Autism-Not Invisible Anymore

By: Tiffany Tan

“I have deep and focused interests like meteorology, especially tornadoes and other types of extreme weather. I also have extreme sensory issues that impact my life on a daily basis.” At some point during her Aspie friends approached her and said “Val, you’re busted! We think you’re ‘one of us’!”

For many years Val identified herself as having “shadow syndromes” of autism. Val, Dr. Valerie Paradiz, had already a public position as an advocate in the autism community, for her son Elijah. And having learned of her own diagnosis, she took advocacy to a higher level.

Curious why she described autism as invisibility during one of her speeches in the United Nations, we asked her why:

“I said this for two reasons. First, it is sometimes difficult for others to “see” autism in us. Particularly for those of us who are verbal, we don’t have obvious signs of the condition; until, perhaps you have a longer conversation with us.

Second, the ENTIRE autism spectrum community is a latecomer to the disability advocacy movement. We are still working hard to raise awareness in mainstream culture. Teaching others about what autism is; what autistic people are like; and what autistic people need in order to be more integrated in society.”

Dr. Valerie Paradiz with son Elijah

Dr. Valerie Paradiz is one of our main conference speakers on Learning Strategies that Foster Deep and Focused Interests and Self-Advocacy Toward Independence, during the Autism Beyond Borders Conference, ASP’s 11th National Conference and 1st Southeast Asian Conference on Autism, which will commence on October 24-25, 2009 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

A post-conference workshop on also by Dr. Paradiz on Integrated Planning and Teaching Menus follows on October 26 at Sky Dome, SM North EDSA, Quezon City.

Click here to read the full article of “My Son Has Autism and So Do I”

Hear what Mr. Lee Grossman, President and CEO of Autism Society America, has this to say about her: “I am pleased that Dr. Valerie Paradiz will be presenting at the conference. She is a dear friend and has been on our Board of Directors. Recently, we hired her to direct our adult services programming. She is an excellent speaker and I am confident your conference attendees will enjoy her and find her very engaging and caring.”

“…..I am a "big fan" of the Philippines and what you are doing there. Congratulations on your great efforts and work!”

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