
Books & Papers
Autism Dialogue
Jonathan Drury
Jonathan Drury grew up knowing he was different, calling others "normals" and dreading becoming one. Now he facilitates Autism Dialogue, bringing autistic and non-autistic people together to explore autism through Bohmian principles. Participants leave with burdens lifted.
Jonathan Drury; himself autistic; developed Autism Dialogue sessions bringing autistic and non-autistic people together to explore autism through Bohmian dialogue principles. The paper challenges pathological framings: autism is natural neurological variation, part of a continuum of neurodiversity. Drury traces his own journey from a youth who embraced difference and dreaded becoming "normal" to adulthood grappling with "a mind in constant overdrive." Participants report leaving sessions with "a burden lifted" or in a "heightened state." One described it as "compassionate verbal collaboration" with "no agenda being pushed." Concrete outcomes emerged: an NHS occupational therapy team immediately changed their practice, now asking new autistic patients what they want from the service rather than imposing external assessments. The work aims to support a cultural shift already taking place; toward recognising autism as "a huge opportunity for humanity to grow towards a more enriched and enriching world." An international network of trained autistic facilitators is envisioned.
Format
Paper
Category
Books & Papers
Topics
Facilitation and practice
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