Concept and Philosophy of Autscape

This page is about how and why Autscape was created, who it is made for, who is behind it, and what we hope to achieve.

General Information

What is Autscape?

Autscape is a conference created primarily for autistic participants. It is also organised and run by autistic people. Autscape 2008 will be our fourth event, and we hope to make it as successful as our previous events. Autscape is a retreat from the demands of mainstream society and an escape to autistic-friendly space for a few days. This conference will perform many functions as a retreat, an educational conference, a social gathering, and an opportunity for advocacy and networking.

How does Autscape differ from the usual autism conferences?

Autscape really turns the tables on the usual autism conferences! Autistic people are the majority of organisers, presenters, and participants. The environment, schedule, social structure, behaviour expectations, and presentation topics are all designed to encourage full participatoin of autistic people. The presentations are targeted specifically for autistic people, autistic behaviour and communication styles will be the norm, and autistic needs are taken into account in every aspect of planning. (n.b. This does not mean that the environment at Autscape will be perfect for any, let alone every, autistic person there. That would be impossible.)

Who can come to Autscape?

• All varieties of autistic people from all parts of the spectrum, whether diagnosed or not. Don't worry about being 'more different' from other participants; diversity enriches the experience for everyone.
• Non-autistic people, be they family members, professionals, friends, relatives, or interested others, are very welcome. All we ask is tolerance, respect for 'autistic space' and an open mind.
• Participants may also bring their children and childcare during conference hours will be included in the cost of children's registration. Teenagers are also welcome. They have the option of joining the children's programme or attending workshops with other participants.
• Autscape takes place in the UK, but participants from elsewhere, especially people living in Europe, are encouraged to attend.

When is the next Autscape?

The programme will run from the afternoon on Tuesday, 29 July, to after lunch on Friday, 1 August 2008. The reason it is 3 days is to give enough time for autistic people to adjust and still have time to gain from the experience without spending the whole time coming, going, or orienting.

Philosophy and History

Why was Autscape started?

Autscape was started out of the desire for an event similar to Autreat, but more accessible to people living in Europe.

What are the aims of Autscape?

The aims of Autscape are to:

• Serve as a haven created by autistic people. An autistic space.
• Provide a venue where the majority of speakers will be autistic.
• Create possibilities within the conference for autistic people to communicate and socialise with other autistic people on their own terms.
• Educate and inform on issues arising from within the autistic community.
• Advocacy and self-advocacy.
• Promote acceptance of autistic people in their own environments.
• Enhance the lives of autistic people through empowerment, advocacy, and a nice relaxing time.

We hope to encourage self reliance and foster self respect among our attendees.

Are NTs (non-autistics) in charge of Autscape?

Unlike some other conferences which claim to be "by and for" autistic people, Autscape is not being put on by an NT dominated charity for our benefit. It will not be dominated by presenters who talk about us and our issues, but fail to address us as intelligent and capable individuals. The majority of organisers are also autistic. Autscape is truly organised and run by autistic people.