Let's rethink ability and autism | Rachel Woods | TEDxGlasgow

Do you know someone with autism? Have you heard about it or come across it in the media? Or have you been reading this wondering what that word autism actually means?

Don’t worry, when Rachel sat in front of a team of psychologists during her official diagnosis she had a very similar response.

In her talk, Rachel would like to help us understand what life can be like for her and the 700,000 people in the UK on the autism spectrum. Life can be challenging but Rachel never dared to imagine the opportunities, friendships and achievements she would make – in a relatively short career – since her diagnosis. While the professional help she has received has been wonderful, it is the humanity and support she has received along the way that she feels has been invaluable.

Rachel will discuss the part we can all play in helping the other 699,000 people in the UK – just like her – get the help and support she has been so fortunate to receive. Rachel was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism at the age of 10 at the Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital. She went on to receive speech and social therapy from a very young age. Anxiety plays a big role in her everyday life but with a supportive network of family, friends and colleagues, she can confidently turn to those people when she is in need of help.

Now, Rachel works for VisitScotland, has delivered a speech to HRH Princess Anne and is representing Scotland’s youth as a Year of Young People Ambassador. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Видео Let's rethink ability and autism | Rachel Woods | TEDxGlasgow канала TEDx Talks