ANDREA MORIARTY
I have a passion for social integration and possibility thinking when it comes to autism. I love to share hope with parents and teachers so they can help different learners maximize their potential. I often present in tandem with my son Reid; I talk, he sings. We both answer questions after an interactive multimedia program that includes stories, music, and pictures. I would love to share with your teaching staff, parent support group, faith community, or professional continuing ed forum.
Amplifying Your Child's Special Interest
Sharing an overview of One-Track Mind, the author includes many stories about the power of music and a strengths-based approach to autism. Her refreshing, spiritual take on both the challenges and triumphs of parenting a differently abled child offers affectionate humor and unending hope as well as practical ways parents and teachers can maximize the potential of their unique learner. This talk can include live original music and a segment by the author's son, Reid Moriarty, on his first 50 Talk Time podcasts.
What's So Radical About Inclusion?
Impassioned to create a full life for her adult son with autism, Moriarty created a podcast to showcase his exuberance. After about forty Talk Time with Reid Moriarty interviews, she recognized a pattern. People with disabilities teach and evoke risk, humility, and kindness, the attributes sorely needed in today’s world. This interactive experience simulates her epiphany and introduces participants to innovative model programs around the country. It culminates with a musical monologue in which Reid summarizes the book in his own words of story and song.
Who's My Church: A Focus on People not Programs
Tracing her son's faith journey from nursery through early elementary, high school, and adult involvement in a local church, this session will compare theory with reality revealing what really works. Co-presented by mother and son, the workshop will contrast best-laid plans for “programs" with actual relationships that disciple and model Jesus. Participants will be challenged to identify, enlist, appreciate, and engage the strengths, spiritual gifts, and passions of all members of the kingdom.
Transition2Adult Collaborative Workshop
What happens when the school district transition program ends? Moriarty will outline local options and share tools and resources she has curated over five years of developing her son’s business as a musician, podcast host, and speaker. Using One-Track Mind as a guide, you will spend two mornings collaborating with a small group (maximum 5) of like-minded parents to customize an action plan that helps your adult son or daughter pursue a purposeful life within their niche special interest. Perfect for parents drawn to tailored day, self-determination, and micro-enterprise but not sure how to start. Past participants say they “came with questions and left with hope.”
Speaking fee varies. Please inquire.
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PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA
MOPS Laguna Hills, CA
Engage Conference, Fayetteville, AR
Exceptional Families Ministry Conference, San Diego
MOPS San Clemente, CA
Wonderfully Made Conference, Kansas City, MO
MOPS Solana Beach, CA
Utah Valley University Autism Conference, Orem, UT
American Music Therapy Association, Kansas City, MO
Disability Ministry Conference, Santa Ana, CA
Sacred Heart Parish Ability Awareness, Coronado, CA
Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, FL
Noble of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
The Arc of St. Louis SibShop, St. Louis, MO
NFAR Moms Group, Del Mar, CA
Encinitas School District Parent Group, CA
Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild, CA
San Diego State University, CA
AlphaXiChallenge, Cal State University, San Marcos
TACA Parent Group, Rancho Bernardo, CA
CA Transition Alliance, San Diego, CA