Are you going to Autreat/Autscape 2013?

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About time you noticed that one.

Yes. Better late than never.

That....is something. That's a story that should end up on WP in it's own right, if the individual would be willing to write something about it.

Registration for Autscape 2013 is finally open!

This is the ninth annual Autscape event. A combined conference and retreat for and by Autistics/Aspies.

Location: Ackworth School, Ackworth, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF7 7LT, United Kingdom
Dates: 6-9 August 2013
Registration closes 12 July.

To see the fees and register, go to: http://www.autscape.org/registration

The sooner we know about this year's participants and their needs the better we and the venue can cater for everyone, so please register as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about registration, please contact Kalen, Autscape's registrar, at:
http://www.autscape.org/contact (second e-mail address from the top)

The contents of the formal programme of presentations are available here:
http://www.autscape.org/programme
although the timetable is not yet available.

The alternative programme is under development. If you would like to run a session, please contact Trish at:
http://www.autscape.org/contact (fourth e-mail address from the top)

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hi KenG! How are you? It's been a long time. (Avignon, remember?)

I'll be in America during Autreat, so maybe I might try to come.....we'll see, don't know yet. Are you going? I've never been to one of these *big events*, but Avignon was fun. I'd like to have that kind of experience again.

Nope, too far.

Surviving, thanks.
And yourself?

Yes, exactly four years ago, I believe.
Whoever wasn't there can still check the Avignon thread and feel jealous of us:
http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt91153.html

Yes, you should go to Autreat this year. It takes place in Pennsylvania, so not too far from your hometown.

Only to Autscape, on this side of the pond.

Part of the fun in Avignon was having endless chats, in a charming town, while eating(*), drinking wine or watching the landscapes. The *big events* are structured a bit like academic conferences, so not as fun as Avignon was. You could always avoid the formal presentations, though, and just sit in the lounge and chat to people. Alternatively, you could attend the formal presentations, knowing that the real fun happens in the afternoons and evenings, when there is plenty of time to chat with groups of people.

(*) funny enough, when I wrote the word "eating" I suddenly heard your voice saying "J'avez une alergez" or whatever it was you were always saying to the waiters, except for that one time when you accidentally spoken to them in German...

I've heard of it and read about it. I'm not interested in it. I've got other things to do this summer.

Same, "surviving".



Oh too bad, it would have been nice to see you again.



The thought of academic conferences sounds very interesting to me actually- (though my "special interest" is no longer Aspergers, like it was back in Avignon. I would be really excited if the theme were low carbohydrate diets! ) Well, I still find AS interesting, I could see enjoying something like that too. The big crowds of people sounds a bit daunting to me though- (in Avignon, we were only a small group of people, very manageable).



Ah yes, the joys of ordering gluten free meals in a foreign language!

It would have been nice to see you again too. Perhaps we could meet on this side of the pond some time?
No need to cross the Atlantic for that.

Are low carbohydrate diets healthy?
I eat lots of healthy foods, such as quinoa, buckwheat and chickpeas, which all have high carbohydrate value.

Autreat isn't huge. It usually has only about 80 participants. Outside of the main presentations, people seem to spontaneously split into small groups, about 5 - 10 participants each, to discuss various topics. Participating in small groups helps to get to know people.

That would be nice. Actually, it would be really nice to have another small Aspie meetup, like in Avignon. Hey- didn't we say we were going to have a meetup in Morocco?



Well, for me they're healthy, my health got much better going low carb. I guess different groups of people react to carbohydrate foods differently. Since your ancestors probably ate those foods you eat, they're probably fine for you. My ancestors may have been more meat based, grainless people, since that seems to be better for me....(and to think I was mostly vegetarian for so many years. My health really suffered).

At least those carbohydrates you're eating are not refined carbohydrates, they're more natural foods. Refined carbohydrates don't seem to be good for anyone.



That sounds quite nice, actually. I'll let you know if I end up going. Money might be an issue.....

We did, but nobody went on to organize it.

I would be surprised if my ancestors had access to quinoa, since it only grows in South America. I don't think my ancestors for the past few hundreds of years had access to chickpeas, although perhaps some of my ancient ancestors, from thousands of years ago, did have.

OK. See how Mandy raised money to go to Autreat: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/aWI3c

Typical Aspies! Executive functioning, ha.
Maybe we should try to organize it in the next year? I would love to go to Morocco!




Oh, I guess I somehow "missed" the quinoa....but, yeah, you're right about that. I assumed that your ancestors had access to chickpeas and buckwheat. But, if you notice any health problems, maybe try lowering your carbohydrate intake? If you have no health problems, then don't worry about it.

If someone starts organizing it, I may join.

I shall not be attending either.

It's a bit far to get to either the UK or the US from New Zealand.

Here are descriptions of this year's lectures and workshops.

What do you think about them?

=== Lectures ===

Self advocacy booklet for adults on the autism spectrum

Presenter: Alexis Green

Description: This booklet was designed to help autistic people communicate their needs at formal appointments. This presentation will describe how the booklet was designed with user input. Continuity of information between various professionals can be communicated via this book. There is also a section for criminal justice professionals which has been used by authors of this book in real life situations. The booklet explains autism in a clear and concise way and has sections to complete your own needs. Examples of what to write are included in each section.

From finding a voice to being understood: exploring the double empathy problem

Presenter: Damian Milton

Description: This presentation begins with an overview of the double empathy problem theory as devised by the author of this presentation. Issues such as empathy and reciprocity will be explored through the use of examples and interactive activities. This will be followed by examining how autistic voices are presented and perceived within the field of autism studies, and how issues relating to the double empathy problem can act as a barrier to autistic voices being ‘found’, or at least understood on their own terms. This discussion then lays a foundation for an exploration of what counts as, as well as how one acquires, various forms of ‘expertise’, with the view of exploring the perennial topic of ‘who should speak for autistic people?’.

"Sitting on a rock": exploring what may have been given up for lost

Presenter: Lyte

Description: A lecture and a workshop on the theme 'finding a voice': claiming our Authentic Selves. Can we reclaim some of what may have been compromised or even lost to us in our efforts for Survival? Do we need to reclaim any of those aspects in order to find our own empowered ways to Thrive? This will be a verbal, visually illustrated and possibly multisensory lecture followed up with a hands on workshop. This presentation evolves from the perspective that so many neuro-diverse/autistic people have had to make compromises for survival purposes in an often uncomprehending and relatively hostile space. The possibility is examined that reclaiming such parts of ourselves that we may have compromised and 'shut away' may be essential to our thriving rather than mere 'surviving' - and may (by reclaiming our wholeness) actually empower us, allowing our true nature to come through as authentic beings.

Finding the courage to stand up and be heard

Presenter: Mark Ty-Wharton

Description: This presentation is about training ourselves to stretch our boundaries. To be playful in the game of learning new skills and tasks. It is not about trying to make autistic people sound normal. It is a talk about how we can have fun with our beautiful voices. Expect lots of noise and audience can join in if they wish.

=== Workshops ===

A Faith That Speaks Our Language

Presenter: Caroline Henthorne

Description: This workshop is based on the research of James Fowler. This looks at how people develop their world view from childhood through to adulthood. Fowler looked at religious traditions and psychology. After interviewing hundreds of people he described six stages of world view development or faith. However, autistic people have different emotional and social experiences. Are we on the same journey? And how can we develop in faith?

Find your voice through self-employment

Presenter: Jay Blue

Description: Each part of this workshop has an interactive element to it and will encourage the participants to share their views and opinions. The parts are: Introduction (including research into self-employment for people with ASCs and some information about my personal journey of self-employment); Why become self-employed? (the advantages of self-employment and some real examples of ways in which one can create a unique product/service); What does self-employment involve?; Self-employment - the downside; Resources (where/how to start and who to contact); Series of interactive activities (speaking in small groups) to discover your own gifts and abilities.

When you can't find your voice - using signs and symbols to supplement speech

Presenter: Kalen

Description: This workshop will be about using Makaton signs and symbols as an alternative or supplement to vocal communication. Makaton is a communication system designed to assist those who have communication difficulties. The signs are derived from British Sign Language used by the deaf, but are standardised and applied as a means of supporting spoken language. Makaton also includes picture symbols which are used for communication and for picture schedules and similar. The workshop will consist of an introduction to Makaton and its uses, but the majority of the time will be spent learning and practicing signs from the 'basic signs' in Makaton's vocabulary. Hopefully, all participants will leave knowing at least a few useful signs and recognising a number of symbols.

Listening to autistic voices

Presenter: Larry Arnold

Description: Autscape is all about autistic people listening and being heard, but there are other fora where autistic people present. There are some well known speakers such as Temple Grandin and Ros Blackburn, but also many lesser known presenters whose experience is limited to talking to local autistic societies for instance. I want to look at the different ways autistic speakers present at conferences and meetings, the differences between speaking to a primarily autistic audience and of fulfilling NT expectations for instance. This will be interactive as I am offering the chance for people to talk about there own experiences of talking to different audiences and of there experience of listening to autistic speakers.

Making Conversation

Presenter: Peter Baimbridge

Description: A very simple practical workshop aimed at helping individuals who want to improve their understanding of and confidence in meeting strangers and/or asking for help. Direct and second hand experience has given the presenter some insights into some of the problems many people face meeting new people / making 'small talk' and he has achieved some success helping individuals improve their success rate in this area and their comfort levels while achieving it.

The Colour of In-Between

Presenter: Susy

Description: This workshop makes use of a combination of colour and image to explore the multiple identities that make up our individual characters. It tackles the binary of identities imposed by society and the media and focuses on the 'grey' area in between. The workshop aim is to give autistic participants an opportunity to use colour to re-focus the image of autism, express their voice on their identity/identities, and produce individual or collective images.

Finding a voice within organisations

Presenter: Yo

Description: This workshop aims to provide participants with greater knowledge of how organisations work and help them develop skills likely to improve their ability to gain an effective voice within and through organisations. When autistic people wish to participate in group situations, we can often encounter difficulties 'decoding' the (often unwritten) rules involved. This can act as an obstacle and prevent autistics from finding a voice inside organisations and/or prevent autistics from making the most effective use of organisations to enhance and amplify their voices within the wider community. This workshop aims to help participants overcome this obstacle by increasing understanding and awareness of common rules and procedures and developing the ability of participants to know what questions to ask in order to find out how an organisation works and effectively find a voice within and through that organisation.