Autism Europe

Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth- Gothenburg (Sweden)
2017-11-17 | Eriksbergshallen, Maskingatan 11, Göteborg, 417 64, Sweden
Hosted by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Gothenburg (Sweden), the Social Summit will gather European Union (EU) Heads of State and government, social partners and other key stakeholders to discuss how to promote fair jobs and growth.
The Social Summit will focus on how we can make the most of new opportunities and tackle common challenges affecting the labour markets and welfare models of today and tomorrow.
European Disability Forum (EDF) Vice-President, Pat Clarke, will participate as part of the Social Platform delegation bringing the Social Platform and EDF key messages, based on the EDF resolution on the Pillar of Social Rights. The event will be web cast and there will be discussions on social media.

Find more information on the Social Summit website
Follow the discussion on social media using the hashtag: #SocialSummit17
Social Platform’s side event
As a side event to the Social Summit, on the 16 November at 18.00 in Gothenburg, the Social Platform is organising a civil society exchange: ‘Our Europe: Civil society and the future of the EU’. Participants, including EDF Vice-President Pat Clarke, will discuss with the Major of Gothenburg, experts and civil society representatives how the EU can promote socially inclusive societies, what are the challenges and what is civil society’s role in building a socially progressive Union.
More information

Our Europe: Civil society & the future of the EU- Gothenburg (Sweden)
2017-11-16 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris) | Museum of World Culture 54 Södra Vägen 412 54 Johanneberg Sweden, 54 Södra Vägen, Johanneberg, Gothenburg, 412 54, Sweden
How can the European Union help to promote socially inclusive societies? What challenges does it need to respond to in order to leave no one behind? What is civil society’s role in helping to build a socially progressive Union?
Discuss the answers to these questions and more at Social Platform‘s civil society exchange, ‘OUR EUROPE: Civil society & the future of the EU’!
The exchange will feature a panel of experts, including Mayor of Gothenburg Ann-Sofie Hermansson and representatives from government, the EU institutions and civil society, and in a question-and-answer format will allow the audience to voice their thoughts, opinions and concerns about how they build Social Europe.
Conversations and debates can continue in the following cocktail reception, during which the Social Platform will open their photo exhibition of inspiring social inclusion practices.
The exchange is an unofficial side event of the Social Summit hosted by the European Commission and the Government of Sweden, being held on 17 November.
This a side event to the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, hosted by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, focusing on promoting fair jobs and growth.
It will be a moment for Heads of States or Governments, EU Institutions, social partners, civil society and other key actors to engage in a joint and open discussion on how to promote and create the best conditions for fair jobs and growth, and on the way forward for Europe’s social dimension.
More information

Autism and sensory issues conference- Leicester, UK
2017-11-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel, 6th Floor Castle Heights, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ, United Kingdom
This one-day offers the latest insight and best practice for supporting autistic individuals with sensory processing issues, as well as useful coping strategies to help overcome challenges.
Many people on the autism spectrum have difficulty processing everyday sensory information such as sounds, sights and smells. This is usually called having sensory integration difficulties or sensory sensitivity. It can have a profound effect on an individua life and autistic people are expected to cope with the sensory challenges at home, school and work every day
Dealing with these challenges can cause high levels of anxiety and stress, resulting in behaviours that can be difficult for other people to deal with and offer significant challenges to professionals involved in the provision of educational, health and welfare services. Understanding the causes of sensory issues can be key in helping to support autistic people at home, school or residential provision.
At this conference, expert speakers from the National Autistic Society will give you the tools and knowledge to support and help autistic people affected by sensory issues. It will look at how you can help overcome challenges caused by sensory issues and help you to understand the huge impact they can have on the life of an autistic person.

The National Homelessness Conference 2017 - input from Scottish Autism on homelessness and autism.
2017-11-16 | Conference & Events Venue, 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RQ, United Kingdom
This year the association Homeless Action Scotland holds the annual national homelessness conference ‘Ever Changing Times’ in Glasgow.
Keynote speaker Dr Joe Long,from Autism Scotland (member of Autism-Europe) will give his input about homelessness and autism “Homelessness & Autism, Signs and Good Practice”.
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Programme in full

Online course- Understanding Autism
2017-11-13 - 2017-12-13
Understand more about autism, including diagnosis, the autistic spectrum and life with autism, with this online course.

What topics will you cover?

What is autism… and does it exist?
Social communication skills
Sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviours
Co-occurring conditions
Strengths and difficulties of people on the autism spectrum
Lived experiences of people on the autism spectrum

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to…

Explain what autism is, and evaluate whether it really exists

Identify social communication skills and explain what happens if they do not develop as expected

Summarise knowledge of sensory and repetitive behaviours, and whether such behaviours are advantages or disadvantages

Explain why many people on the autism spectrum have co-occurring conditions

Identify the origins of strengths and difficulties experienced by people on the autism spectrum

Explore and discuss lived experiences of people on the autism spectrum

Who is the course for?

You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to do this course but it might be of interest to practitioners in the field of autism, healthcare workers, people on the autism spectrum, and parents or carers.

Who will you learn with?

Tony Osgood

Tony is a senior lecturer at the Tizard Centre, part of the University of Kent. He specialises in understanding and responding to challenging behaviour. He is interested in human service organisations

Fiona Gullon-Scott

I am An Associate Lecturer with the Tizard Centre and an Academic Tutor with the University of Newcastle. A Chartered Psychologist, I have specialised in autism spectrum conditions for over 22 years.

Jill Bradshaw

Dr Jill Bradshaw is a Senior Lecturer in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and a Speech/Language Therapist -Tizard Centre, University of Kent. She has been working in this field for 25 year

Who developed the course?

The University of Kent, the UK’s European University, is one of the country’s most dynamic universities. Established in 1965, it now has 19,850 students studying at its various campuses.

EU Contribution to WHO Global campaign against ageism. Brussels, Belgium
2017-11-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Delegation of the Basque Country to the European Union, 27 rue des Deux Eglises, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
The existence of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination towards older adults – commonly referred to as ageism – imposes barriers to developing good policy on ageing. Ageism also hinders older people’s ability to do the things that they value and aspire to. Stereotyping affects how people think about older people; prejudice affects how people feel about older people; and discrimination affects how people and institutions act towards older people.
According to the World Health Organisation, ageism is highly prevalent worldwide and remains unchallenged in society largely because it is socially accepted and entrenched in institutions.
This event, co-organized by AGE Platform Europe with the support of the delegation of the Basque Country, the European Commission and the World Health Organization, will be an opportunity to raise the visibility of the issue and to examine what more can be done at EU level to combat ageism and to contribute to the WHO global campaign to combat ageism.
Target audience: Policy makers at EU level, national, regional and local authorities, civil society organisations, service providers, public health organisations

Autism-Europe's Council of Administration meeting in Madrid, Spain
2017-10-21 - 2017-10-22 | CaixaForum Madrid, Paseo del Prado, 36, Madrid, 28014, Spain

Mifne's Annual Conference: International Perspectives on Autism in Infancy- Israel
2017-10-17 | Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel

European Network for Psychosocial Crisis Management - Assisting Disabled in Case of Disaster – Implementation- Cologne, Germany
2017-10-13 09:00 - 2017-10-14 15:00 | Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), Provinzialstraße 93, Bonn, Cologne, 53127, Germany
The European Conference for experts is organized by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) as part of the EU funded project “European Network for Psychosocial Crisis Management – Assisting Disabled in Case of Disaster – Implementation” (EUNAD IP).
The key issue of the project EUNAD IP is how to integrate psychosocial support for people with sensual, intellectual and physical disabilities in disaster management plans. The project is targeted on improvement and standardization of psychosocial aftercare for disabled people in case of disaster as well as the development of a European expert network.
The Conference is predisposed as a platform for an intense expert exchange as well as a expert evaluation of the preliminary results of the EUNAD IP project. For more information on the EUNAD IP project please find attached the project information.
The working language will be English and German/international sign language.

“Autism, Asperger's syndrome and related situations seen within” with Josef Schovanec- Namur, Belgium
2017-10-12 09:00 - 2017-10-13 17:00 | APEPA asbl, Rue du Fond de Malonne 127, Namur, Namur, 5020, Belgium
Autism-Europe’s members the Autism Foundation Luxembourg and the APEPA, together with lecturer Josef Schovanec, Doctor of the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS, 2009), invite you to the event “Autism, Asperger syndrome and related situations seen from within”.
The aim of this event is to understand the evolution of the representation of autism, to understand from the peculiarities of an autistic person from the inside, and to identify the modalities of the social inclusion of people with autism.

The event will take place on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 October 2017, from 9 am to 5 pm, at the Fondation Autisme Luxembourg – 68, route d’Arlon L-8310 Capellen. The same event will then travel to Namur, Belgium, on the 12 and 13 October at Rue du Fond de Malonne 127, 5020 Malonne (Namur).

Please note that the event will take place in French only.

“Autism, Asperger's syndrome and related situations seen within” with Josef Schovanec- Capellen, Luxembourg
2017-10-10 09:00 - 2017-10-11 17:00 | Fondation Autisme Luxembourg, Route d'Arlon, Capellen, Mamer, 8310, Luxembourg

20 years of the European Disability Forum
2017-10-03 13:00 - 15:00 | European Economic and Social Committee- JDE Building, 99 rue Belliard – 6th floor – Foyer, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
The European Disability Forum (EDF) has collected photos of key moments in its 20 years of existence. Founded in 1997, the EDF has grown into a European disability movement with representation in all European Union (EU) Member States and beyond. The EDF has been helping people with disabilities and their representative bodies to come together and speak with one voice. Together with our members and partners, we are fighting for a more inclusive society with equal opportunities for everyone.
Autism-Europe was a founding member of the European Disability Forum and currently has a member of the board on this organisation.
Prior registration before Friday 29 September is compulsory (even for EU badge-holders).

The National Autistic Society's Autism Hour- UK
2017-10-02
In 2017, Autism-Europe’s member the National Autistic Society (UK) are asking businesses and shops to organise a National Autistic Society Autism Hour and take simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world.
The National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour is the UK’s first week-long event, launching 2 October, where shops and services take 60 minutes to provide autistic people with a break from the overload of too much information.
Businesses, from major shop chains to small local cafes , are participating all over the UK and holding their own National Autistic Society Autism Hour during the first week in October. They will take simple steps for 60 minutes, from dimming the lights to turning down music.
To be the first to find out which businesses near you are taking part, and plan your visit, you can sign up for updates about attending this first ever national event for autism.

Global Summit on Autism and Ageing- Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
2017-09-28 - 2017-09-29 | The Research Beehive, Old Library Building. Newscastle University, Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RG, United Kingdom
Most autistic people are adults, yet very little has been invested in research in this area. As the first children to get a diagnosis of autism are now reaching old age and it is now clear that many autistic adults face unacceptably poor health and wellbeing outcomes, it’s more urgent than ever that we invest now to understand autism throughout adult life.
Following the Autistica Programme of Research for Autism and Ageing at Newcastle University, Autistica are hosting a Global Summit to act as a catalyst for further research into autism and ageing.
As an expert in this field, we would like you to come together with other experts from around the world to set ambitious goals for the next ten years, including participating in activities that will lead to tangible, innovative and impactful research ideas that can ultimately lead to longer, happier and healthier lives for autistic adults.
All travel and accommodation costs covered by Autistica. Further details to follow.

ENIL 2017 Freedom Drive- Brussels, Belgium
2017-09-24 - 2017-09-28 | Brussels
The ENIL Freedom Drive is one of the key campaigns of the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) – held every two years since 2003. It provides supporters of the Independent Living Movement with the unique opportunity to meet Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and promote human rights issues, as well to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from around Europe. The first 6 editions of the event took place in Strasbourg, until 2015, when for the first time the venue was changed to Brussels for strategic reasons. The ENIL 2017 Freedom Drive will take place between 24th and 28th September, in Brussels again. It will be dedicated to Martin Naughton – the father of the ENIL Freedom Drive – who we lost in 2016. It will consist of a series of events, culminating with a march from the European Parliament to the European Commission, under the theme ’Independent Living Heroes: Past, Present and Future’. ENIL invites all the members, disabled people’s organisations, disabled people and allies to join us in Brussels during this exciting week, so that we can once again show we are proud, strong and visible!

Overview of the week*
24 September
18:00h-20:00h – Freedom Drive Kick-off; venue to be announced
25 September
Motivational Events – four meetings on the following topics:
1) Setting up a CIL
2) Setting up a national youth network
3) Support for parents and allies to their children
4) UN CRPD
Spaces are limited to 20 persons per meeting, so register quickly by sending an email to dilyana.deneva@enil.eu as registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue: Meeting rooms at Mundo J, Rue de l’Industrie 10
26 September
National MEP meetings – if you need support for planning your meeting, you can request an ENIL Staff or Board member to brief your group. You can do so by sending an email to Dilyana Deneva at dilyana.deneva@enil.eu
Venue: European Parliament
27 September
10:00h – 12:30h: March from the European Parliament to the European Commission under the theme ’Independent Living Heroes: Past, Present and Future’
Venue: Meeting point near the European Parliament (TBC)
12:30h – 13:30h Pre-conference lunch (for conference participants)
14:00h – 17:00h ENIL Freedom Drive Conference on the topic ’Independent Living: A Voice for All’
Venue: Autoworld, Parque de Cirquantenaire 11
14:00h – 14:30 Opening session with Commissioner Thyssen
Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen will open the conference. Two sessions will follow during which children’s voices are to be heard.
14:30h – 15:45h Panel 1 – The protection of children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
15:45h – 16:45h Panel 2 – Moving on to better inclusion and participation of disabled children in the disability movement
16:45h – 17:00h Conference Closure
17:30h – 19:30h ENIL General Assembly
19:30h – 23:00h ENIL Freedom Drive Celebration Cocktail and Dinner
28 September
Independent Living development meeting
14:00h – 16:00h Meeting on Human Rights
Places will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis as they are limited to 20 persons.
Venue: Meeting room at Mundo J, Rue de l’Industrie 10

*Please note that this programme is subject to changes.

For further information, send an email to Dilyana Deneva at dilyana.deneva@enil.eu

Exhibition of paintings 'TableAu’tisme'- Luxembourg
2017-09-21 - 2017-10-18 | COPAS, 2 rue de Turi, Livange, 3378, Luxembourg
The Autism-Europe’s member Fondation Autisme Luxembourg organises an exhibition of paintings titled TableAu’tisme to support its projects which include, among others, summer camps for children and adolescents. This event counts with the support of COPAS, which has generously provided its premises for the event. COPAS is an organisation that brings together nursing homes, retirement homes, as well as facilities and home support networks for people with disabilities.
Among the artists whose work will be exhibited, from the nineteenth century to the present day, are Moritz Ney, Ferdinand d’Huart, Aloyse Bové, Lily Unden, Arnold Stoffels, Germaine Spiesse, Sandrien, Eugène Schergen, Josee Ackermann-Bettendorff, Roger Steffen and Jean-Pierre Calteux , Jean Mulders, Knauf, Josephine Gloden, Schönfeld, Bailly, Nina Lefèvre, Frantz Seimetz, Rausch, Darek Dariusz Pala, Marc Frising, Roger Bertemes, Susy Thix, Britt Bernard, Sonja Soyer, Anna Recker and Kieffer.
The works to be discovered mainly represent still life, landscapes and contemporary abstract paintings. Art lovers will be delighted.
Agenda
Vernissage: Thursday, September 21 from 5 pm, followed by drink offered by COPAS
Speech at 5.30pm: Marc Fischbach, President of COPAS and Claude Schmit, President of the Fondation Autisme Luxembourg, accompanied by Baroque music on the harpsichord played by Tanguy Neumann.

EAMHID's 11th International Congress "Better Mental Health for People with Intellectual Disability"- Luxembourg
2017-09-21 - 2017-09-23 | European Convention Center Luxembourg, 1, rue du Fort Thungen, 1499, Luxembourg
In close collaboration with our host and the local partner APEMH Foundation, together with the University of Luxembourg, and with the support of the European network ARFIE, the European Association for Mental Health in Intellectual Disability (EAMHID) looks forward to welcoming you to Luxembourg, a linchpin in the building of the European community.
EAMHID aims to provide a platform for all stakeholders, promoting a constructive interaction between the results of current research, innovative practice and professional training initiatives. They will also contribute to fostering dialogue that supports the values that unite us: better conditions of living, working and sharing for those involved in support work and interventions for mental health.
APEMH Foundation takes the opportunity to highlight its ongoing commitment to European partnerships and exchange in support of its sustained campaign for a better quality of life for people with intellectual
disabilities; which includes improved access to mental health services.
Keynote speakers

Pr Nick Bouras (UK) • Mental Health and Intellectual Disability:
History, Concepts and Evidence based
Jane Mc Carthy (UK) • Autism Spectrum Disorder and offending:
Towards an evidence based approach
Régine Scelles (FR) • L’enfant en situation de handicap : désir
de savoir et apprentissage avec les pairs
Emmanuelle Jouet (FR) • Challenges of partnerships between
patients and healthcare professionals
Michael Seidel (DE) • Mental health for people with ID. A
challenge between human rights and scientific progress
Johan De Groef (BE) • Networking, Partnerships and Mutualisation:
Competences to promote Mental Health in ID

Congress "Autism research news and future prospects"- Toulouse, France
2017-09-04 12:00 - 2017-09-05 17:00 | Amphi F417 – Maison de la Recherche. Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, 5 Allées Antonio Machado, Toulouse, Toulouse Cedex 8, 31058, France
To mark the end of Professor Rogé’s academic career, the congress “Autism research news and future perspectives” will take place on September 4th and 5th at the Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès in France.
The conference will welcome internationally renowned speakers for their work, as well as young people whose talents are emerging. The congress is open not only to young researchers already working in the field of autism, but also to those involved in related disciplines and who wish to take part in the research effort. This event will bring together researchers and clinicians who want to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and thus give people on the autism spectrum a dignified life by means of support that is adapted to their needs and to those of their families.
