Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Since no physical community of people with love-shyness currently exists, I usually speak to Asperger's and autism groups and organizations.
May 15,
2009 Judson Center, Royal Oak, MI 7pm FREE
Dual presentations and book signings with Nick
Dubin, whose new book is Asperger
Syndrome and Anxiety: A Guide to Successful Stress Management.
Book Signings and Other Appearences
May 16, 2009 Autism Society of Michigan Spring Expo, Waterford, MI 10am-3pm FREE
I am always interested in possible speaking engagements. I can tailor a talk to suit your needs based on my "standard" presentations:
- The Gifts and Challenges of Asperger's Syndrome
- Love-Shyness
- Basic Dating Advice for Romantically Challenged Adults
The Gifts and Challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome
Talmer Shockley discusses the benefits and problems living
with
Asperger’s Syndrome. Mr. Shockley considers AS a great gift, although
he wishes someone would have informed him about this gift long before
his diagnosis at age 38.
Mr. Shockley speaks on a variety of AS related issues, including the
following topics not often discussed:
- Shyness and autism spectrum disorders. Shyness often masks mild ASDs and makes ASD symptoms worse.
- ASDs and sexuality. While those on the autism spectrum can be anywhere from having normal sexuality to asexual, ASDs seems to effect one’s sexuality. Such effects are usually masked by typical ASD traits and social problems.
- Love-shyness. Love-shyness is a generally unknown phobia of romance and sex that often befalls shy people on the autism spectrum. While everyone has some anxiety with dating and approaching attractive members of the opposite sex, love-shyness produces such a high level of anxiety that sufferers never marry and usually end up lifelong virgins. Talmer, an expert on love-shyness, estimates 20-25 percent of those on the autism spectrum have some level of love-shyness, while many more Aspies and auties have significant problems dating and obtaining romantic love.
- Having a family not accepting an Asperger’s diagnosis. Even though Shockley was professionally diagnosed with AS, is having his book published by a major Asperger’s publisher, speaks professionally about his AS, and has family members who display obvious ASD traits, his family still does not accept the diagnosis.
- How adults with Asperger’s often “fall through the cracks” when it comes to receiving social services. While almost all children with AS these days receive a diagnosis by elementary school, thousands of adults struggle undiagnosed. Only a crisis, usually getting fired, precipitates an adult diagnosis, and then available help is limited.
Mr. Shockley is 40 years old and was diagnosed with AS less than three years ago. Since that time he delved into learning all he could about AS, wrote The Love-Shy Survival Guide and launched a speaking career publicizing issues facing adults on the autism spectrum.
