In the 1960s ‘autism’ was deemed ‘childhood psychosis’ and the incidence of autism was thought to be around 4 in 10,000 children.   Today, up to 1 in 88 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Polly Samuel, aka Donna Williams, was central to these changes and became a beacon to many in the autism community.  Her brilliant early books, Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere were among the first to talk about life from the perspective of someone living with autism.  Written in the early 1990s, they became international best sellers.

An accomplished painter, sculptor and musician, Polly Samuel has written 16 books.  She’s spent much of her life consulting, lecturing and helping build the autistic community.  With a diagnosis of terminal metastatic breast cancer, Polly has severely limited her public appearances.  We are proud to announce this rare opportunity to hear from this wise and most articulate disability pioneer.

Produced and hosted by Mark Romoser and Adrienne Lauby.

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