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Autscape 2026: “Autism and neurodiversity in society”
Mon 17 – Thu 20 Aug 2026
High Leigh, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
We are now accepting proposals for presentations for Autscape 2026. Presenters will be required to attend in person.
Please submit your proposal by Friday 1st May 2026.
Please use the proposal submission form if possible. If you have difficulty using the form, please email programme@autscape.org. Email submissions will not be accepted unless exceptional access requirements apply.
About Autscape
Autscape is an autistic conference. It is run by and for autistic people. The environment and content of the event are centred around autistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities.
Theme
The theme for this year's Autscape is “Autism and neurodiversity in society”.
This Autscape, we would like to explore the idea of neurodiversity and reevaluate how it should be put into practice.
Neurodiversity is the idea that neurodivergence (neurological difference or disability) is not all bad: in many ways it can be neutral or even quite valuable. It is also the notion that the inclusion of people with neurological differences is necessary for a well-functioning society, just as biological diversity is necessary for the health of ecosystems. In the neurodiversity paradigm, autism is not only about disability and support needs, but is also a meaningful way of experiencing and relating to the world.
This theme explores how autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people live in society, shape society, and are shaped by society. This year, we invite discussion on inclusion, accessibility, culture, and power, and we would like to highlight the contributions, perspectives, and community practices that emerge from neurodivergent experience.
Also covered under this theme are the tensions resulting from the recent pushback against the growing inclusivity of autism diagnostic practice and that of other kinds of neurodivergence. The legitimacy of our lived realities as autistic people is particularly being called into question.
Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority; however, any suitable topic, even if it is not directly related to autism, will be considered.
What we are looking for
We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic, both theoretical and practical. Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to Autscape are highly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred around language. Therefore, we are also seeking workshops which are not primarily focused on the spoken word.
The sort of proposal 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.
- 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.
Selected proposals are likely to have these features:
- The topic is relevant to Autscape. Although non-autistic people are welcome, 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.
- The presenter is qualified. This does not mean you need to have ‘formal’ 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.
- The presentation is structured, informative and relevant. It keeps the participants engaged.
- It is worth the participants paying for.
The sort of thing that is unlikely to be selected:
- Lectures about one's personal experience of being (growing up) autistic.
- Discussions on a topic of interest where the participants provide most of the material.
- Workshops about curing or preventing autism, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint.
Note: There will also be an opportunity for participant-led activities that are not subject to this proposals procedure. These can include discussions or anything else you want (within reason), including anything appropriate that didn't make it into the main programme. You will be able to submit these nearer the time of the event.
Examples
For examples of what has been presented as part of the Autscape main programme in the past, see the presentations from previous years.
What do we expect from you?
Reliability: you need to be able to assure us that, except for unforeseen circumstances, you will be there in person to present as agreed. We will ask you what day and time you would prefer your presentation to be scheduled for, but we can't always accommodate everyone's preferences, so please make sure you're available to present at any time during Autscape.
Presentation materials: if you would like us to distribute a printed handout for your presentation in the conference folders (max 4 pages in A4; no presentation slides), please send it to us by Friday 17th July 2026. If you would like to make slides or handouts available for download alongside your presentation, please send these by Monday 10th August 2026. Please send all materials in PDF if at all possible.
Your details and presentation summary: the summary and bio you submit with your proposal will be published on our website. You may correct, modify or update them once after your proposal is accepted (except for any errors that are our fault). A photograph to accompany your bio will be requested for proposals that have been accepted.
Permission to record/live-stream: We would like your permission to record and/or live-stream your presentation. These recordings may be made available to others by Autscape. This is optional. Denying permission will not prejudice decision-makers against your presentation, and permission can be withdrawn at any time prior to distribution. If you have any questions, please let us know so we can discuss it.
What can you expect from us?
Audience: a rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number of autistic people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedback from the people who matter most in the field of autism.
Respect and consideration: we will do our best to meet any special needs or requirements you may have, as long as you communicate them to us with sufficient notice.
A discounted ticket: if your presentation is accepted, we will give you a discount worth approximately one third of the standard adult fee.
Note: Only one discounted ticket will be available per presentation, regardless of how many presenters are taking part.
How to submit your proposal
To submit your proposal, please use this form.
If you have difficulty accessing or completing the form, please email: programme@autscape.org
We do not accept submissions by email unless you have exceptional reasons for being unable to access the form (for example, learning difficulties or technical limitations).
Due to a high level of competition in recent years, late submissions will not normally be considered.
If you think you will have any problems with the form, the deadline, or any other aspect of submitting a proposal, please contact us before the deadline. Submissions by other means or after the deadline should not be considered accepted until or unless they have been acknowledged by the Programme Manager.
The board will decide which presentations to accept for Autscape and will inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by Monday 25th May 2026.
Remember, all proposals must be received by Friday 1st May 2026.