National Autism Conference AsIAm.- Dublin, Ireland

Autism-Europe’s member AsIAm annual National Autism Conference will take lace in The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin on Friday 20th September and Saturday 21st September 2019.

This year, the theme  will be « Building Partnerships » – exploring the need for close collaboration between professionals supporting autistic people, the autism community, and the wider society. Every session will be co-presented by members of the autism community and relevant professionals, many of whom themselves are autistic.

AsIAm will post about this year’s Conference across all of our platforms using the hashtag #AsIAmConf19, and encourage you to do the same!

Friday 20th September is a professional development seminar targeting healthcare, education and social care in particular as well as policy. Saturday 21st September is our Autism Community Conference.

Please note that this agenda below is provisional and subject to change, and that keynote and workshop speakers will be confirmed in the time leading up to the conference.

Friday 20th September – Professional Development Seminar

First Keynote – Professionals as Respectful Facilitators – Professor Andy McDonnell and Joan McDonald

Morning Workshops – 

1. “What I Wish My Teacher Knew”
2. Accessible Healthcare Services
3. Creating Supportive Environments
4. Effective Communication For All

Second Keynote – Building the Bridge into the World of Employment

Afternoon Workshops –

1. Autism-Friendly Toolkit for Schools
2. Supporting Positive Mental Health Throughout the Life Cycle
3. Fostering Independence and Self-Esteem in Adult Life
4. Autism-Friendly Hospital Experiences

Third Keynote – The Importance of “Autism-Proofing” Your Service – Sarah Hendrickx

Voices of Our Community – Adopting a Strengths-Based Approach

Saturday 21st September – Community Conference

First Keynote – Partnership Through Respect – Professor Andy McDonnell and Joan McDonald

Morning Workshops –

1. Schools as Supportive Partners for Learning
2. Inclusive Employment Partnerships
3. Working Together to Promote Independence
4. Managing Stress and Anxiety in Everyday Life

Second Keynote – The Environment as a Partner – Dr. Magda Mostafa

Afternoon Workshops –

1. Supportive Workplace Environments
2. Autism-Friendly School Experiences
3. The Journey to Building Self-Esteem and Confidence
4. Well-Being and Self-Care Survival Guide

Third Keynote – Georgia Harper and Sam Ahern – As seen on Channel 4’s ‘Are You Autistic?’

Voices of Our Community – Reaching Me Through My Interests