Tuesday 8th January 2008: "Autism - a parent's viewpoint"

There are times when science is opaque, and none more so than when a family member has an unusual condition. Robert and Caroline Ashby come to the Oxford Cafe to talk about how they had to become experts in autism after their daughter Emily was diagnosed as autistic.

They will discuss the current science of the possible causes and mechanisms of autism, what regimes and programmes are available at the moment to help autistics deal with the world, and what is known to date about the nature/nurture issue, all illustrated by their experiences with Emily. In many ways now more knowledgeable than the doctors, they understand both the science and the practicalities of dealing with autism in the real world.

Robert Ashby is currently Chair of the British Humanist Association, and group finance director of a specialist technology company.

Come along and join us at 7pm in Blackwells Main Bookshop, Broad Street, Oxford.
No ticket, no booking, no scientific background required.