This section of the site contains a complete overview of the Autscape 2017 programme. The following information is available:
- A description of the theme for Autscape 2017, which is: Autism in context.
- An overview timetable (PDF).
- The full timetable (PDF), including presentations, discussions, participant-led sessions and leisure activities.
- Descriptions of the presentations and short biographies of the presenters in the formal programme.
- The complete main programme overview (PDF).
- The informal activities overview (PDF).
On this page
Errata
The main programme overview indicated 21:00 as the time for Sparklies in the Dark. This should be 20:30. This has been corrected online but the error is on the printed copies.
Challenges
We understand how important it is, especially for autistic people, to know what to expect before doing something new. An important part of understanding the programme of activities, is understanding some of the challenges and benefits of attending.
Everything at Autscape is completely optional. You are not obliged to attend anything, communicate with anyone (unless you are a parent or carer), or participate in any way. If you are interested in doing things, there is plenty going on throughout the day, serious, fun, structured and unstructured.
Broad Outline
Each of the main days (Wednesday and Thursday) follow a similar pattern in the morning: two formal presentations, then a half hour break followed by concurrent discussions of the presentations. The afternoon until 4pm is dedicated to hands-on workshops and leisure activities. Between 4:30pm and the evening meal there are some more presentations, with corresponding discussion sessions at 8pm.
Evening activities will include entertainment, informal discussions, 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 or in the sensory room, 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.