The Spectrum Experience and Bullying

Event Description: The Spectrum Experience and Bullying is a panel discussion developed from eye-opening conversations with adults on the autism spectrum about the vast amount of bullying they experienced and how these interactions impacted their lives. Panelists are individuals on the spectrum who will share their stories.

Panelists include:

• Matthew Grollman is from New Jersey and moved to Middle Tennessee in 2013. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and currently works in accounts payable for the State of Tennessee. Matthew has been a member of Autism Tennessee since 2018 and is one of the administrators of the Autism Tennessee Sexual Identity and Inclusion Alliance.
• Patricia Powell was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome as a sophomore in high school in 2001. She is the President and Group Facilitator for Nashville Autism Peer Support, a Partners In Policymaking Class of 2019 Graduate, a member of the Young Leaders Council, Class of 2020, and a UNA-USA Nashville Cordell Hull Chapter Board Director. She is currently pursuing her Graduate Degree in Public Affairs through Indiana University's online program.
• Samantha Zinni is from outside Chicago. She has lived in Franklin for nearly 5 years. She graduated from Nashville State Community College with an Associate's degree in Web Design. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Web Design at Devry University. Her interests include photography, dog walking, collecting relics from the Civil War, and collecting fossils.

Moderator:

• Dave Griffin, Teen & Adult Program Coordinator, Autism Tennessee

Click here for frequently asked questions!

The Spectrum Experience series is sponsored by: