Dorthe Hölck: What is Autism? A Family Guide

Drawing on her extensive experience, Dorthe Hølck focuses on the life circumstances and contexts that children, young people, and adults with autism navigate - what promotes wellbeing and what often becomes a challenge.

The lecture is structured around three life phases: children up to 15 years, young people between 15 and 25 years, and adults from 25 years and onwards. Within each phase, Dorthe Hølck explores strengths and needs with particular emphasis on the importance of being met with understanding. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the lecture. The presentation draws on ideas from Peter Vermeulen, Bo Hjelskov Elvén, Ib Ravn, and LA2u/Sopra - as well as the many people with autism whom Dorthe Hølck has met in her work.

Dorthe Hølck holds a degree in social science and is a sociologist specializing in social work and autism and ADHD consulting. She has previously been department head at Langagerskolen in Viby J, director of SORAS in Aarhus, and development manager for autism services in Region Midtjylland. She has also collaborated with the Knowledge Centre for Autism and worked as a consultant for Specialisterne in Aarhus and Sopra on Zealand. She is a VISO specialist under the Danish Social Authority - a role she has held since VISO was established - and since 2011 has run her own consulting firm, Go Between. In November 2013 she received the Demetrios Haracopos Award as the first recipient, and in 2023 she received the Autism Association's Autism Prize. The lecture takes place in Lille Sal.