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Neurodiversity isn't something that needs curing; it’s a way of experiencing life that, with understanding, can be a powerful asset.

AUTHOR OF LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND SWITCHED ON

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Look Me in the Eye: The John Elder Robison Story

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Organic Education

Lavin Exclusive Speaker

JOHN ELDER ROBISON, diagnosed with Asperger’s at 40, transformed his neurodivergence into an unstoppable force. From engineering electrifying shows for KISS and Pink Floyd to restoring classic Rolls Royces, his unique perspective fueled his success. His bestselling books on autism reveal how he mastered emotional intelligence and turned challenges into strengths. Robison inspires people to reassess their notions of neurodiversity, to see potential where others see limits – while proving that what sets you apart can be your greatest asset.

“Deeply felt and often darkly funny, Look Me in the Eye is a delight.”

— People Magazine, Critics Choice, 4 Stars

John Elder Robison is the Neurodiversity Scholar in Residence at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and one of the founders of the Neurodiversity Program at the school—one of the first of its kind at a major American university. He teaches neurodiversity at the Williamsburg campus and at the Washington DC continuing ed facility. He is an active participant in the ongoing discussion of ethical and legal issues relating to autism therapy, services, and intervention. He is particularly interested in improving quality of life for those people living with autism today—both autistic people and family members. He’s been a member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee of the US Department of Health and Human Services, and he serves on other boards for the US National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and private organizations. He is also a Professor of Practice in the Department of Education at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA, and the co-founder of the TCS Auto Program, a special ed high school program for teens with developmental challenges in Springfield, MA.

“It’s a fantastic life story told with grace, humor, and a bracing lack of sentimentality.”

— Entertainment Weekly on Look Me in the Eye

In his younger days Robison worked as an engineer for KISS and Pink Floyd’s sound company, and worked on original electronic games at Milton Bradley. Later on he founded J E Robison Service—a restorer of Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes motorcars.

Robison’s books Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Intelligence, Look Me in the Eye, Be Different, and Raising Cubby are the most widely read accounts of life with Asperger’s in the world. His books have been translated into more than fifteen languages, and they are sold in 60+ countries. Robison has also authored or contributed to over 100 autism-related articles.

Testimonials

“It was truly an honor to have John come to Eagleton School. Our students enjoyed the visit and they are inspired! He is an amazing and courageous human being and we are lucky to have had the opportunity to meet him and hear his message.”

Eagleton School

Speech Topics

Motivational
Look Me in the EyeMy Life with Asperger’s

In affecting, unforgettable talks, John Elder Robison details how he overcame enormous odds to lead a remarkable life: from an anti-social child to a successful father now running a multi-million dollar car specialty shop and his own photography business. Though his life is unique—he’s designed guitars for KISS and toys for Milton Bradley—it’s equally rich with clues to both spotting autism in children and harnessing the best from those already diagnosed. (Some autistic kids excel at math, in engineering, and with technology.) Robison has been applauded by thousands—the general public, teachers, mental health workers—for his storytelling skill, his on-stage compassion, and his insistence that anyone can lead successful lives according to gifts, not limitations. Neurodiversity is not a disease that needs curing; it’s a way of experiencing life that requires only understanding and encouragement from others. Robison reminds us that people “on the spectrum” can develop throughout their lives, and that it’s never too late to hope for or expect change.

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Mental Health and Fitness
Being DifferentTurning Childhood Disabilities into Adult Gifts

In this talk, John Elder Robison describes how the differences of autism and ADHD can disable us as children even as they confer powerful competitive advantages upon us as adults. Though poignant examples from his own life, Robison shows how traits that crippled him as a child actually facilitated some of his greatest accomplishments as an adult. He shares a new way to look at disability, difference, and giftedness, and offers a different paradigm for educators, parents, and neurodiverse people. Anyone who is personally affected by autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD will find this talk illuminating and inspiring.

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Grit at School
Organic Education

In this talk, John Elder Robison presents a new way to look at the education of young people who are “different.” Why is this important? Researchers have begun to realize that many of humanity’s greatest minds showed traits of difference—what we now call neurodiversity (for neurological diversity.) As great a genius as Michelangelo was, he’d probably struggle to graduate high school if he were growing up today. The same can be said for Einstein, Newton, and a host of other great thinkers. Drawing on experience with his TCS high school program and his work as Neurodiversity Scholar in Residence at The College of William & Mary, Robison talks about how forward thinkers in high schools and colleges are blazing a trail to a new form of education which is more inclusive and more successful.

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Corporate Culture
Hiring on the SpectrumNeurodiversity at the Workplace

People with autism often have special skills, especially in the fields of math, engineering, and technology. In this talk, John Elder Robison shares his story of life on the autism spectrum and as the founder of the only program that teaches a trade to special education students in a real-world environment. He reveals why companies should take an active role in hiring the neurodiverse, and navigates the benefits and pitfalls for both employer and employee. We can harness people’s special skills, he says, by looking for gifts instead of limitations. There’s much to be gained—for your bottom line, for the autistic person you employ, and for society at large—when hiring someone on the spectrum.

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