices in Franklin, Tenn. Seating is limited. Cost: $35*, and $15 for individuals with autism. Bonus! Dr. Ihrig will also address the implications of the controversial pending changes to autism spectrum disorders in the upcoming DSM-V.
And by-the-way, this tiny can-do organization is helping change lives. Center for Understanding is now the autism charity that garners my whole-hearted-energetic-and-passionate volunteer support. My last blog post featuring Gassner is here. See you there! Ms. S.S. will be on the front row….
More details via the Center for Understanding.
This post was edited after publication to reflect an adjustment in cost from $30 to $35.
My apologies that I am not going to follow-up on this post. When this information was presented to me, initially, it was over-simplified, purposely. When I attended this seminar, I realized that the subject matter is broader and much more complex and deserving of a journal article and much more time to interview the psychologist. This is beyond the scope, not of my capabilities and experience, but of my current focus and this blog. Again, I apologize. It was my original intent to post further here about the seminar.