Main description:

In the Delicious Conversations Phoebe Caldwell offers us her personal insights into how we can experience intimacy with those on the autistic spectrum, based on years of experience working in the field. The book deals not only with ways of working in a professional context but also takes a more general look at the nature of affective communication and how we can learn to 'read' other people by recognising our subconscious reactions to their body language. Autism is a condition characterised by aloneness, separation and inward focus. Through her compelling reflections Caldwell shows us that by tuning in to our partners' body language we can not only communicate with people with autism but also share an emotional connection, helping to combat the isolating nature of autistic spectrum conditions. Caldwell offers practical advice for ways that we can tap into our intuitive minds and share an intimate connection with our communication partners, building a dialogue that does not rely on speech but makes use of all of our senses.
Using examples from her own experience Caldwell emphasises that these techniques can help to alleviate the distress that may be at the route of stereotypic behaviours, by communicating with people on their own terms and in their own 'language'. Delicious Conversations will be of interest not just to professionals working in the field or family members and carers of people with autism, but to anyone with a curiosity about the nature of affective communication.

Contents:

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Whose reality? Chapter 3: Spaced out Chapter 4: Body language and conversation Chapter 5: Why does 'imitation' work? Chapter 6: Talking to myself Chapter 7: A walk by the sea Chapter 8: Compare and contrast Chapter 9: 'Happiest days of your life' Chapter 10: Behind the mirror Chapter 11: Joined up islands