trekster

Hello and welcome to the forum. Really hope this forum gives you some ideas of how to navigate this confusing world that is post diagnosis. I'm one of the moderators on here.

Admin note, normally we require members to ask permission via private message before posting research proposals to the list. In this instance the post can be kept on as it stands. Hope your daughter does well in her project.

This is not a new thing, the autscape organisation has been using 'jazz hands' since 2005 with success at their annual autistic conferences.

Due to my autism I have difficulty answering open questions. But will do my best. For me it was the best investment I could have made. It helped me understand myself and my friends better. I did a case study on myself because I couldn't find anyone else. I didn't get a paid career out of it because my elhers danlos was diagnosed and my mobility and my mentor at the time let me down. I also had to change tutors when trying the masters course. It is an excellent standard workwise. I got a 2:1 in autism as a result. I got my masters in professional development from a different university last year. It helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. It's just trying to work out how to develop my community interest company to help my organisation to expand.

Wish I knew what was making him so horrible towards you. I can tease people sometimes but if I see they're upset I back off. Is this recent behaviour or something building up over time? Anything in particular in his life causing him to lash out? Remind me again does he live with you? Can you get respite care from him from social services as a carer for your disabled son? I have been off the rails in the past. For me it was a combination of triggers: 1. Having gluten, dairy, anything ending in the word benzoate, pineapple or tartaric acid anywhere near my mouth or on my skin. 2. Flashbacks from my traumatic past causing me to push others away as I felt I couldn't open up to them. 3. Severe physical pain from my then undiagnosed fibromyalgia and eds/hms every joint in my body apart from my back can dislocate multiple times a day. It is very painful and I'm still getting on top of treating it properly. 4. Hunger and or fatigue caused by not recognising the signs as the timing of this post shows. 5. More changes in the day than I can process and understand especially last minute ones. 6. Clashes with my teenage siblings. 7. People saying things that reminded me of my past or lying to me. 8. Unclear and unrealistic expectations from others I was never able to meet. Most of the above have been resolved bar a few. I'm a better person to get along with when I've been sipping tonic water (to settle cross contamination from gluten and dairy), have taken meds, has plenty of sleep etc and have my own space to process changes and what's expected of me. Really hope you get to the bottom of what's going on ASAP.

Can you book an appointment with him with an asd aware counseller to come to the house and help him? My relative used to do that for me when I was stuck in a duty due to my unrecognised secondary mental health problems. He sounds scared of the world so hides in his safer place of home due to the experiences at primary school. Has he had any support at secondary school that really benefited him? There's a lot of choices regarding what to do and not to when leaving school. It can get overwhelming at times for asd kids. I used to sit around all day in the same clothes and go to bed in them because I couldn't decide what to wear so I stayed in what I was wearing. You mention his computer projects? Is there anyway that can be turned into a career for him? Could he work from home? Either doing his own business or testing computer games and writing up reviews? Also teenager type of problems can last longer in autistics (that's my theory anyway) when I was 23 I woke up one day to find the anxiety had gone and had some years of stability. Nothing in particular happened I think my hormones settled down. Another possibility is that he has a chronic pain condition he's unable to express apart from the depression type behaviours you are seeing. It is very rare that when I'm in physical pain I say "ouch" I can get snappy and grumpy instead though. John clements mentioned in his book "people with autism behaving badly" (despite the title he is very understanding towards those of us on the spectrum). I realise this is a lot to think about and you want the best for your son. Hope you get some answers soon. For context I was dislocating every joint in my body except my back but was unable to express it, also have extreme muscle pain. I am a highly verbal autistic as well just couldn't say "this hurts like hell" like 'normies' can.

Knowing when to delegate a task to someone else is the key. Also finding alternative ways in which to complete a task can be helpful. I can book my car in for a service using an online app or an email. Some companies offer an mot test booking online. You get an email to confirm your test time and booking details. The scheme I'm on means they ring me up to ask for my car to be booked in for an mot. It still stresses me out as I have to plan out a whole day to get it done and I'm under time pressure to do it. When I rang up with a problem with my current car I was asked if I still had the last one. But you have to deliver the last car in order to pick up the next one so that seemed illogical to ask. If you present female at a garage some may try and rip you off, but if you present male or go with a friend being ripped off is less likely. Can't you start the phone call with another person in the room and then if the call goes wrong say "I can't cope with this please speak to (name of person)" or "I can't cope with this please speak to my support worker". Some gp practices can permit email contact but I'm not sure how that would work for booking appointments. If your gp is aware of your difficulties on the phone they may permit email contact. The subject line would be "FAO (your gps name)" if you can't cope with a telephone appointment (where the gp rings you back within a set two hour window) mention that on the email. Only downside of not having telephone appointments is you have to wait longer to see your gp.

Hello and welcome I've struggled with food addiction. I cannot have 'just a little bit' of gluten or dairy without wanting to have lots and lots more. I have to abstain from gluten or dairy in order to function in my daily life. There is another book 'aspergers and alcohol drinking to cope' which I'm not sure you've read or not? I've also had some breakdowns due to stress and various other problems mostly services not helping me. Struggling to get mental health support at the moment.

Hello and welcome to the forum I knew I was an aspie two years before I got diagnosed. I saw the film rainman and I did all but a few things on there. I thought I couldn't be very autistic because there were certain things I didn't do which ironically proves that I am because I was talking all his autistic traits literally. I'm pleased Chris Packham has helped you realise your identity of being an aspie. It takes some getting used to understand and process that realisation. Some areas have aspergers women's groups. There are also some books on aspergers aimed at females on the spectrum. 'Aspergirls' is one that springs to mind. One author of books aimed at females on the spectrum is Robyn Stewart. It is possible to have aspergers and OCD at the same time. If you feel distress at engaging in your obsessions or compulsions that's OCD, if you feel joy or other more positive emotions at engaging with your obsessions then that's an aspie trait. If there's a mixture of the two then you most likely have both. I was diagnosed in 1996 with Asperger syndrome. But I have obsessive hoarding and compulsions about the time. I'm constantly panicking about being late especially when I've left in plenty of time. I've been a compulsive spender in the past as well. I identify as OCD but I don't have an official diagnosis. Getting an official diagnosis can be hard work due to the cuts the NHS have and changes to the diagnostic criterion. Some areas still use ICD-10 (older criterion) others use DSM-5. There are some peer support groups that accept people whether they have a diagnosis of aspergers or autism or not. Official services from the NHS however are a different story. Have you heard of OCD action? https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-groups That's a link to the support groups including online support groups.

I know relate can help with some cases of Asperger families, also couples counselling (sometimes even family counselling). Does he accept he has aspergers and try to find out more about aspergers to help him understand himself and others? Unless you mention the specific issues you are having it is going to be difficult to find someone in the same boat. There are a few Asperger adults on here who are in relationships but unsure how many neurotypical (so called normal) partners of Asperger adults with children there are here.

Hello and welcome My so called father abused me so I am glad he is dead. I am better off without him. He abused my mother as well and she still doesn't accept or realise this to be the case. Due to missing out on a lot in my childhood I feel like a kid trapped in an adults body sometimes. I've found spaces where I can be a kid again. I was told by my so called father "you have an IQ of 5" when I asked him what it was, I've spent since then having to prove to others and myself that I'm "not stupid". My gran was a teacher and was a tremendous support towards me up until 2012 when she became ill with dementia. My signature displays all the extras to my autism/aspergers that I have to manage on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. My concept of time is very severe as well, when I'm sleeping well and have no had gluten, dairy, benzoates or a panic attack within the past few days I function well. But as my sleep is a problem at the moment I am struggling. The fact you taught yourself to play the piano is an amazing achievement. Do foundation degrees in music require a grade C in maths? Can 'skill' (the bureau of disabled students) help you find a course more suited to your needs? I kept having breakdowns so it took me until my late 30s to get my masters degree. This is partly because I've gone off all gluten, dairy, benzoates (anything ending in the word 'benzoate'), pineapple (due to eds/hms), low aspartame, low msg. I don't know how I have managed to keep going but I've found a way to get through life somehow. I am still fighting the NHS for better services for me, I'm still campaigning on and off for better services for people similar to me. For me I have playmobil figures, star trek, stamp collecting, quiz shows, maps, embroidery and a few others as my hobbies. Gotta go as my volunteer work is on soon and I don't want to be late (again).

Hello and welcome, Introduction posts can take on many forms, we've had members ask for help on various issues some autism related others not. Parents are here, as are a few professionals. Feel free to ask your questions, express your confusion and frustration (preferably not aimed at anyone in particular on here but about a situation). I'm Northern as well, half Scottish and half liverpudlian (or half Irish depending on the day )

I'm a few years younger than yourself. My niece is 5 and has a terminal illness. I think about her on a daily basis even though I can't see her as often as I would prefer. This causes really extreme anxiety. Are you in contact with any cancer charities? I know the national autistic society has a section on bereavement etc but that's aimed at people who know someone is dying or has died. http://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/bereavement.aspx Do you have family and friends to support you? Hope you find this forum supportive and helpful in reducing your meltdowns etc. I find the 'Stickman communications' cards to be invaluable in explaining to people what I'm feeling and thinking and my needs at the time.

Admin note: as this has approval from the University ethics committee this research has approval to be advertised on here.

The problem is even a diagnostician cannot be sure. Wait and see if she changes her mind about talking to you. Then start talking about it gently.... "have you heard of autism", "do you feel more at home when on holiday abroad", "do you find animals easier to understand than people". Keep us up to date and hopefully we can talk you through how to help her. Look up female traits of aspergers and leave it lying round in her area.

Hello and welcome. I also struggle giving emotional support to others. It helps if you can say things like "you seem upset" or "I can see you're unhappy" or asking what the matter is and offering her a cuppa tea when she's tired, stressed, just woken up or just because you care about her.

Hello and welcome Im not sure where you have read about aspergers folk being self obsessed and unable to laugh at oneself... That is inaccurate information. (will add more information later) Many Asperger folk are in caring roles look at Chris packham for example he cares for animal wildlife. I personally run a support organisation for asperger folk. Last night I offered to give a friend of mine a lift in my car as he's hurt his knee. There's an expression "when you've met one person with aspergers you've met one person with aspergers". As the how to support her that's a difficult one, very fine line between showing concern and potentially going into stalking behaviour. If you have her address or email address you could anonymously send her information about aspergers. Then see if you find out through mutual friends whether she's done anything with the information. You can find a way to 'open the door' it's up to her whether she goes through it.

Update, the filton group is now a month old, meets once a month on a wednesday and has about 8-13 members each time. Message me to find out more.

Hello and welcome to the forum. If you message me with a Web link I can delete or edit your post for you.

You might want to try the autscape conference at the end of August? http://www.autscape.org/2018/registration/fees

http://www.autscape.org/2018/registration/fees

AUTSCAPE 2018: EXPLORING INCLUSIONTuesday 28 August – Friday 31 August 2018Tonbridge, Kent, UKhttp://www.autscape.org/Please distribute widely. Forward this text or send the link:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/cfpC A L L F O R P R O P O S A L SWe are now accepting proposals for all types of presentations forAutscape 2018.PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY 16 APRIL 2018.Please use the proposal submission form if at all possible. If you havedifficulty using the form, please e-mail programme@autscape.org. Emailsubmissions are not accepted unless exceptional access requirements apply.The form and all the information below can be found on the Autscape website:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/___ Contents ___* About Autscape* Theme* What we are looking for* Examples* What do we expect from you?* What can you expect from us?* How to submit your proposal___ About Autscape ___Autscape is an autistic conference. It is run by and for autisticpeople. The environment and content of the event are centred aroundautistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities.___ Theme ___The theme for this year's Autscape is 'Exploring Inclusion'.This is a broad theme that encompasses exploration of autism andinclusion from within every possible context. We invite proposers tointerpret the theme freely and creatively.Possible example topics include (but are *not* limited to):- exploring the inclusion of autistics within various social environments (schools and universities, workplaces, leisure, sports and hobbies clubs, religious establishments, etc.);- exploring how the autistic community can better accommodate autistics who have additional conditions/disabilities;- applying the concept of autistic space to various additional social environments, in order to allow better inclusion of autistics in those environments;- developing the concept of autistic space to allow better inclusion of various types of autistics within the autistic community;- exploring how the autistic community could better accommodate autistics who belong to additional minority groups.Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority;however, any suitable topic, even if it is not directly related toautism, will be considered.___ What we are looking for ___We are looking for quality proposals by qualified presenters, but'qualifications' don't have to be formal.We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic, boththeoretical and practical. Many different types of input are welcome:traditional lectures, creative expression, physical activity,interactive workshops and more.Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to Autscape arehighly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred aroundlanguage. Therefore, we are also seeking workshops which are notprimarily focused on the spoken word.Selected proposals are likely to have these features:- The topic is relevant to Autscape. Although non-autistic people are welcome to attend, the vast majority of participants are autistic and the programme is for us, not about us. All presentations must be positive in their support for autistic people and our right to be autistic. There should be something about each presentation that makes it something you would find at Autscape, in autistic space, and not just anywhere.- The presenter is qualified. This does not mean you need to have a long list of academic qualifications. It does mean that you should know what you are talking about and be able to demonstrate some expertise in it. Experience of presenting or teaching your activity is an asset. There should be a reason that we want you, not just anyone, to present about it.- The presentation is structured, informative and relevant. It keeps the participants engaged. There is evidence that the presenter has taken care to prepare this topic for this audience. It is worth the participants paying their often very limited money for.The sort of thing that may be selected:- Lectures and workshops in the traditional style about topics that are of interest to autistic people and preferably fit with the theme.- Physical activities such as yoga, martial arts, or other movement or exercise which have been specifically adapted for autistic participants.- Creative activities such as art, music or drama presented in a way that is relevant to, and adapted for, autistic participants.- Practical activities that can help autistic people live better, for example, coping with sensory issues or using communication aids.The sort of thing that is unlikely to be selected:- Lectures about one's personal experience of being (growing up) autistic. We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully how it can help attendees find new understanding of their own situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will gain from your presentation.- Discussions on a topic of interest where the participants provide most of the material. These are an important part of Autscape, but don't require the sort of expertise and preparation we expect for presentations.- Workshops about curing or preventing autism, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint.- Undeveloped ideas or topics. If you haven't had time to thoroughly think through your proposal, it may be better to wait until next year. If you are sure of what you want to present, but are having difficulty describing it in words, we may be able to help.Note: if your proposal is not selected for the main Autscape programme,you may still offer it as a participant-led activity. There will be anopportunity to submit these in advance so they can be timetabled, butyou may also book them at Autscape itself.___ Examples ___For examples of what has been presented as part of the Autscape mainprogramme in the past, see the presentations from previous years at:http://www.autscape.org/2017/programme/presentations___ What do we expect from you? ___Reliability: you need to be able to assure us that except for unforeseencircumstances you will be there to present as agreed.Presentation materials: please send copies of any handouts and computerpresentations (for example, PowerPoint) by the date requested (to beconfirmed, about two weeks before Autscape). These will be madeavailable for download and printing by Autscape participants. Inaddition we can print a limited number of pages for handouts. You retainthe copyright to your material.Your details and presentation summary: the summary and bio you submitwith your proposal will be published on our website. You may correct,modify or update them once after your proposal is accepted (except forany errors that are our fault).Permission to record: as a reasonable adjustment for people withprocessing difficulties, some audience members will audio record yourpresentation for personal use. This is *not* optional. We may also seekyour permission to video or otherwise record your presentation. Theserecordings may be made available to others by Autscape. This *is*optional. Denying permission will not prejudice decision makers againstyour presentation, and permission can be withdrawn at any time prior todistribution. If you have any questions, please let us know so we candiscuss it.___ What can you expect from us? ___Accommodation: you will receive one day's attendance at Autscape free ofcharge. Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of theirpresentation including the night before or after. Only one such placecan be offered for each presentation, regardless of the number ofpresenters. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event,including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.Audience: a rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number ofautistic people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedbackfrom the people who matter most in the field of autism.Respect and consideration: we will do our best to meet any special needsor requirements you may have, as long as you communicate them to us withsufficient notice.___ How to submit your proposal ___To submit your proposal, please use the form here:http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalformIf you have difficulty accessing or completing the form, please email:programme@autscape.orgWe do not accept submissions by email unless you have exceptionalreasons for being unable to access the form (for example, learningdifficulties or technical limitations).Due to a high level of competition in recent years, late submissionswill not normally be considered. If you think you will have any problemswith the form, the deadline, or any other aspect of submitting aproposal, please contact us *before* the deadline. Submissions by othermeans or after the deadline should not be considered accepted until orunless they have been acknowledged by the Programme Coordinator.The board will decide which presentations to accept for Autscape andwill inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by 16May 2018.Remember, ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 16 APRIL 2018.AUTSCAPE 2018: EXPLORING INCLUSIONTuesday 28 August – Friday 31 August 2018Tonbridge, Kent, UKhttp://www.autscape.org/Please distribute widely. Forward this text or send the link:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/cfpC A L L F O R P R O P O S A L SWe are now accepting proposals for all types of presentations forAutscape 2018.PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY 16 APRIL 2018.Please use the proposal submission form if at all possible. If you havedifficulty using the form, please e-mail programme@autscape.org. Emailsubmissions are not accepted unless exceptional access requirements apply.The form and all the information below can be found on the Autscape website:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/___ Contents ___* About Autscape* Theme* What we are looking for* Examples* What do we expect from you?* What can you expect from us?* How to submit your proposal___ About Autscape ___Autscape is an autistic conference. It is run by and for autisticpeople. The environment and content of the event are centred aroundautistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities.___ Theme ___The theme for this year's Autscape is 'Exploring Inclusion'.This is a broad theme that encompasses exploration of autism andinclusion from within every possible context. We invite proposers tointerpret the theme freely and creatively.Possible example topics include (but are *not* limited to):- exploring the inclusion of autistics within various social environments (schools and universities, workplaces, leisure, sports and hobbies clubs, religious establishments, etc.);- exploring how the autistic community can better accommodate autistics who have additional conditions/disabilities;- applying the concept of autistic space to various additional social environments, in order to allow better inclusion of autistics in those environments;- developing the concept of autistic space to allow better inclusion of various types of autistics within the autistic community;- exploring how the autistic community could better accommodate autistics who belong to additional minority groups.Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority;however, any suitable topic, even if it is not directly related toautism, will be considered.___ What we are looking for ___We are looking for quality proposals by qualified presenters, but'qualifications' don't have to be formal.We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic, boththeoretical and practical. Many different types of input are welcome:traditional lectures, creative expression, physical activity,interactive workshops and more.Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to Autscape arehighly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred aroundlanguage. Therefore, we are also seeking workshops which are notprimarily focused on the spoken word.Selected proposals are likely to have these features:- The topic is relevant to Autscape. Although non-autistic people are welcome to attend, the vast majority of participants are autistic and the programme is for us, not about us. All presentations must be positive in their support for autistic people and our right to be autistic. There should be something about each presentation that makes it something you would find at Autscape, in autistic space, and not just anywhere.- The presenter is qualified. This does not mean you need to have a long list of academic qualifications. It does mean that you should know what you are talking about and be able to demonstrate some expertise in it. Experience of presenting or teaching your activity is an asset. There should be a reason that we want you, not just anyone, to present about it.- The presentation is structured, informative and relevant. It keeps the participants engaged. There is evidence that the presenter has taken care to prepare this topic for this audience. It is worth the participants paying their often very limited money for.The sort of thing that may be selected:- Lectures and workshops in the traditional style about topics that are of interest to autistic people and preferably fit with the theme.- Physical activities such as yoga, martial arts, or other movement or exercise which have been specifically adapted for autistic participants.- Creative activities such as art, music or drama presented in a way that is relevant to, and adapted for, autistic participants.- Practical activities that can help autistic people live better, for example, coping with sensory issues or using communication aids.The sort of thing that is unlikely to be selected:- Lectures about one's personal experience of being (growing up) autistic. We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully how it can help attendees find new understanding of their own situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will gain from your presentation.- Discussions on a topic of interest where the participants provide most of the material. These are an important part of Autscape, but don't require the sort of expertise and preparation we expect for presentations.- Workshops about curing or preventing autism, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint.- Undeveloped ideas or topics. If you haven't had time to thoroughly think through your proposal, it may be better to wait until next year. If you are sure of what you want to present, but are having difficulty describing it in words, we may be able to help.Note: if your proposal is not selected for the main Autscape programme,you may still offer it as a participant-led activity. There will be anopportunity to submit these in advance so they can be timetabled, butyou may also book them at Autscape itself.___ Examples ___For examples of what has been presented as part of the Autscape mainprogramme in the past, see the presentations from previous years at:http://www.autscape.org/2017/programme/presentations___ What do we expect from you? ___Reliability: you need to be able to assure us that except for unforeseencircumstances you will be there to present as agreed.Presentation materials: please send copies of any handouts and computerpresentations (for example, PowerPoint) by the date requested (to beconfirmed, about two weeks before Autscape). These will be madeavailable for download and printing by Autscape participants. Inaddition we can print a limited number of pages for handouts. You retainthe copyright to your material.Your details and presentation summary: the summary and bio you submitwith your proposal will be published on our website. You may correct,modify or update them once after your proposal is accepted (except forany errors that are our fault).Permission to record: as a reasonable adjustment for people withprocessing difficulties, some audience members will audio record yourpresentation for personal use. This is *not* optional. We may also seekyour permission to video or otherwise record your presentation. Theserecordings may be made available to others by Autscape. This *is*optional. Denying permission will not prejudice decision makers againstyour presentation, and permission can be withdrawn at any time prior todistribution. If you have any questions, please let us know so we candiscuss it.___ What can you expect from us? ___Accommodation: you will receive one day's attendance at Autscape free ofcharge. Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of theirpresentation including the night before or after. Only one such placecan be offered for each presentation, regardless of the number ofpresenters. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event,including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.Audience: a rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number ofautistic people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedbackfrom the people who matter most in the field of autism.Respect and consideration: we will do our best to meet any special needsor requirements you may have, as long as you communicate them to us withsufficient notice.___ How to submit your proposal ___To submit your proposal, please use the form here:http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalformIf you have difficulty accessing or completing the form, please email:programme@autscape.orgWe do not accept submissions by email unless you have exceptionalreasons for being unable to access the form (for example, learningdifficulties or technical limitations).Due to a high level of competition in recent years, late submissionswill not normally be considered. If you think you will have any problemswith the form, the deadline, or any other aspect of submitting aproposal, please contact us *before* the deadline. Submissions by othermeans or after the deadline should not be considered accepted until orunless they have been acknowledged by the Programme Coordinator.The board will decide which presentations to accept for Autscape andwill inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by 16May 2018.Remember, ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 16 APRIL 2018.

Nope i dont know what you mean at all. Actually i have said this once, so i dont 'keep saying'. If you dont like facebook, dont use it since it's not essential to everyday life. Find a different way of communicating on social media, twitter for example.

Hello Have you considered pursuing an alternative diagnosis for 'sensory integration disorder' or 'sensory processing disorder' since those are the symptoms that stand out both at school and at home?

I've created this thread to make it easier to advertise autscape every year. Below are details for this years conference. AUTSCAPE 2018: EXPLORING INCLUSIONTuesday 28 August – Friday 31 August 2018Tonbridge, Kent, UKhttp://www.autscape.org/Please distribute widely. Forward this text or send the link:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/cfpC A L L F O R P R O P O S A L SWe are now accepting proposals for all types of presentations forAutscape 2018.PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL BY 16 APRIL 2018.Please use the proposal submission form if at all possible. If you havedifficulty using the form, please e-mail programme@autscape.org. Emailsubmissions are not accepted unless exceptional access requirements apply.The form and all the information below can be found on the Autscape website:http://www.autscape.org/2018/proposals/___ Contents ___* About Autscape* Theme* What we are looking for* Examples* What do we expect from you?* What can you expect from us?* How to submit your proposal___ About Autscape ___Autscape is an autistic conference. It is run by and for autisticpeople. The environment and content of the event are centred aroundautistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities.___ Theme ___The theme for this year's Autscape is 'Exploring Inclusion'.This is a broad theme that encompasses exploration of autism andinclusion from within every possible context. We invite proposers tointerpret the theme freely and creatively.Possible example topics include (but are *not* limited to):- exploring the inclusion of autistics within various social environments (schools and universities, workplaces, leisure, sports and hobbies clubs, religious establishments, etc.);- exploring how the autistic community can better accommodate autistics who have additional conditions/disabilities;- applying the concept of autistic space to various additional social environments, in order to allow better inclusion of autistics in those environments;- developing the concept of autistic space to allow better inclusion of various types of autistics within the autistic community;- exploring how the autistic community could better accommodate autistics who belong to additional minority groups.Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority;however, any suitable topic, even if it is not directly related toautism, will be considered.___ What we are looking for ___We are looking for quality proposals by qualified presenters, but'qualifications' don't have to be formal.We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic, boththeoretical and practical. Many different types of input are welcome:traditional lectures, creative expression, physical activity,interactive workshops and more.Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to Autscape arehighly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred aroundlanguage. Therefore, we are also seeking workshops which are notprimarily focused on the spoken word.Selected proposals are likely to have these features:- The topic is relevant to Autscape. Although non-autistic people are welcome to attend, the vast majority of participants are autistic and the programme is for us, not about us. All presentations must be positive in their support for autistic people and our right to be autistic. There should be something about each presentation that makes it something you would find at Autscape, in autistic space, and not just anywhere.- The presenter is qualified. This does not mean you need to have a long list of academic qualifications. It does mean that you should know what you are talking about and be able to demonstrate some expertise in it. Experience of presenting or teaching your activity is an asset. There should be a reason that we want you, not just anyone, to present about it.- The presentation is structured, informative and relevant. It keeps the participants engaged. There is evidence that the presenter has taken care to prepare this topic for this audience. It is worth the participants paying their often very limited money for.The sort of thing that may be selected:- Lectures and workshops in the traditional style about topics that are of interest to autistic people and preferably fit with the theme.- Physical activities such as yoga, martial arts, or other movement or exercise which have been specifically adapted for autistic participants.- Creative activities such as art, music or drama presented in a way that is relevant to, and adapted for, autistic participants.- Practical activities that can help autistic people live better, for example, coping with sensory issues or using communication aids.The sort of thing that is unlikely to be selected:- Lectures about one's personal experience of being (growing up) autistic. We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully how it can help attendees find new understanding of their own situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will gain from your presentation.- Discussions on a topic of interest where the participants provide most of the material. These are an important part of Autscape, but don't require the sort of expertise and preparation we expect for presentations.- Workshops about curing or preventing autism, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint.- Undeveloped ideas or topics. If you haven't had time to thoroughly think through your proposal, it may be better to wait until next year. If you are sure of what you want to present, but are having difficulty describing it in words, we may be able to help.Note: if your proposal is not selected for the main Autscape programme,you may still offer it as a participant-led activity. There will be anopportunity to submit these in advance so they can be timetabled, butyou may also book them at Autscape itself.___ Examples ___For examples of what has been presented as part of the Autscape mainprogramme in the past, see the presentations from previous years at:http://www.autscape.org/2017/programme/presentations___ What do we expect from you? ___Reliability: you need to be able to assure us that except for unforeseencircumstances you will be there to present as agreed.Presentation materials: please send copies of any handouts and computerpresentations (for example, PowerPoint) by the date requested (to beconfirmed, about two weeks before Autscape). These will be madeavailable for download and printing by Autscape participants. Inaddition we can print a limited number of pages for handouts. You retainthe copyright to your material.Your details and presentation summary: the summary and bio you submitwith your proposal will be published on our website. You may correct,modify or update them once after your proposal is accepted (except forany errors that are our fault).Permission to record: as a reasonable adjustment for people withprocessing difficulties, some audience members will audio record yourpresentation for personal use. This is *not* optional. We may also seekyour permission to video or otherwise record your presentation. Theserecordings may be made available to others by Autscape. This *is*optional. Denying permission will not prejudice decision makers againstyour presentation, and permission can be withdrawn at any time prior todistribution. If you have any questions, please let us know so we candiscuss it.___ What can you expect from us? ___Accommodation: you will receive one day's attendance at Autscape free ofcharge. Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of theirpresentation including the night before or after. Only one such placecan be offered for each presentation, regardless of the number ofpresenters. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event,including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.Audience: a rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number ofautistic people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedbackfrom the people who matter most in the field of autism.Respect and consideration: we will do our best to meet any special needsor requirements you may have, as long as you communicate them to us withsufficient notice.___ How to submit your proposal ___To submit your proposal, please use the form here:http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalformIf you have difficulty accessing or completing the form, please email:programme@autscape.orgWe do not accept submissions by email unless you have exceptionalreasons for being unable to access the form (for example, learningdifficulties or technical limitations).Due to a high level of competition in recent years, late submissionswill not normally be considered. If you think you will have any problemswith the form, the deadline, or any other aspect of submitting aproposal, please contact us *before* the deadline. Submissions by othermeans or after the deadline should not be considered accepted until orunless they have been acknowledged by the Programme Coordinator.The board will decide which presentations to accept for Autscape andwill inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by 16May 2018.Remember, ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 16 APRIL 2018.