Maxine Anthony-Hill became a trustee of the Terry Arnold Memorial Trust in 2017. She helps with promoting the lectures, attendance and often introduces the guest speakers as she has many contacts from the field of autism and special educational needs…
My background: I have been teaching children with additional needs since 1997 and specialise in teaching children with autism. My interest in autism began as a teenager when I worked on leisure schemes during the school holidays for children with special educational needs. I spent four months volunteering at the Option Institute International Learning & Training Center in America, supporting families with autistic children, attending the Son-Rise Program.
I have also worked as part of a family support team, helping families to implement structure and routines at home for their children with autism, and worked as a Family Link Worker, providing respite for families with children with autism.
Why these lectures are so important to me: I believe the Terry Arnold Memorial lectures are important as they help to spread awareness and understanding of autism and strategies and approaches to support. The lecture brings people together to network and share experiences and expertise and inspires professionals and parents, signposting them to services/resources or materials to develop their knowledge and understanding.
My highlights from previous lectures: Listening to adults with autism is always fascinating and has been a highlight of mine from previous lectures. I often think of the children I’ve taught and how they would share their life story as adults. The lectures have given me an insight in to their world, their way of thinking and processing information - it has prompted me to adjust my approach.
This year’s lecture: At this year’s lecture I am hoping that parents will be encouraged by Matthew’s story and that they will recognise that their own children can achieve and have a fulfilling life in whatever shape and form appropriate for them. I hope that parents will gain an appreciation that their child’s unique set of skills and interests can be channelled and developed.
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/
Comments