| An insiders affirmation |
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Where Simple is not so SimpleThe Fellowship for Autism Assistance and Research (FAAR), an Ulster-Greene ARC committee for specialized services presented a seminar by William Stillman on 5/18/09. The event was sponsored by Life Services at Ugarc, Hudson Valley Autism Society, and supported by WDST 1001. The seminar was a complete success. Stillman's style is captivating and his message is tantalizingly simple yet seriously complicated.He is asking all to "presume intellect" in dealing with another human beings, particularly those who carry letters before or after their names signifying not their academic degrees but their DSM-IV diagnosis. The simplicity of his message is obvious, but the complexity surfaces when you attempt to adhere to it. Only then you encounter multiple thick layers of resistance. Some of that resistance is in our inability to let go of concepts that were central to institutionalization. Other issues confronted are embeded in our Darwinian need of categorizing and separating. Yet some other layers are inherent in our systems of social welfare. So should we ignore the message? Absolutely not, because it works!! Stillman's presentation was an unsolicited affirmation of what we are doing at the Renaissance program at UGARC. In one month's time, transitioning 3 nonverbal individuals on the spectrum form a different setup to the Renaissance program we are delightfully surprised everyday by how they respond to an approach that places communication, respect, meaning, and choices as non-negotiable tenets of the program. In this short time and even before the transition is competed ( transition being the most challenging endeavor for spectrum people), we are witnessing the emergence of the great personalities, capabilities, and the souls of pioneer participants. Mr. Stillman's impassioned presentation affirmed our approach, strengthened our resolve, and energized all participants toward a relentless advocacy for the complicatingly simple idea of "presume intellect". Director of Behavioral Health Services |