Autreat is a retreat-style conference run by Autism Network International ( http://www.ani.ac ), for autistic people and our families, friends, supporters, and interested professionals. We are accepting presentation proposals for Autreat 2012, to be held Monday-Friday, July 2-6, 2012, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (approximately 75 miles from the nearest major airport at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).
PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 1-March-2012
FOR HELP PREPARING A PROPOSAL:
If you want to submit a proposal but you have trouble reading these instructions and putting your proposal in the requested format, contact proposals2012@autreat.com (proposals2012 -at- autreat.com) for help. Please send only plain text messages, with no attachments.
WHAT KINDS OF WORKSHOPS ARE WANTED AT AUTREAT?
Autreat is very different from typical autism conferences:
Happy Five Year Anniversary ASAN! Tonight, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s celebration will take place at The National Press Club in Washington, DC from 6:30–9:00 pm.
The 1st Annual Award for Exceptional Services to the Autistic Community will be given to Kathryn Bjornstad and Autism Women's Network Director of Networking, Corina Becker. Bjornstad and Becker are the creators of Autistics Speaking Day. This award is given to those who have helped to build the Autistic community through exceptional advocacy, ingenuity or service.
Just was recently diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome after having had really tough struggles my whole life. Having a hard time finding much help or support in my area for adults (Chattanooga area) and have found no one for therapy. Complicated situation, but still looking. I blog about all of my autism stuff at www.whomeautistic.com, and you can read my little story there. I look forward to getting to know other women who face some of the same struggles as myself - and perhaps getting involved to help raise awareness so that others do not have to keep struggling in the dark.
Some of the writing could use some tweaking, but I published first drafts for a reason. I wanted readers to get an idea of how an Aspie mind processes thoughts and expresses them spontaneously, before the editing begins--or at least how my Aspie mind does so.
I've been away for some time because of computer problems. I've missed this group and this forum--it's such a safe, supportive place. Not every place out there is. It's great to be back, and I hope to be participating more often now. Stay strong, everyone!
The internet was a blessing for me - I can communicate freely online. I don't have to look anyone in the eye, and I'm not as shy. I always knew I was different, and now I know why.
I'm relieved, happy and sad all at the same time to finally understand.
- Asperger's (self-diagnosed) female at 45yrs old.
I would like to hear any coping strategies that those with AS/NVLD and depression have developed to succeed in school, work, and/or life. I have unremitting clinical depression. Even when I am feeling all right, like now, I can feel the depression simmering beneath the surface, waiting to jump out. If you deal with this, what coping strategies do you use to recover from a bout of clinical depression/anxiety while also dealing with NVLD/AS/Autism? I am very worried about this because I intend to pursue a PHD after grad school, which I'm in now, but both issues have put substantial roadblocks in the way of me completing work on time, both at school and at my jobs. I'm so worried that the depression will never go away and that, combined with NVLD/AS, will prevent me from obtaining and holding a job, much less one that I actually enjoy. Any thoughts?
I'm a grad student in musicology with Aspbergers/Nonverbal Learning Disorder. I'm really glad I found AWN-it looks like it has some great resources for those of us on the autism spectrum! Checking in tonight because I've been wanting to for awhile and also because I'm feel pretty frustrated over the fact that apparently, my apartment is infested with fleas. FLEAS. GROSS!!! I hope it's just my cat and not the apartment, but I found on ON MY BED. Sick. So, I've been up all night cleaning. I hope to get it clean by morning and at least FEEL clean.
Utah's Autistic Students Thrive at Google Software Camp
When 11-year-old Christopher Charles designed his super zoo last week, the dinosaurs, dragons and gigantic bugs came to life with computer software that may one day help him find a job.
Thanks to free Google software called SketchUp, Christopher, who is autistic, created a three-dimensional zoo with the same tools used by architects, video game and theme park designers. He put himself in a cage, but reassured his parents the dinosaurs were herbivores.
Now in its second year, iStar, a University of Utah program for high-functioning autistic kids, is unique in the nation. The software provides an outlet for their creativity and builds confidence, family members say. With sessions throughout the year, the camp creates a community of kid designers and new friends.
Happy Five Year Anniversary ASAN! Tonight, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s 
When 11-year-old Christopher Charles designed his super zoo last week, the dinosaurs, dragons and gigantic bugs came to life with computer software that may one day help him find a job.
