About Autcon
Why AutCon?
If you're affiliated with autism in any way, you know that resources for autism are scarce, especially in adulthood. “Children” with autism spend the majority of their lives as adults with autism, yet many of us experience isolation, and mental health challenges, and struggle to get the support we need to live independently. That’s why we created AutCon™.
AutCon is a convention for and by adults on the autism spectrum. Society is not built for neurodivergent minds, so our goal was to create an "autistic space" where autistic culture can be celebrated, where we can be our authentic selves, and where we can make friends and access information in ways that are conducive to our patterns of cognition and socialization.
Our Goals
Promote self-advocacy
Highlight services and resources available in the community
Elevate autistic voices
Provide autistic mentorship
Support both professional and personal networking
Share knowledge, lived experiences, and success strategies with our autistic peers (#CommunitySupportingCommunity)
Provide employment opportunities with companies looking to hire autistic minds
Support research that helps us live better lives now.
Work together to advocate for a world that supports neurological diversity.
What’s In It For Me?
A Word From the AutCon Organizers
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“I first suspected I was autistic when I was 16 after seeing a character on TV who was explicitly labelled as "Asperger's" and who shared a lot of the same traits as I did. I brought it up with a a few people, and I was told there was no way. I was too good with words, and way too social to be anywhere on the spectrum. I still felt a connection to the spectrum, but I dropped it. Two years later I got my diagnosis. I did then what I always do; I went to the Internet to research. As I researched I found that the best information for me did not come from "experts" who had gone through years of schooling and performing clinical research. No. It came from other people that had lived with the same traits and challenges I had for their entire lives. It came from other autistic people. That's what AutCon is. It's people on the spectrum talking to other people on the spectrum. It's sharing coping methods, and work-arounds, and ways of using our strengths to overcome our weaknesses. Since my diagnosis I have immersed myself in real life situations with other people like me. 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 I hope we can help others feel with AutCon. I hope we can make it feel a little bit like you are coming home.
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Why should I come to AutCon? That is a great question. We fully realize that the idea of going to a convention of any kind can be an unknown and overwhelming thought for some of us on the Spectrum. (Of course, there are those of us who absolutely love conventions too--otherwise ComicCon and all the others wouldn't even exist!) We're doing everything we can to make sure that the environment at AutCon is accommodating and autism-friendly in every way possible, and that the speakers, panels, and other opportunities will be fun, low-stress, meaningful, valuable, and powerful. That having been said, we're learning as we go. As far as we know, this is the first convention in the history of the world put on BY individuals with autism FOR individuals with Autism. We think that there is inherent value in this. The people who choose to come will be the trailblazers who will shape the future of the autism movement in Utah and beyond. Look over the topics, think about the things you've always wanted to know about being an adult on the spectrum, and imagine what it will feel like to be around a group who shares your challenges and accepts you for who you are. Come make a positive difference in your life and be a part of history!
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Ever heard the phrase "you'll get out of it what you put into it"? Well, good news... That doesn't apply here, because AutCon is putting all the hard work into it for you. It's a conference for those with autism by those with autism - and there's no better source of life advice than that. Looking for answers and guidance to help you overcome the daily struggles of being autistic? Check. AutCon has it! Hoping to find others just like you and build out your physical and emotional support group? Yup. AutCon has it! ! Honestly, all that's left is for you to show up. And whether you show up excited or suspicious, I guarantee you'll leave AutCon feeling motivated and empowered.
You Belong Here.
We know that the unknown can be terrifying at times, but trust us. This small step outside of your comfort zone can bring big rewards. Learning from and spending time with your neuro-tribe brings feelings of empowerment and belonging. You can do this! We're here to help.
