I first came into contact with Madalena in 2010 after my self belief in my ability to deliver high quality research and teaching had been shattered. Being dignosed as having an Autistic Spectrum Disorder had created barriers in my mind which made it difficult for me to engage with students and researchers. Over many months Magdalena helped me to breakdown those barriers and to expand the range of social and professional interactions that I felt comfortable with. She showed great skill in identifying the right small, but challenging steps, I needed to take. The result was a journey in which I learned that many of the barriers that I thought existed were not real. For those that are real I have the capability of learning the skills necessary to overcome them. The result is that I now teach and work with people around the world with a confidence that did not exist before. Thanks to Magdalena I am aware of the limitations that my condition brings, but I am not defined by those limitations. Over the last few years I have occasionally met with Magdalena who has continued to support my development. The key thing I have learnt from her is that being scared of interacting with others is something that exists only in my mind and that I can overcome that fear. Thank you Magdalena.
