AutHaven March or April 2015

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Yes, the price was lowered from what was originally posted. I anticipate that will be the case next year as well. I doubt if we'll get the price down to $100 again. The 2015 venue is most likely going to be in Colorado Springs [ the Rainbow Vista House, plus some staying in fifth wheels on the property] partially because we will be unable to rent out the venue we used this year at anything close to the same price next year. My fingers are crossed for under $200 per person. That being said, I am hoping that once again there will be full scholarships for those who have NO extra funds for the retreat.

Chen,[or anyone] if you feel that $225 is too high for 4 days and 4 nights and have any ideas for lowering the fees without lowering quality or fun, I am MORE than open to suggestions.

Speaking of AutHAven, the place we are looking at in Colorado Springs is only a 10 minute drive from "Garden of the Gods,"which is a free to the public park that was voted second best park in the country, third best in the world by Travel Adviser.

michael, you are SO sweet! Thank you so much!

Vicky,

I'm glad your first AutHaven was a success and I suspect next year's will be even better.

Verdandi; Next years will be even better, because you'll be there, right?

AP, this year we had 8 people sleeping in the lodge and 4 of us in the camper, 4 people were from other states, 4 from our GRASP group [not counting LJ and I. Tammy and Marty came but only stayed until after dinner. We had 4 others who stayed for a day or less [which is how they planned it]

Next year, I'm pretty sure we will be renting out the Rainbow Vista House in Colorado Springs. It sleeps 16 [with air mattresses, more] and there is room for 2 fifth wheels, campers, etc, which could sleep another 8 to 12. We might be able to seep more because almost everyone seemed to wind up together at night for an old fashioned slumber party. so, I guess I'm thinking somewhere between 16 and 24 staying and seeping on location, pus another 10 to 20 who will be their for various activities

I have already spoken with a couple Autistic support groups in Colorado Springs who are interested in sleeping in their homes but getting together for fun,friendship, meals and workshops. They also are talking about putting together their own retreat after studying ours. [ and that is what this is all about, retreats at low costs where Autistics can get together locally].We have discussed individual donations for them attending, a small fee, or "paying their own way" by, as a group preparing lunch for everyone.

Gosh darn,I hope that Alex still does the Vegas thing. I know that there will be little protection for sensory issues. That sounds sad,but really isn't if Alex's Vegas party is one of a plethora of Autistic gatherings all over the world. And it can be .In 10 years, I can visualize hundreds of Autistic retreats, dozens of real life [run by autistics] communities, and a huge explosion of autistics in the work force who now, for a variety of reasons, are excluded [ and yeah, corporations making all sorts of accomodations and BEGGING for autistic employees. and NTs' begging to work in an Autistic run company]

Okay, got on a tangent, but at least I caught myself before I got to the part about most world leaders being Autistic and ushering a period of unprecedented peace.[just kidding...sortof] But still, I have never considered myself an even remotely envious type of person, but I think I am somewhat envious of all you people who are young enough to be able to see and even participate in our people being accepted, being included, being recognized as OUTSTANDING.

Vicky, am I correct in my understanding that a longer-term "retreat center" for future AutHaven events is envisioned as part of the "intentional community" project?

I would think that would have a positive impact on both the location and pricing issues.

[quote="AgentPalpatine"]Vicky, am I correct in my understanding that a longer-term "retreat center" for future AutHaven events is envisioned as part of the "intentional community" project?

I would think that would have a positive impact on both the location and pricing issues.[/quote

The "intentional community" will be in Thornton, Colorado.

The 'retreat center," Ocate Cliff, is already purchased land outside of Albuquerque New Mexico. Star Ford [ author of "A Field Guide to Earthlings,"] is putting it together. It will be a totally off the grid center that will be rented out by any group but run totally by Autistics. My youngest son is planning on volunteering with the initial building phase, which will take place when there is sufficient funding and manpower.

Here's the authaven page with all info and registration details:
http://divergentlabs.org/authaven/

Is there a deadline for the application process? Also, what are the rules on diagnostic status? I'm diagnosed, but I'm wondering whether my undiagnosed father would have any interest in attending. Is that permissable?