Autism conferences in the US

Post Reply New Topic

One of my more unusual New Year's goals

Last year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), who hosted with the International Union of Railways (UIC) the Eighth Congress on High-Speed Rail in Philadelphia. (During the congress, I commuted every day from New Jersey, where I was staying at the time, and took Acela on three of those days). It's a memory I will always cherish. I met some of the biggest names in passenger rail at the congress. I like these events as they're great for networking.

I know I want to go to the ASPEN conference. Last year, I wanted to go but didn't. This year should be different as now I have a job to pay for it.

This year, I want to go to at least two conferences, if not more, but I want to go to the biggest of the preferably. The ASPEN one I'm going to try to go above the all. Gives me a chance to ride NJ Transit.

So what are the big ones? And the best for networking? It's something I enjoy doing.

In our United States, I really want to see some autism self-advocay groups develop along the civil rights model.

There really arn't any. As far as the neurodiversity movement goes, ANI has Autreat, but it's location is not final yet. ASAN might have something which might be what you're looking for.

I've asked around about Aspie gatherings, but outside of a few social groups, there really is'nt anything. I'd like to work on fixing that, but I really hav'nt found anything that would work well there.

I was thinking something much broader, not just so much geared for us on the spectrum, but for all. Something scientific-y if need be. I don't have a deep-seated hatred for medical professionals, Autism Speaks (I do disagree with them on many things, but I don't hate them) and other groups. Anything to get my name out there.

I found the ASPEN one, the Autism Society's 44th Annual Conference (which I could do because it wouldn't involve me driving to the West Coast), the NAA. God, I wish I had the name power, for I'd make an autism conference that all could enjoy.