EPISODE 22
Logically Illogical: An Interview with Ros Blackburn with Special Guest Sigourney Weaver
Logically Illogical: An Interview with Ros Blackburn with Special Guest Sigourney Weaver
Play the Episode…
…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.
Featuring
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 At three months old she appeared withdrawn, isolated and very much in a world of her own.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 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.
Show Notes
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 UK by phone at 01245351868 or (mobile) 07858224332. From outside the UK, she can be contacted by e-mail ros.raft@btinternet.com, but due to her dyslexia, messages should be brief and to the point. She also can be contacted by phone 011 (+44) 01245351868.