Invitation to Autscape 2011 :-)

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Autscape 2011: Owning Autism

The registration for Autscape 2011 is now open.
Places tend to fill up quickly.
Register early to secure your place at this year's Autscape!

For information about registration options, fees, supplements and discounts, and links to the online registration form, please go to:
www.autscape.org/registration

What is Autscape?
Autscape is a three day residential conference in the UK, organised by and for autistics.
There are workshops, leisure activities, social opportunities, and more, all specifically oriented to the needs and preferences of autistics.

Autscape welcomes participants from across the spectrum, including self-diagnosed ones, and is also sympathetic to non-autistics.
By the very nature of the event, we are primarily oriented to autistics' needs and interests, but there is much to be learned and enjoyed for open minded non-autistics.

Participants of all ages are welcome to attend, but children and young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Childcare is provided for children up to 16 during daytime workshop hours at a ratio of 1 childcare worker to 6 children.

People who need a full time carer, who don't use speech, or who may otherwise consider themselves 'too severe' are specifically encouraged to attend.
No matter where on or off the spectrum you find yourself, there is no need to be afraid that you won't fit in!
Diversity enriches the experience for everyone!

For more information, please visit:
www.autscape.org

[img][800:1169]http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm301/KenGIsr/AutreatAutscapeEtc/AutscapePoster2011intl.jpg[/img]

Autscape 2011 has a new page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226142030731501

Theme

The theme for Autscape 2011 is: Owning Autism

Theme Description

Autism Spectrum Conditions (including Aspergers Syndrome) can be officially diagnosed by clinicians. They are examined, thought about, and commented on by academic researchers, journalists and parents. These people contribute to defining what autism means in society. However, autism is experienced from the inside by autistic people.

We want to examine who currently "owns" autism and how ownership is expressed. We invite consideration of the ways autistic people own our condition.

Broad Outline

Each of the main days (Tuesday and Wednesday) follow a similar pattern, morning and afternoon. Two presentations, then a half hour break followed by concurrent discussions of the presentations.

The afternoon sessions, however, will not commence until 15.00. This allows for a leisurely lunch/rest period 12.30-14.00 and opportunities for leisure activities 14.00-15.00.

Evening activities will include entertainment, informal discussions, DVDs, and a chance to relax and chat.

Anytime

There are always opportunities to go for walks, explore the surrounding area, spend time relaxing in the grounds, socialise or play board games.

Autscape fees also include meals and plenty of coffee and tea.

Presentation Types

Lectures

Lectures are scheduled one at a time so anyone can attend without having to choose. They are generally more of the presenter speaking and less interactive than workshops, but each lecture should have an opportunity to ask questions. Don't let the word "lecture" put you off, it's only an explanation of the presentation style, not an indication that it will be long and boring.

Workshops

Workshops are usually more interactive than lectures. They are also usually done in smaller groups. Autscape workshops may be scheduled at the same time as some other activities, so some choices will have to be made. As well as allowing us to have a more varied programme and fewer people in each group, this stimulates discussion outside of the sessions as participants share what they learnt in the sessions they attended.

Structured Discussions

Throughout the conference there will be a number of unstructured and structured discussions. Some of these, including those following main presentations, may be scheduled at the same time as other discussions or activities, so choices may have to be made. Structured discussions have a facilitator who has some information to share on the topic and will help participants each have their say.

Autscape has a new online shop on Zazzle:
http://www.zazzle.co.uk/autscape