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Books & Papers

The Power of Dialogue - by Jonathan Drury

Jonathan Drury

What happens when autistic people, parents, carers, practitioners and academics sit together in the same space with no agenda? Jonathan Drury's account of Autism Dialogue applies David Bohm's methodology to one of the most fragmented communities in public life, where multiple perspectives on mental health, stigma and social injustice rarely meet as equals.

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Autism Dialogue is a confidential, inclusive space designed to bring together the full breadth of the autism community: autistic people alongside parents, carers, practitioners and academics, all held within the same enquiry. Drawing directly on Bohm's Professional Dialogue methodology, the approach sets no agenda beyond exploring the movement of thought and language in a spirit of generosity and care. Drury describes how, once parameters are established and trust builds, participants come to understand what they agree and disagree on, building on each other's contributions rather than talking past one another. The space holds difficult territory: anxiety, isolation, stigma and social injustice sit alongside moments of genuine celebration. The result is a model of dialogue that treats inclusion as a structural condition of the conversation itself, rather than a value stated in advance.

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Books & Papers

Topics

Dialogue in organisations and systemsFoundations of Professional DialogueBohm scholarshipCommunity and society

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