Autism Europe

EASPD conference on family-centred Early Childhood Intervention: How to make it work
2023-06-08 08:00 - 2023-06-09 16:00 (Europe/Paris) | Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, Sheshi Skënderbej 8, Tirana, 1001, Albania
Hosted in Tirana (Albania) on 8th – 9th June 2023, this conference will focus on how to build policies and practices in the field of support for children with disabilities, or with developmental difficulties, and their families. The conference will address the key elements of family-centred Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) practices and the creation of national ECI systems. It will also share the result of the EASPD and UNICEF joint action on emergency early childhood development for those who have been impacted by the war in Ukraine.
In July 2022, as a response to the Ukraine war, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and EASPD launched a project that will increase the availability of trained Family Consultants who will provide Early Childhood Development parental counselling and support to children at risk of or with developmental difficulties and disabilities. The project will also support system strengthening for the provision of ECI services in host countries as well as raise awareness of the importance of early support for developing the potential for every child.
The conference objectives will include:

Raise public awareness around family-centred ECI benefits and functioning;
Highlight good practices and methodologies in the field of ECI;
Share the experience of service provision to Ukraine refugees in neighbouring countries;
Zoom in on the Balkans, highlighting specific challenges and opportunities for the region;
Discuss the creation of national ECI systems and the role of the EU in facilitating it;
Encourage greater commitment of policy makers in prioritising ECI and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) policies across Europe.

The conference is co-hosted by the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), Down Syndrome Albania Foundation, Help the Life and UNICEF.
More info on the conference programme here.
REGISTRATION OPEN HERE.

Pathways to care for autistic children, with and without associated epilepsy, across Europe.
2023-09-14 19:00 | Online- Zoom
This talk will summarise the results from an autism care pathway analysis in Europe, which was part of a Value of Treatment (VoT) project. The care pathway of autistic children (with and without epilepsy) was analysed from the perspectives of carers, the autism community and professionals to identify service disparities. These are things that prevent autistic families from receiving information, support, timely screening/diagnosis of autism and associated epilepsy, intervention/follow-up support, effective treatment of epilepsy and the underlying causes of these gaps. Lastly, the group will discuss their proposed recommendations to improve this pathway.
Speakers – Dr Andreina Mendez, and our Autism Representatives: Roderik Plas and Pierre Violland
Join AIMS-2-TRIALS for our latest public webinar, with a talk about service access for autistic children, with and without epilepsy. At the end of the presentation, you’ll have the chance to ask questions of our researcher Andreina and our Autism Representatives, Roderik and Pierre.

SAVE THE DATE: Joint Webinar with the European Platform for Rehabilitation on the employment of autistic people
2023-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Online- Zoom
Autism-Europe co-organises, together with the European Platform for Rehabilitation, a public webinar on employment.
Please find the agenda here and the registration link here.

AE member Autism Unlimited hosts event on autistic inclusion in schools
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online

AccessibleEU European Event - Smart Cities: Enhancing Urban Design and Mobility for All
2024-07-02 | Madrid, Spain
The main objective of this AccessibleEU networking event is to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility in urban design across Europe.
Target audience: Policymakers, organisations and professionals linked to urban design, urban mobility, urban planning and construction. Professional associations, societies, and organisations in charge of developing accessible infrastructures. Representatives of members of civil society. Universities and academics working in accessible urban design and mobility. Trainers of future accessibility professionals in Europe.
More information here.

Preventing institutionalisation of children: strengthening families and building community-based alternative care
2024-11-14 09:30 - 12:30
14th of November from 9.30 to 12.30
Register here

On behalf of the European Expert Group on the transition from institution to community-based living (EEG), we are pleased to invite you to our annual study session: Preventing institutionalisation of children: strengthening families and building community-based alternative care that will take place on the 14th of November from 9.30 to 12.30.
Some of the main drivers of institutionalisation of children are a lack of community-based alternative care and the absence of preventative family support, accessible education and social services in the community. Children belonging to vulnerable families and disadvantaged groups and households, such as children with disabilities and Roma children, are particularly at risk when they and their families are not adequately supported.
This year EEG study session will provide examples of effective policies and practices of building community-based alternative care, early childhood intervention and family support and prevention services through Europe:

Preventing Child – Family Separation in vulnerable families (Spain)
Family-Centred Early Childhood Intervention (Portugal)
Developing Family-based alternative care (Poland).

The EU has been promoting the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care through EU policy and funds since more than a decade. Although the EU highly encourages its Member States to focus on providing community-based alternative care, early intervention, preventative measures and family strengthening, there is little sharing of good practices or guidance available for them on what this should look like, and which measures, services and systems can contribute to this goal.
The study session will highlight how the practices relate to EU policy and funds, in particular the European Child Guarantee. It will also explore how the EU Child Guarantee supports the development of such policies and practice, and how it can be further used to prevent institutionalisation and foster the wellbeing of children and their families. Each session will conclude with a Q&A to ensure participants can ask questions and share their feedback.
Full programme here.

AUTISM FRANCE CONGRESS 2024
2024-11-16 | Lille Grand Palais, 1 Boulevard des Cités Unies,, Lille, France
The Council of Europe first condemned France for discrimination against autistic people 20 years ago. Since then, they have renewed this condemnation eight times. Today, there is a growing appreciation for autism conferences that highlight the latest knowledge and skills to support autistic individuals and their families.
The 2024 congress will focus on recognizing the specific needs of autistic people and addressing several key issues.

Diagnosis and Early Intervention
Access to Care
Inclusive Housing
Scientific Research
Legal Protections Against Ill-treatment
Right to Education
Social Participation

Empowering Inclusion Through Digital Education: The IDEAL Project's Legacy
2025-02-21 15:00 - 17:00 | European Economic and Social Committee, Belgium
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 15:00 – 17.00
Venue: European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels, Belgium
The majority of autistic learners struggle due to a lack of understanding of their individual needs and insufficient support in education. The IDEAL Project has aimed to bridge the digital divide for autistic learners and enhance access to vocational education and training (VET). Over three years, partners from Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Serbia, and the Czech Republic collaborated to develop an accessible Learning Management System (LMS) and a comprehensive digital training methodology. These tools empower autistic people – in particular those with higher support needs – their families, and educators, promoting inclusion and digital readiness.
This conference seeks to showcase the IDEAL Project’s results, facilitate discussions on the integration of digital tools in VET, as well as inform and inspire key stakeholders to advocate for inclusive digital education policies, and access to lifelong education for autistic people more generally.
Learn more about the IDEAL Project.
Register here.

Towards a common approach for autism in Europe
2025-04-23 15:00 - 17:00 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
When: 23 April 2025, 15.00 – 17.00
Where: European Parliament room JAN6Q1, Brussels
In September 2024, the European Commission President announced a commitment to work towards a ‘common approach’ to autism at the EU level as indicated in the portfolio of the European Commissioner for Health. It echoes Autism-Europe’s longstanding call for a coordinated and strategic response to address the needs of autistic people at EU, national and regional levels. The European Parliament has also expressed support, with the adoption in 2023 of a resolution to harmonise the rights of autistic people across Europe. In April 2025, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) also issued concluding observations calling for further action at the EU-level to realise the rights of autistic people.
It is, therefore, a timely opportunity to reflect on the needs of the autism community as well as take stock of major initiatives at the EU level, such as AIMS-2 Trials (the largest autism research grant awarded). AIMS-2-TRIALS is an ongoing 15-year international collaborative research programme, funded by public private partnership that brings together academic institutions, representatives of the autism community and industry partners from across Europe and beyond. The overall goal of the project is to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for autistic people by matching therapies to individual needs. The project has also surveyed the more general needs of the autism community, notably regarding access to services.
During this high-level conference, co-organised with Autism-Europe and hosted under the auspices of the Disability Intergroup, autism community representatives and researchers will share insights about the priorities and needs of autistic people across Europe. We want to initiate a dialogue between key stakeholders about necessary next strategic steps for investment in policy and research, services and infrastructure to improve the lives of autistic people across the European Union.
Please register here.
Download the full program here.

Sport and Autism from a scientific diagnosis to the Creation of a pedagogical European model | Sacree
2025-05-13 14:30 - 17:00 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
Conference hosted by Member of European Parliament Chiara Gemma
13 May 2025 from 14.30 to 17.00
European Parliament, Room A1H1, Brussels
Sports can help autistic individuals thrive at any age. The Erasmus+ Sacree project uses a person-centred model that adapts to various situations, structures, and contexts. This project aims to better include autistic people in sports and society by providing sustainable solutions for their access to physical activities tailored to their needs across Europe.
One of the key outcomes of the Sacree project has been the confirmation of the positive impact of sports on autistic people. It enhances acceptance and community inclusion by addressing discrimination, misunderstandings, and biases.
The Sacree project began in June 2022 and will conclude in June 2025. It is innovative because, prior to this project, there were few studies on sports and autism.
This conference will feature presentations by project partners, an overview of the scientific background and project results, contributions from external specialists in sports and autism, and insights from autistic individuals themselves and other key stakeholders, followed by a Q&A session.
Participants at the EP conference will learn about the development of the scientific methodology/model and concrete guidelines for autistic individuals, their networks, and the sports sector. The goal is to improve the quality of life for autistic people by promoting social innovation and inclusion through sports.
Download the full program here.
Please register here. (Registration open until May 5)

Preventing institutionalisation through EU funding - the role of the new MFF | EEG study session
2025-06-17 14:00 - 18:00
17 June 2025, 14:00 to 16:00 CET
On the afternoon of June 17, 2025, the European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to community-based care will host a study session. This event aims to gather EU and national policymakers, managing authorities, civil society organisations, service providers, and individuals with lived experience to discuss how EU funding can be more effectively used to prevent institutionalisation and promote inclusive living.
Despite ongoing efforts, over 1.5 million people in Europe still reside in institutions, largely due to a lack of accessible community-based services and family support. While EU funds have facilitated progress in some areas, such as closing institutions and developing personal assistance and housing services, challenges remain, and in some instances, EU funding has inadvertently supported the continuation of institutional settings.
The session will delve into three main topics:

Misuse of EU funds has perpetuated institutional care.
Successful national examples of redirecting funding towards independent living, including a case study from Bulgaria.
The necessity of robust monitoring systems to track the utilisation and impact of EU investments.

Speakers will include representatives from the European Commission, Eurofound, and civil society organisations. The ultimate goal is to explore how EU funding under the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) can better support the shift to community-based care for persons with disabilities, children, and those experiencing homelessness, ensuring that reforms are rights-based, data-driven, and consistent with EU policy commitments.
You can register by following this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BT4e19GqRSuEXVJwCy1jyw#/registration
Read the full agenda.
Read the concept note.

AccessibleEU European Event - Hi, European Accessibility Act... Let's Rock Accessibility!
2025-07-03 09:30 - 17:30
Thursday 3 July 2025, 09:30 – 17:30 (CEST)
Thon Hotel EU (Belgium Conference Room)
Rue de la Loi 75 – Brussels, Belgium
In light of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into full effect in June, the European Accessibility Resource Centre—AccessibleEU is hosting a networking event to celebrate and promote awareness of the EAA and encourage stakeholders to implement it. By promoting dialogue and showcasing results achieved to date, this event will ensure that all stakeholders are prepared for the Act’s transformative impact.
The main objectives of this event are:

Celebrate Achievements: Highlight the successes of AccessibleEU over its first two years, including key initiatives and milestones.
Promote Awareness of the European Accessibility Act: Inform stakeholders about the implications, opportunities, and obligations introduced by the Act.
Foster Dialogue and Cooperation: Facilitate knowledge exchange among policymakers, businesses, civil society, and accessibility experts.
Inspire Action: Encourage stakeholders to take proactive measures to implement the European Accessibility Act and continue building an inclusive society.

You can find more information about the event here.

Autism-Europe's 14th International Congress | 11-13 September 2025
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-13 | RDS Venue, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
Coming soon! Autism-Europe hosts our 14th international tri-annual congress. We look forward to welcoming you in Dublin from 11 to 13 September. We will keep you posted but expect many engaging sessions, presentations, panels, and more.

Self-Determination & Inclusion by Theater: The Final Act
2025-11-15 16:00 - 17:30
Curious about making the sector of live performance more inclusive?
The Self-Determination & Inclusion by Theatre International Seminar is your chance to see the innovative methodology of our Erasmus+ project, dedicated to ensuring the full inclusion of autistic people in theatre.
Learn about the pilot course, connect with the autism community and performing arts professionals, and be among the first to preview our European Handbook on Inclusion through Theatre!
When? Nov 15th, 16:00-17:30
Where? Comet Meetings, Pl. Stéphanie 20, 1050 Brussels
The full agenda is available here.
Register here.
Let’s give inclusion centre stage!
