Prof Tony Attwood (with Dr Michelle Garnett) - Optimism: For You and Your Life

A ‘Polly-Anna’ (ie an overly positive) approach to life can be annoying and somewhat out of touch with reality. Conversely, an overly pessimistic approach to life can interfere with enjoyment, well-being, and sometimes can be a contributing factor to depression. Positive Psychology, a new model for understanding human behaviour, has formed as a reaction to the medical model that historically has been applied. Positive Psychology provides a rich framework within which to research positive attributes of living, including happiness, creativity, optimism and kindness. Research indicates that cultivating optimism has many benefits for our physical and mental health. The presentation will present some of this research and the important applications it has for Asperger’s syndrome.

Tony Attwood - Bio

Tony is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism spectrum disorders since he qualified as a clinical psychologist in England in 1975. He works in private practice in Brisbane, but is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 350,000 copies and has been translated into over twenty languages. He has worked with over 6,000 individuals of all ages with Asperger's syndrome or an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Tony presents workshops and runs training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with Asperger's syndrome all over the world and is a prolific author of scientific papers and books on the subject. His latest book The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome was published in October 2006.