‘Autism and Family Dynamics – Prof. Tony Attwood’ is a 3-hour presentation to understand how autism can affect different members of a family in different ways. The degree of challenge may vary depending on the severity of the autism, but the autism-related issues that families have to deal with are similar. This talk will look at stress management for all members of the family with practical tips and advice for parents/carers and siblings. Tony will also look at other key aspects of life that play an integral role in family life such as emotions and sleep

• Managing intense emotions, anxiety, sleep, computer gaming and stress management for all family members
• The stages of autism through childhood, puberty, and adolescence
• The effect on family dynamics of having more than one autistic child
• How a parent/carer with autistic characteristics effects different parenting styles
• Inspiring strategies that make a real difference to peoples lives

About the speaker

Tony is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in Autism Spectrum Disorders since he qualified as a clinical psychologist in England in 1975. He has his own private practice, is a director of Attwood & Garnet Events, and is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 750,000 copies and has been translated into 27 languages. His subsequent book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, published in October 2006 has sold over 400,000 copies and has been translated into 18 languages, and is one of the primary textbooks on Asperger’s syndrome, otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 1. He has several subsequent books published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Future Horizons Inc. and Guilford Press on anxiety and depression, relationships and sexuality, employment and general advice for autistic children and adults.

Tony has been invited to be a keynote speaker at many Australasian and International Conferences. He presents workshops and webinars and runs training courses on ASD for parents, professionals and autistic individuals all over the world and is a prolific author of scientific papers and books on the subject. He has presented numerous live webinars with his colleague, Dr Michelle Garnett, which have been recorded and can be accessed via their presentation website

He has worked with many thousands of autistic individuals of all ages with many expressions of autism.