Genevieve Edmonds
This is sad and shocking news. Genevieve did so much to help the autistic community. It just seems so wrong that she could not find the help she needed. My heart goes out to her family, to her partner and co-author, Dean Worton, and to all who knew her.
The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds
Washington, DC - 2/18/08 – The autistic community mourned the loss of Genevieve Edmonds, a UK-based advocate and author on the autism spectrum who committed suicide this past week. Genevieve was a leader in advocating for increased visibility and support for adults on the autism spectrum. She authored four books: The Asperger Social Guide: How to Relate to Anyone in any Social Situation as an Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, The Asperger Personal Guide: Raising Self-Esteem and Making the Most of Yourself as a Adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome And Employment: Adults Speak Out About Asperger Syndrome and A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome. Her work with the ASPECT group at Sheffield Hallam University resulted in numerous strides forward in autistic representation and a comprehensive study on the needs of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome in the United Kingdom.Genevieve will be remembered for her contributions to our community and commitment to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her death is a tragedy and we mourn the loss of one of our own. Those wishing to express their condolensces to the Edmonds family can direct their thoughts to http://www.blackpooltiggers.co.uk/contact.pl
Ari Ne’eman
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
info@autisticadvocacy.orgAlex Plank
Wrong Planet
http://www.wrongplanet.net/
alex@wrongplanet.net
Comment by Phil Schwarz | February 24th, 2008
Very sad news indeed.
May Genevieve’s memory be a blessing.
Comment by Aspie Bird | February 24th, 2008
Shocked by this sad news!
Rest In Peace, Genevieve!
Thank you for all you did for us!
My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Comment by Barbara Jacobs | February 25th, 2008
I am so sorry that one of the brightest and best has left us.
She did so much work for the autistic community.
Comment by kathleen | February 26th, 2008
Thank you sister, rest in peace.
Comment by tigerlily | February 27th, 2008
too good for this world . . .which can only be poorer for her passing.
Acknowledgement of the unique and the vulnerable and an appreciation of their invaluable and unique contribution ,along with their excruciating sensitivity to this unbelievably cruel man made world ,created at the expense of the original and natural world is sorely lacking.
I believe that Genevieve’s death is a result of the arrogance of a naive society. All of my blessings travel with her on her journey.
‘Oops . . wrong planet’, or should that be . .’right planet, wrong - minded dominant species’.
The loss of another bright star . .
Comment by laurentius-rex | February 27th, 2008
I too was saddened to hear of her suicide, however I am not going to come over all mawkish and say anything better about her than I said when she was alive and could anser back.
I seem to recall the only time I met her, was at the Aspect action day in Manchester where I accused her and fellow speakers of being no more than “self narrating zoo exhibits” without a proper political conciousness. I did not make myself too popular in the process as I recall.
And if I should pass any time soon you are all welcome to say “good riddance to the old b’stard” but I am sure you will miss my curmudgeonliness all the same
Comment by Barbara Jacobs | March 2nd, 2008
I’d just like to add that Ken Douglas, who many of you may know from Awares conferences, died unexpectedly two weeks ago.
He posted on boards as Phasmid.
He was an exceptionally loving and kind man, who was always on call for me when I had problems to pass on to him from my near-suicidal mums of children on the spectrum. He gave his time tirelessly to these people.
It’s so hard to lose two amazing people in such a short time.
I’m finding it difficult to come to terms with this. But my serious love and condolences to the families.
xx
Comment by Genevieve | March 6th, 2008
I’m sad for the community’s loss. I’ve never chatted or read her books - first I’ve heard of her, but my heart goes out to her friends and family.
I stopped by to post this:
Please join me in Blogging For Autism Awareness in April . http://momologue.blogspot.com/2008/03/join-me-in-blogging-for-autism.html
My son has high-functioning autism. He was late to diagnose (13). I’m trying to unite bloggers in April, Autism Awareness Month, to blog for .. you know… awareness.
You blog about autism related subjects all year — but if you’d like to participate on this particular thing or help spread the word — I’d great appreciate it.
Thanks much
~g
~g
Comment by Matthew Rubringer | March 6th, 2008
I am leaving this note as someone who was very close to Genevieve for a period of her life during her University studies. We had lost contact at the time of her death, partly because I never truly understood her condition and therefore I could not deal with the difficulties presented by such a relationship. Aspergers was, i understand, diagnosed quite late in her short life, after we last saw each other in person. We had many wonderful times together and it is plain from the response to her death that Genevieve went on to have a great impact. I hope this kind of personal tribute will not be considered out of place, but I have lost contact with those who I would otherwise wish to pass on my condolences to.
Comment by Estee Klar-Wolfond | May 18th, 2008
Sad, indeed.
Comment by jonathan heaton | November 26th, 2008
I met Genevieve in July 2001 at Euxton Parish Church. From a wonderful friendship blossomed a very loving relationship, like many couples we had some low times but our love for one another was strong and true. One New Years Eve 2003 at a black tie dinner in Dublin we celebrated our engagement, wearing a long red dress Gen looked truly amazing, I was so lucky. As time progressed sadly so did Genevieve’s condition and sadly and with much regret we ended our relationship in May 2005. Eventually we both moved on and found new happiness and when I was informed of Gen’s death I was truly devestated and still am. I think about her everyday and pray for her wonderful family. I have memories and photos blessed with the joy and love that we shared. I miss her so much and she will always have a special place in my heart. X
Comment by bobby scmoe | February 15th, 2009
Dean wasn’t her partner atthat time, she was about to get married to someone else.
Comment by Barbara | June 17th, 2009
I didn’t know Genevieve at all. Only in the last two weeks have I come to know of her profound contribution in knowledge and support for people with Autism & Aspergers. As another person who has been diagnosed as AS in adulthood I am forever grateful for the light, love and compassion she has shed for everyone who is ready to live in understanding of humanness. Peace be with you Genevieve.
Comment by Posty | December 4th, 2009
Very sad news, such a young life that was cut short. Thinking of the family and friends.