The Power of the Autistic Mind: Busting Myths About Autism with Edlyn Peña

Deconstruct outdated ideas regarding people on the spectrum. This lecture explores various aspects of the autistic mind, both in the way of unique strengths and challenges. By sharing the perspectives of autistic authors and hearing from a few guest speakers ­– one young man on the spectrum and his grandparent – attendees will reconsider ways in which autistic individuals can be empowered to live full and rich lives. You will be challenged to reconsider the potential that autistic individuals, young and adult, can achieve when they are provided with proper supports, expectations, and opportunities.

Edlyn Peña is the chair, director and associate professor of the Education Leadership doctoral program at Cal Lutheran and an award-winning researcher who studies ways to support autistic students in the preschool through higher education pipeline. Peña’s edited books Communication Alternatives in Autism (2019) and Leaders Around Me (2019) feature prominent autistic individuals who advocate for communication and inclusion rights. As a scholar and director of the Autism and Communication Center, Peña’s service to the autism community has reached international audiences.

The Fifty and Better program (FAB) was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals 50 years of age and older in our community. When COVID-19 erupted and the first-ever offering of in-person courses had to be postponed indefinitely, we responded by moving courses to a virtual (online) environment using Zoom. 

Cost for the two-hour lecture is $8.

Register

Register by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8