My name is Bobbi Elman

My name is Bobbi Elman
Many years ago I became a parent of 2 beautiful children and my career as a professional makeup artist ended. Then my journey into the autistic experience and the "SEN" system began. . I decided that I was going to be as expert as I possibly could be about my children. I devoured every book I could find, attended every seminar, workshop, conference I could and kept going.

By the time my youngest was in year one, I had started volunteering at a local primary school. My education and experience by that point allowed me to create and run a small arts and craft group with autistic students of various ages . I then went on to work as a specialist Autism Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant for over eight years. During this time, I continued my education leading me to take on a degree at the prestigious University of Birmingham School Of Education in Special Educational Needs, Autism, children.  University of Birmingham .  I also held a one year contract with a Local Authority as an Autism Specialist working closely with young autistic children and their families. 

My pursuit of knowledge and understanding of autism never seems to end and I am always learning something new.  I attended many seminars, workshops and the like by leading experts at the time, such as Temple Grandin, Olga Bogdashina, Donna Williams, Zaffy Simone, Phoebe Caldwell. Sadly, Donna has now passed and Temple and Olga have very suspect ideas now which I consider damaging. However, they did contribute and that must be acknowledged.

I continue to learn now from those autistic adults I now call friends. Most have been working in the field of education and autism research. People such as Damian Milton, Kieran Rose, Aucademy with Dr Chloe Farahar, David from Emergence Divergence, Autistic Inclusive Meets, Autisticality and many others.

I realised early good support is key and must be person-centred/ individualised and proven peer-reviewed researched therapies that gave real results but were no compliance-based.  Support such as Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), SPELL, TEACCH, SCERTS, ( but not applied in the neuronormative compliance training as intended) Intensive Interaction and having a child centred individual approach really work.  They do not produce transient results but real ones as they are based on understanding the "spectrum" is not linear. The PEC system, which should ONLY be used as AAC, all other “therapies” of support such as TEACCH, SCERTS are used and can be used in an autistic led, non ABA compliance way. This is the only way I can support them or suggest them.

I do not believe in ABA and, in fact, I am Anti-ABA ( Applied Behaviour Analysis) as well as anti- PBS (Positive Behaviour Support).  So if you are looking for that kind of support, this is not the place for you and I wish you luck.

As no two people are the same, no two Autistic individuals are the same. Autism is a difference, different perceptions of the world, different thinking and different does not mean less than. I believe in neurodiversity. I believe in the social model of disability. I believe firmly in sharing the autistic experience with society will benefit all of society. It is my goal to keep learning and educating about autistic people with the hope of future generations not having to experience the trauma, othering, and prejudice autistic people of all ages are still experiencing.

I am available to families on a individual consultancy basis. 

I am available to train you and your staff at your workplace or educational setting. I provide presentations, workshops, webinars and contribute to conferences. I create and deliver my own content and bespoke the content to what is required, needed or wanted.

Some of my previous work included training various primary TA/LSA's in various areas specific to autism. I have worked with Academies on TA conferences, devising and delivering workshops to over 100 attendees.  I devise and write individual and personalised "social stories" ( to the Carol Gray formula) and do not/will not address behaviour as well as picture/photo stories. I do not utilise them to change or alter behaviour. Social stories are intented to be explanatory or transitional in nature. I have been trained in PECS ( again I do not use in an ABA way and will refuse to) and have created individualised visuals as well as can create personalised versions of those to support those whom visuals work for. 

I am now a freelance Advisor/Consultant and Trainer. I also work with various organisations.

"Bobbi Rohrer-Elman is an autism consultant, advocate and trainer with a particular interest in improving knowledge and understanding of autism amongst school staff. Bobbi has worked directly with individuals with autism in school and as a facilitator with BEAM. As the parent of a young person with autism, Bobbi can also offer an alternative perspective from a family point of view. Bobbi can support staff working with autistic students giving realistic practical strategies and tools, including training and support for those working lunch and playtimes.  Bobbi emphasises a person-centred approach and is able to tailor bespoke training and support to meet the needs of settings and individuals." 

Please contact me for more details. 

Bobbi@autismadvocate.co.uk