Are you going to Autscape 2011?

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I would, but only if it doesn't interfere with the general spirit of the event.
I go to Autscape to celebrate autistic culture and I'm not sure research about treatments for symptoms of autism has anything to do with autistic culture.

I looked at the link you provided and find the statement on Autscapes policy on Autism politics of a much more inclusive nature; giving better detail why they exclude viewpoints from the presentation, but allow them beyond that. I feel a great deal more comfortable now that I understand they do allow different viewpoints among the attendees and the event is not one that supports any particular stand in Autism politics.



I didn't see any evidence of that in the proposal request on this website, I think if it was worded the way that it was in the excerpt above from the link you provided that it would not lead someone to the opinion, as it did me, that the event did not welcome any opinion, but the neurodiverse opinion held among some autistic people. The clarification of the excerpt above, bolded, takes away that political flavor.

It sounds like they might be willing to hear presentations on ways to reduce anxiety among people that have Autism, with natural methods like exercise and relaxation techniques. General stress management education among Autistics is a topic of education that I think should be presented in every possible avenue. The stress of the world is what brings many down, and there are many ways we can positively manage that stress, if we understand healthy approaches. I think this fits within a positive approach to life with Autism.

Sorry, I didn't look past the first web page, when I first saw the link, but I saw the link on Autism Politics in the FAQ page, and found the good explanation of where the organization stands, regarding the divisive issues in Autism Politics.

Thanks for your effort, in providing the link, I understand the event in a different way now.

I'll be going to learn more about AS and meet others like myself, I want to be able to benifit from this, I am also hoping to meet others who are on this forum as well.

Quoted for truth

Agreed.

From Ken G's post on the first page, links to Autreat, the US equivalent of the event:

Autreat: 8-12 August, 2011

4 p.m. Monday to 1 p.m. Friday

Johnstown, Pennsylvania


Autreat 2011's Call for Proposals: http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt155197.html
Autreat's website: http://www.autreat.com/
Autreat's information mailing list: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autreatinfo/
Autreat information page: http://www.autreat.com/autreat.html
Some of the workshops which were given at Autreat in the past: http://www.autreat.com/past-workshops.htm

Less than 3 weeks left to book for Autscape 2011!
(booking closes on Friday, 22nd July, 2011).

To register at the lowest prices, you must register before JULY 20, 2011.
After July 20, prices increase $10!
Save your money by registering before July 20th.

ALL REGISTRATION FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 28, 2011.
THERE IS NO "AT THE DOOR" REGISTRATION AVAILABLE -
ALL ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO JULY 28, 2011.
FORMS MUST BE *RECEIVED* PRIOR TO JULY 28, 2011 FOR ATTENDANCE.

For more information, including a link to the registration form, visit:
http://www.autreat.com/autreat.html

I still think the name "wrong planet" is unnecessarily pessimistic.
Websites' names should describe the contents of the websites, rather than make negative comments about the whole world.
If I was to establish a website for autistics, I would call it "Autistic Haven", or "Autistic Celebration", or something similar.

I like the the terms Autscape and Autreat; an Autistic escape and retreat from a life among people largely comprised of people that don't have autism. I'm not so sure Wrong Planet is seen in a negative context within the autistic community.

To me it seems to mesh well with the idea of neurodiversity; that those that are neurodivergent are those that have neurological differences that should be accepted, and the concept that the world should change to meet the needs of those that are neurodiverse, so they will be able to adapt and be productive in a world that does not normally suit their innate differences. Not a characteristic of the content of the website, but instead a descriptor relating to the people commonly visiting the site; the common noted description of how Autistic people don't feel comfortable in the world the way it is.

Autistic Haven sounds like a good one. I like the term "Aspiefreedom" that's currently used. In my opinion Autistic Celebration; sounds good for an event, but I'm not so sure about a general website for autism, sounds like a website that could be used as an avenue to showcase music, art, and literature made by people that have Autism.

Every once in a while we get to see the art linked that some people have produced here. But I think, it would be interesting to see the music, art, and literature; probably wouldn't be enough interest for a website though; I guess that is something that people could do in the existing forums here as they wanted to share.

Is there a structured avenue for people to share their creative talents, other than presentations on living with Autism, in Autscape and Autreat? I'm not sure how many people would participate, but I've seen some unique creations here.

Yes. At Autreat, it is usually on the first evening and is centered around paintings, photographs and writings.
At Autscape, it is usually on the last evening and is centered around music and readings. Quite a lot of people sang and read poems and stories at Autscape last year.

Just a reminder that booking for Autscape 2011 closes this Friday, 22 July.

Book at http://www.autscape.org/registration

===
Autscape is the trading name of The Autscape Organisation, a registered charity (no. 1141913) and limited company registered in England and Wales (no. 7325467).

It was good to meet you at Autscape, kerryt84.
Did you enjoy your first Autscape?

It was good to meet you at Autscape 2011.
Did you enjoy your first Autscape?

'Fraid so, KenG. I truly respect what you are doing in organising an ambitious public event in Autscape. Your enthusiasm in itself is a great selling point, as is the valid attempt to reorientate the intellectual/academic view of autism. But in all honesty the Sparklies Night theme wouldn't attract me to Autscape; rather the reverse, in fact. It would be totally embarrassing for me in ways I can't even begin to describe, but here are a couple: it sounds less like good art - truly creative, original or 'free' - than an inherently limited compilation of prefabricated artefacts; and a great deal like a sensory cacophony, which is emphatically not my idea of a good time. Also - to speak the unspeakable, acknowledge the elephant in the room or draw attention to the Emperor's [lack of] new clothes - I don't want to look like a bloody yampy. Or, to put it another way, end of credibility = end of subject. I recognise that my preference to hold onto a sense of dignity can sometimes function as a limitation on my own life experience, so please feel free to dismiss this feedback along those general lines, as you see fit. I only offer it at all because you asked for it. Full respect to you.


How weird that the quality of beardedness should be used in the English language to epitomise that of inspiring repellence! Weirdness aside, and with full plaudits for vocabularity - - you don't think that pronouncement a little harsh, ouinon?

What makes an event 'tick' or attract attention is a indeed a very interesting topic. Never forget that it is hard to get people interested in anything, whether AS or NT. Most people are lazy and prefer sitting down. What do they say? Something like most revolutions are conducted by 1-3% while the others stand back and watch. Once something is a 'success', the hordes will follow.

After following with interest this conversation about what didn't work for ouinon about Autscape and speculation about the continuing low response level, I am curious to see what happens next. ouinon, what would constitute your ideal event? Even better, as you seem to take radical issue with the festival being handed to you on a plate - which so obviously does not conform to your taste, yet equally obviously does to that of the 'clique' you describe - why not cook up your own alternative renegade festival? I would certainly be interested to read about that one, and I'm sure others would too. Namaste.

No---I am not going to Autscape nor Autreat. I just don't get into anything like that much. I know they are wonderful events, but they just don't feel right for me.