My three most common lectures last 90 minutes plus 15 minutes of Q&A:
A. Female Aspergers (which focuses on childhood and adolescent Aspergers and autism, and is relevant for boys too)
B. Aspergers on the Job (which discusses education and career so is relevant for almost all ages)
C. Relationships (tailored to suit the audience: whether they are mostly couples or simply individuals on the spectrum, professionals and loved ones) More interactive than the other presentations; audiences have enjoyed this immensely.
Talks A and B can combine well into a 2.5 hour talk with half hour Q&A
The topics above include:
The positive advantages of Asperger Syndrome.
Social issues: Small talk, being misunderstood, bluntness, emotional detachment, avoiding blunders and understanding boundaries, perfectionism, facial expression, mutism
Sensory overload: Specific and ‘total load’ strategies for managing visual and auditory overstimulation and other sensitivities
Ritual and routine
Gossip and bullying at school and at work
Instructions and autonomy, support vs. scrutiny; the power of praise and positive reinforcement.
Working with natural strengths and interests
The team player vs. the maverick
The pros and cons of Disclosure
Avoiding the Asperger pre-emptive strike
Aspergers and education
The Personal Job Map: a tool for finding the perfect job for the AS individual
Interview tips for those with AS
REACH to succeed; a simple formula for a successful relationship
Female Asperger syndrome traits: how they differ from male AS in early childhood and throughout life
"I've attended dozens of these kinds of conferences and I can honestly stand up and say, this is the BEST one I've ever attended" - father of an autistic son in Perth, Australia, after attending Rudy's full day conference
"I wanted to express to you my appreciation for your seminar this morning. I am grateful that someone as talented and capable as you has come before my son. You are helping to make his, and my, life better. I encourage you to keep making speaking engagements. You are making the world a better place." -- Mother of a young man with AS
"Don't know if you remember me …but I just wanted to touch base & let you know how much I enjoyed meeting you last week. I have to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised and totally impressed with your talk...you seemed totally in control and did a spectacular job…I do appreciate you signing your book for me... I think that what you've accomplished is miraculous to say the least.... I will be following your career & hope to read all your stuff." --MM, Phoenix
"I want you to know how wonderful you were yesterday. Even when challenged by a comment, you handled yourself and presented yourself with ease. I am honored to have you in my life, even if in a small way. You are and will do good things for the awesome people in the autism community, thank you for that." -- Autistic Services Administrator
"I attended your workshop yesterday and wanted to say again how much I enjoyed your presentation. You have obviously put a lot of work into your presentation and it is excellent. I am very impressed with your scientific approach to Asperger's and how to get past the negatives you encounter. Thank you again...You are an inspiration." -- Developmental Pediatrician
