Program Details

Presented by:

DEBORAH LIPSKY, M.Ed

DEBORAH LIPSKY, M.Ed,   is an accomplished presenter traveling the United States and Canada delivering seminars, presentations, and keynote addresses on understanding autism from an insider's viewpoint. Diagnosed in 2005 with high functioning autism, she is a former board member of the Autism Society of Maine, and currently writes a regular humorous column for their newsletter. In 2005, she was awarded the Autism Society of Maine's outstanding volunteer award, and in 2006, she became the recipient of a Temple Grandin award for "outstanding success in her life thereby being an inspiration to others". Her message of inspiration, delivered with a delightful sense of humor, makes her a highly sought after motivational and educational speaker. Before the day is out, Deborah will have you understanding what it is like to be autistic.

She is an international author, having co-authored a book with her colleague Dr. Will Richards, on managing meltdowns for autistic individuals using their revolutionary new training model called S.C.A.R.E.D. published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This is a must have for anyone working with individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition to being a consultant for various agencies, Ms. Lipsky is a captain with the USAF-AUX for search and rescue and homeland security, a registered Maine Guide, a civil war re-enactor, avid WW2 and Viet Nam military collector and historian, and former licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in raccoons. She is affectionately known as the "raccoon lady", having spent 24 years studying them in the wild learning social skills she then adapted to use around humans.

A Personal Message from Your Presenter Deborah Lipsky

My name is Deborah Lipsky and I have high functioning autism. My program offers you insight into the world of an individual with autism from someone who lives it on a daily basis. I have encountered many similar problems that children with autism face as they grow up and have a true understanding of their difficulties so I am able to offer ideas for effective strategies and interventions. My specialty is meltdowns and in this program we will understand and explore their causes, interventions, and the differences between a meltdown and a behavioral tantrum. With my Master's Degree in Counseling, I have worked with both verbal and non-verbal individuals with autism and have developed the unique ability to "read" their non-verbal communication and which enables me to identify problem areas more quickly.

I also offer the unique perspective of telling my audience what it is like and how it feels to be autistic-how, as an individual with autism, my world differs from a "non-autistic" view. I am able to combine personal experiences with professional knowledge to bring to you a seminar unlike any other you have attended. I celebrate the gifts of autism and try to encourage people not to look at autism as a "dysfunction" or "disease" but just a neurological difference in the perception of the world. With some of my interactive exercises where you are "autistic" for a moment you will gain a greater appreciation of the challenges we autistic individuals face. I look forward to sharing my world view with all of you.

Deb

Testimonials

I have waited 35 years for this opportunity. Deborah is a true pioneer!

Mary Ellen Ponder , Exceptional Needs Teacher

• Speech Language Pathologists