2011 Presenters

Contents

1. Larry Arnold
2. Ava-Ruth Baker
3. Alastair Cooper
4. Martijn Dekker
5. Kalen
6. Damian Milton
7. Yo

2011 Presenters' Bios

Larry Arnold

Larry has played a pivotal role in the Autism Rights movement in the UK, serving on the board of the NAS and facilitating a local neurodiversity group amongst other things. He comes from a background of Disability Rights and specialise in video, this being the topic of his research into Autism and Education at the University of Birmingham. He claims the right to be called neuro-diverse by virtue of more than one neurological diagnosis, however Autism is one he is happy to use as a positive affirmation of who and what he is.

Ava-Ruth Baker

Ava-Ruth was diagnosed autistic in adulthood. A gifted but ‘odd’ child, she was obsessed with other cultures and languages, resolved to be an interpreter but trained in medicine and mental health, and after a circuitous life journey, found her current niche interpreting between different autism perspectives (insider versus outsider), different medical paradigms (orthodox versus holistic), and providing autism diagnosis and support. She has contributed to two autism books; co-founded ASK (support for and by autistic adults in NZ); severs on the ‘expert advisory group’ for implementing the NZ ASD Guidelines, and has presented at previous conferences including Autscape 2009

Alastair Cooper

Alastair Cooper has high-functioning autism and has been involved with Specialisterne Scotland since November 2010, having graduated with Distinction from the University of St Andrews in June of that year. He has derived immense value from the opportunity presented by Specialisterne and is keen to spread awareness. Alastair has a keen interest in computers which he channels through his work and enjoys watching but not playing tennis. He is also interested in politics and current affairs.

Martijn Dekker

Martijn Dekker, from the Netherlands, has a diagnosis of high functioning autism and has been internationally active in the autistic community since 1996. The online support group he started in that year was recognized in the New York Times. He has presented at autism conferences in four languages, in countries across Europe and in the US. In his private life he has an active interest in European languages and translation

Kalen

Kalen has gained an understanding of autism research as both participant and researcher. Her undergraduate studies in neuroscience and psychology included rigorous education in research design and analysis. Following this, postgraduate studies in medical ethics have included both general ethics and a detailed look at research ethics including research with vulnerable populations. Kalen has been involved with Autscape since its inception. She has given presentations for autistic and other audiences including several at Autscape which were well received. Currently on maternity leave from her studies, she is the busy mother of four children who, despite the odds, are not autistic (yet).

Damian Milton

Damian is a doctoral researcher with the University of Birmingham, and holds a number of academic qualifications in Sociology, Psychology, and Education, with experience as a lecturer in Further and Higher Education, and presenting at academic conferences. Damian has a diagnosis of Asperger’s, and is a single father to his young son who has a diagnosis of autism.

Yo

Yo was diagnosed (Asperger Syndrome) 10 years ago and has two children who are both also autistic. She has extensive experience of personalisation, both through her own experience and her work as an advocate for other autistics interacting with social care services around the country. She has a PhD in policy analysis and is familiar with the national policy climate in the area of social care.