Glen Marriott became a trustee for the Terry Arnold Memorial Trust in 2009. Glen’s son, Ben, who is now 28-years-old, is autistic and was assessed by Terry himself as a toddler...
About my son Ben: My son Ben, who is now 28yrs old, is autistic with extreme learning disabilities. He is also non-verbal and suffers from epilepsy. Ben was assessed by Terry Arnold when he was at nursery school some 25 years ago. Terry was very honest, but also kind and reassuring, and he gave us a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Why I think these lectures are so important: I would like to think that the Terry Arnold Memorial Lectures can help other people who find themselves in a similar place to us. Autism is a very complex condition, and these lectures help to provide parents, carers and professionals with a variety of different perspectives, either from professionals or from people who are themselves on the spectrum. It helps to deliver a better understanding of autism in all its forms.
My highlights from previous years:
Julia Malkin, on her experiences of learning to drive, despite being autistic and then going on to qualify as a driving instructor.
Dr Wendy Lawson, expertly talking about managing change and transition in people on the spectrum
Dean Beadle talking honestly and insightfully about his Asperger’s Syndrome.
Dr Luke Beardon, on how to support unhappy autistic children to become happy autistic adults.
And of course: listening in awe to the expertise of Dr Gary Mesibov, who worked closely with Terry, and who was heavily involved in bringing the TEACCH system to Britain from North Carolina.
This year’s lecture: I am looking forward to this year’s lecture, particularly to hear how our keynote speaker, Matthew, has coped with his condition, both in the past and now. I am particularly keen for his talk to provide those attending with a positive outlook regarding how an individual can overcome some of the challenges which the condition inevitably presents.
And also: Although I am no longer in paid employment, I am unpaid Chair of Directors of a local social club. I strongly believe in giving people on the spectrum the opportunity to live as happy and uncomplicated a life as possible. My decision to take my son Ben to our local social club from a very early age has thankfully proven to be the right one, as it has been wonderful for his social skills, and has given a lot of people an understanding- and acceptance- of his condition.
This year’s Terry Arnold Memorial Lecture is taking place on Thursday 13th October 2022, 7.30pm-9.30pm, at Northampton High School.
Book your tickets online: https://tamlecture2022.eventbrite.co.uk/
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