IG ROS BLACKBURN
LOGICALLY ILLOGICAL – INFORMATION AND INSIGHT INTO
AUTISM
ROS BLACKBURN, Person with autism, UK

Ros Blackburn is an adult with Autism. At three months old she appeared withdrawn, isolated and very much in a world of her own. At six months she was diagnosed profoundly deaf, which later proved to be far from correct. Finally at a year old she was diagnosed severely autistic but with average intellectual ability. Now at 34, Ros tends to feel that while many areas of her autistic condition have remained very severe, others, such as her severe language delay, have disappeared almost completely.
In her talk entitled ‘Logically Illogical’; Ros describes many aspects of living and working with autism and gives an invaluable insight into her world of autism. She uses humour and gives graphic examples of her experiences. She talks about her history from her early diagnosis to the
present time and discusses some of the practices that played an invaluable part in her progression. Ros talks about the positive as well as the negative side of living with autism: she describes the fun she has as well as the ways in which her autism continues to restrict her life and the sort of support she needs to have. Her talk also illustrates the problems of having an uneven profile of strengths and weaknesses, where often the strengths mask her very real difficulties and needs. Finally, 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.