By Melissa Dahl
In a recent virtual engagement, Dr. Wendy Marsh, an expert in pastoral counseling specializing in autism, took the stage to share her profound insights and experiences. Despite her impressive credentials, Dr. Marsh humbly clarified her position, ensuring no misrepresentation of her qualifications.
Watch Dr. Wendy’s full presentation (90 minutes) on YouTube HERE.
Opening with a touching personal note, Dr. Marsh revealed that while she isn’t autistic herself, her late husband and two grandchildren are. This familial connection has been the driving force behind her dedication to understanding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Addressing herself as “Dr. Wendy” in her professional capacity, she emphasized that her expertise lies in pastoral counseling and not in medical or clinical fields.
Her dedication to this field shone through as she highlighted her six years of hard work in obtaining a doctorate in religious studies with a specialization in counseling related to autism. While acknowledging her BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) qualification, Dr. Marsh clarified that she steers clear of controversial ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) practices. Her focus, she emphasized, is on understanding people and their unique behaviors rather than altering them.
One of the focal points of her engaging talk was her collection of books, including her initial creation, “The ABC’s of Autism in the Classroom,” crafted specifically for educators. Her genuine passion for aiding teachers and students alike was evident when she generously offered extra copies of her book, making it accessible to anyone involved in education.
Dr. Marsh’s literature extends beyond her solo endeavors; she has co-authored several books, including a parenting guide alongside Dr. Ron, demonstrating her collaborative approach to sharing knowledge and support for families navigating the complexities of autism.
Throughout her presentation, Dr. Marsh conveyed a philosophy rooted in empowering individuals. She stressed that while she doesn’t aim to change someone’s behavior, she equips them with tools for self-driven change. Her belief in an individual’s autonomy over their life choices and growth resonated deeply with the audience.
Dr. Wendy Marsh’s dedication to understanding autism, supporting educators, and empowering individuals with autism and their families was not just evident in her words but in her genuine offer to share knowledge and resources. Her commitment to fostering understanding and support for those on the autism spectrum left a lasting impact, making her presentation a beacon of compassion and empathy in the field.
Dr. Wendy Marsh reflects on the journey of creating a book that holds a special place in her heart – a project she embarked upon at the onset of the pandemic. Her daughter, who is not on the autism spectrum but grew up in a family where 35 members were, played a pivotal role in inspiring this particular endeavor.
As homeschooling became the norm during the pandemic, Dr. Marsh’s daughter urged her to write a book about homeschooling. Initially hesitant, Dr. Marsh revealed that she had only written a chapter for a book. Undeterred, her daughter insisted, emphasizing the need for such a book. Already engaged in writing another book at the time, Dr. Marsh proposed a collaboration, asking her daughter to join forces. Recognizing her daughter’s prowess as an award-winning writer, Dr. Marsh’s daughter agreed.
Approaching their publisher with the proposal, they were met with a challenging time frame – two weeks to complete a book that typically took nine months to a year. Despite the tight deadline, the mother-daughter duo successfully delivered a concise yet informative book tailored to parents suddenly finding themselves homeschooling their children. Dr. Marsh expressed pride in this project, likening her books to her children, each cherished in its own right.
Moving on to discuss her Adulting Wild Autistic Series, Dr. Marsh focused on the first book initially titled “Independent Living with Autism.” She shared the deliberations with her publisher about the title, expressing a preference for “Independent for Autistic Adults” due to the use of identity-first language. However, the publisher leaned towards “Independent Living for Adults with Autism,” citing a 50/50 split in preferences based on a poll.
Dr. Marsh delved into her journey of evolving language preferences. Formerly identifying as a parent and teacher first, she later engaged with autistic individuals who overwhelmingly preferred identity-first language. Recognizing the need for compromise, the title became “Independent Living with Autism.” However, Dr. Marsh hinted at an ongoing revision of the book, indicating her commitment to keeping her work relevant and respectful to diverse perspectives.
Watch Dr. Wendy’s full presentation (90 minutes) on YouTube HERE.