General News
27 February, 2024
Professor to speak on autism
ONE of the world’s leading specialists on Autism Spectrum Disorders will give south-west residents a better understanding of the condition during a series of talks in Warrnambool next month.
Community South West is hosting Professor Tony Attwood for three practical seminars on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7 at the Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool.
The seminars will provide valuable explanations, strategies and advice and are open to anyone.
These sessions will be particularly useful for parents, carers, teachers, support workers and allied health professionals.
Professor Atwood will discuss cognitive abilities (a different way of thinking and learning), managing feelings (cognitive behaviour therapy to manage anxiety), sadness and anger; and making friends (strategies to improve social understanding and friendship skills).
It will be Professor Attwood’s first seminar in Warrnambool since 2017.
Community South West executive officer Richard Zerbe said Professor Attwood was a popular and respected speaker who had enriched the global understanding of autism.
Mr Zerbe said the three presentations offered a rare opportunity for regional audiences to hear from an internationally-recognised expert.
“Autism is very common in the community and impacts many families,” Mr Zerbe said.
“The information and insight Professor Atwood will share will give local people a better understanding of autism and how to deal with it.”
Professor Attwood holds an Honour’s degree in psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, a PhD from the University of London, and currently serves as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland.
He is renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, and has authored numerous publications on the subject.
For more information contact Mr Zerbe on 0448 505 885 or email executiveofficer@communitysouthwest.