Human Library Series: Get to Know Someone with Asperger's

Main Library - Interested members of the community are asked to join us in a safe space to converse with a person who has Asperger's Syndrome. For more information on the Human Library Series at Charleston County Public Library, and to see previous sessions in their entirety, visit our section on the Human Library Series. This session features a panel of members in the Asperger's Syndrome community. Asperger's is a developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

Toni Boucher started the “Ask an Aspie” panel in 2017 and has continued the tradition due to popular demand. Toni is the author of Autism Translated: 5 Keys to Help You Understand & Connect With Teens and Adults on the Spectrum and she facilitates weekly groups for autistic teens, men, women and their families in Charleston, SC. Toni also provides training about girls and women on the spectrum and consults with families, community organizations, schools and employers to help ensure that individuals on the spectrum can reach their health, career and relationship goals. You can read more about Toni at toniboucher.net

Nina Saini, MSW is an advocate for the South Carolina Protection and Advocacy. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities get access to needed supports and resources in her job and as a volunteer mentor for other women on the autism spectrum. Nina received her diagnosis of autism as an adult and is consequently very knowledgeable about the unique characteristics of women on the spectrum along with their challenges.

Melanie Wiley is a student in the MD/PhD program at MUSC and the co-Creator of the MUSC Hangout Program, which she directs. Melanie is an gifted researcher and clinician. Her research interests include brain stimulation, brain imaging and developing animal models for Autism. Melanie serves as the Study Coordinator for the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Adults with Autism and Depression (TAD) study, and has been very active in MUSC’s Learning Enhancement through Neurostimulation (LENS) study. Her amazing skillset is critical to both the Project Rex Clinical and Research missions. In the Fall of 2017, she organized the very first Project Rex Hangout Halloween event, which was attended by over 30 youth with Autism.

William Phillips is a high school graduate who mentors teens on the spectrum. He enjoys learning about new ideas, engaging in conversations that challenge him to think and mentoring teens on the spectrum.

Paul Hoover is a janitor at a Charleston public school where he recently received the “Employee of the Month” award. Paul has been a mentor to others on the spectrum and their families for over 4 years.

Danielle Woolridge works as an administrative specialist at a hospital. Her dream is to become an activist to help make the world a better place for all people regardless of their differences.