Logically illogical Ros Blackburn Sigourney Weaver

EPISODE 70
Special Release
“Logically Illogical: An Interview with Ros Blackburn with Special Guest Sigourney Weaver”

Play the Episode…

Show Notes

Many of you may be aware of the fact that “Avatar: The Way of Water”, the follow up of the 2009 “Avatar”, was just released. One of the stars is Sigourney Weaver, and we had the great pleasure of interviewing Sigourney with Ros Blackburn, a great friend of ours who is an autistic women from England. We invite you to listen again, or for the first time, to the episode we did with them.

We have a discussion with Ros Blackburn, an autistic friend, colleague and international speaker from the UK who speaks with great insight about her autistic experience. In Barry’s book, Uniquely Human, he shares so much of what he learned from Ros in their travel and presentations together, and Ros expands on her insights in today’s discussion with great humor and candor. We surprise Ros when we are joined by the world-renowned actress, Sigourney Weaver, who played an autistic woman in the film “Snowcake”. Sigourney modeled her role after Ros, and by sharing time together in the US and UK, they developed a valued friendship. Sigourney and Ros reflect on that time, and all they learned in the process.

Ros provides talks and does consultations and responds to questions. She can be contacted from within the  by phone at 011 (+44) 01245351868 or  by e-mail ros.raft@btinternet.com, but due to her dyslexia, messages should be brief and to the point.

Featuring

Ros Blackburn

ROS BLACKBURN

Ros Blackburn is an adult with autism who lives in the UK. At three months old she appeared withdrawn, isolated and very much in a world of her own. At eighteen months she was diagnosed very severely autistic but with average intellectual ability. Now at 52 Ros lectures nationally and internationally giving insight into her own experiences and the care and education practices she has observed. In spite of the severe limitations imposed by her condition, Ros displays great courage (and a strong sense of humour) in facing her fears and tackling life’s challenges. Ros worked with the Oscar-winning actress Sigourney Weaver in preparing for her role as an autistic woman in the film “Snowcake”. She also presented with Barry Prizant and Carol Gray in a workshop tour in the US, and her influence on Barry is mentioned in his book “Uniquely Human”. It is Ros’ wish that all those who attend her talks find them helpful and informative but above all that the experience is entertaining and full of fun.

Ros loves being outdoors in nature, spending time in the countryside, and exploring wildlife. She also loves “trampolining”.

Sigourney Weaver

SIGOURNEY WEAVER

Sigourney Weaver was born in New York City to a show-business background. Her mother was an English actress and her father was president of NBC. Weaver acted in off-Broadway shows, and had her big break in the 1979 film Alien. Weaver appeared in many films throughout the next three decades, including Ghostbusters, Working Girl, Aliens and Avatar. Weaver has been nominated for three Academy Awards.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) Ros commented about all she learned from her parents in dealing with social situations and potentially stressful circumstances. What are some of the significant things she learned? As a parent, teacher, or person on the spectrum, relate some of Ros’ insights to your own experiences.

2) Ros states that autism is not about behavior, but that behavior is the end result of autism. What does she mean by this, and what are the practical implications for supporting people on the autism spectrum?

3) Ros urges us to have high expectations for autistic people, but with appropriate, and when necessary, high levels of support. She adds that autistic people should be exposed to the “not so Ok”. What is your interpretation of what she is saying, and discuss some examples that you have experienced as a parent, educator or therapist, or autistic person.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.