Conference to empower autistic adults held in Provo this week
PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — This week, ScenicView Academy in Provo is welcoming autistic adults from across the country to AutCon, an annual convention by autistic adults for autistic adults.
The convention runs from Thursday, May 16, to Friday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. Tickets and a full schedule are available online.
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“AutCon is people on the spectrum talking to other people on the spectrum. It’s sharing coping methods, and workarounds, and ways of using our strengths to overcome our weaknesses,” said AutCon organizer and presenter, Sarah Heuser. “I love my non-autistic friends and family, but there is something special about being in a group of people whose brains are wired like mine. It’s a bit like the feeling of coming home. This is the feeling we hope others feel when they attend AutCon.”
During the two-day convention, the con will feature panels and workshops focused on mental health, independent living, health and fitness, relationships and other topics from the autistic perspective.
The keynote speaker will be Maureen Dunne, a cognitive scientist, board director and business leader who wrote the national bestseller “The Neurodiversity Edge.”
The convention will also include a resource and job fair, including companies such as Texas Instruments and PowerStream Technology.
“Too often empowering individuals on the autism spectrum is seen as unidirectional, but real empowerment involves listening to the experiences of autistic people, amplifying autistic voices, validating autistic ways of life, honoring the skills and contributions of autistic people, and providing a community of support for our autistic loved ones. That’s what AutCon is all about,” said AutCon organizer Kari Bushman.
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