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Utah has one of the highest rates of Autism in the nation. Nearly 1 of every 58 children born in Utah are on the autism spectrum, that’s 13% higher than the national average. The vast majority of services and resources for Autism are directed toward supporting children on the autism spectrum. But children with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism. With few mentors, and even fewer resources available, many adults on the spectrum struggle to get the support they need to lead successful and independent lives.
This one-of-a-kind convention is designed for adults on the autism spectrum, to support both professional and personal networking, to provide accurate information, and to highlight services and resources available in the community. Presenters and panelists on the spectrum, will share their knowledge and personal experiences in an autism-friendly setting. |
$30 Individual Day Pass
$50 Two Day Pass
About the Event
What's in it for me?
Sarah Heuser, AutCon organizer and presenter
“I first suspected I was autistic when I was 16 after seeing a character on TV who was explicitly labelled as "Asperger's" and who shared a lot of the same traits as I did. I brought it up with a a few people, and I was told there was no way. I was too good with words, and way too social to be anywhere on the spectrum. I still felt a connection to the spectrum, but I dropped it. Two years later I got my diagnosis. I did then what I always do; I went to the Internet to research. As I researched I found that the best information for me did not come from "experts" who had gone through years of schooling and performing clinical research. No. It came from other people that had lived with the same traits and challenges I had for their entire lives. It came from other autistic people. That's what AutCon is. It's people on the spectrum talking to other people on the spectrum. It's sharing coping methods, and work-arounds, and ways of using our strengths to overcome our weaknesses. Since my diagnosis I have immersed myself in real life situations with other people like me. I love my non-autistic friends and family, but there is something special about being in a group of people whose brains are wired like mine. It's a bit like the feeling of coming home. This is the feeling I hope we can help others feel with AutCon. I hope we can make it feel a little bit like you are coming home.
Jared Stewart, AutCon organizer and presenter
Why should I come to AutCon? That is a great question. We fully realize that the idea of going to a convention of any kind can be an unknown and overwhelming thought for some of us on the Spectrum. (Of course, there are those of us who absolutely love conventions too--otherwise ComicCon and all the others wouldn't even exist!) We're doing everything we can to make sure that the environment at AutCon is accommodating and autism-friendly in every way possible, and that the speakers, panels, and other opportunities will be fun, low-stress, meaningful, valuable, and powerful. That having been said, we're learning as we go. As far as we know, this is the first convention in the history of the world put on BY individuals with Autism FOR individuals with Autism. We think that there is inherent value in this, but truth be told, we have no idea how successful it will be. It could be 20 people who show up this first year, or it could be 200. It could be the absolute perfect mix of information and experiences, or we might be accidentally missing something really significant. We'll never know unless we try it though. No matter what happens, the people who choose to come will be the trailblazers who will shape the future of the autism movement in Utah and beyond. Look over the topics, think about the things you've always wanted to know about being an adult on the Spectrum, and imagine what it will feel like to be around a group who shares your challenges and accepts you for who you are. Come make a positive difference in your life and be a part of history!
Josh Olivas, AutCon organizer, presenter, and Star Wars enthusiast
Ever heard the phrase "you'll get out of it what you put into it"? Well, good news... That doesn't apply here, because AutCon is putting all the hard work into it for you. It's a conference for those with autism by those with autism - and there's no better source of life advice than that. Looking for answers and guidance to help you overcome the daily struggles of being autistic? Check. AutCon has it! Hoping to find others just like you and build out your physical and emotional support group? Yup. AutCon has it! Wanting to just play in a room full of legos? Of course, AutCon has it! Honestly, all that's left is for you to show up. And whether you show up excited or suspicious, I guarantee you'll leave AutCon feeling motivated and empowered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear ______?
A: We want you to feel empowered and comfortable, if that means wearing a suit and tie (hahaha), wearing your favorite sweatshirt, or dressing as your favorite anime character, do it! Keep in mind that you will be around others so please be sure that you are clean, free of strong smells, and that your body is covered. Shirts and shoes are required.
Q: What if I need accommodations?
A: It is important to us that everyone who attends AutCon is able to participate to the extent that they are comfortable. We are happy to make any necessary accommodations. Because we cannot presume to know what you need, we are relying on you to tell us what you need with enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Requests made within 72 hours of the event may not be honored. Please make accommodation requests via email at AutCon@svacademy.org
Q: Do I have to be there the entire time?
A: Again, our priority is your comfort. If you can only be in social environments for a short amount of time, we’re cool with that. You can come when you want and leave when you want as long as you have a ticket. However, we will not be offering full or partial refunds based on time spent at the event.
Q: What do you mean by “adult”?
A: In order to attend the conference you must be between the ages of 18 and 99. No exceptions. We have sessions geared toward different ages of the lifespan and hope you will attend those that appeal to you most.
Due to licensing constraints, childcare will NOT be provided, and anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted to attend the event.
Q: I get nervous about visiting new places. Can I come visit the location before the conference?
A: Absolutely! But please schedule your visit. Email us at AutCon@svacademy.org to request a tour. You may also find it helpful to study the maps in the "event maps" section below.
Q: What do you mean by an “autism-friendly environment”?
A: The world may not be designed for you, but AutCon is! We go to great lengths to keep things sensory friendly and to prevent over crowding. AutCon offers:
Q: What if I don't have an official diagnosis?
A: It would be inappropriate for us to require a "proof of diagnosis," and quite frankly, we don't really care. Whether you are self-diagnosed, officially diagnosed, or even just suspect that you may be on the spectrum, we invite you to come and be with your tribe. We like you.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Email us at AutCon@svacademy.org
A: We want you to feel empowered and comfortable, if that means wearing a suit and tie (hahaha), wearing your favorite sweatshirt, or dressing as your favorite anime character, do it! Keep in mind that you will be around others so please be sure that you are clean, free of strong smells, and that your body is covered. Shirts and shoes are required.
Q: What if I need accommodations?
A: It is important to us that everyone who attends AutCon is able to participate to the extent that they are comfortable. We are happy to make any necessary accommodations. Because we cannot presume to know what you need, we are relying on you to tell us what you need with enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Requests made within 72 hours of the event may not be honored. Please make accommodation requests via email at AutCon@svacademy.org
Q: Do I have to be there the entire time?
A: Again, our priority is your comfort. If you can only be in social environments for a short amount of time, we’re cool with that. You can come when you want and leave when you want as long as you have a ticket. However, we will not be offering full or partial refunds based on time spent at the event.
Q: What do you mean by “adult”?
A: In order to attend the conference you must be between the ages of 18 and 99. No exceptions. We have sessions geared toward different ages of the lifespan and hope you will attend those that appeal to you most.
Due to licensing constraints, childcare will NOT be provided, and anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted to attend the event.
Q: I get nervous about visiting new places. Can I come visit the location before the conference?
A: Absolutely! But please schedule your visit. Email us at AutCon@svacademy.org to request a tour. You may also find it helpful to study the maps in the "event maps" section below.
Q: What do you mean by an “autism-friendly environment”?
A: The world may not be designed for you, but AutCon is! We go to great lengths to keep things sensory friendly and to prevent over crowding. AutCon offers:
- Small Sessions
- Sensory Supports
- Dedicated quiet spaces
- Social Supports
- Natural light
- Limited unsolicited social contact
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Non verbal communication options
Q: What if I don't have an official diagnosis?
A: It would be inappropriate for us to require a "proof of diagnosis," and quite frankly, we don't really care. Whether you are self-diagnosed, officially diagnosed, or even just suspect that you may be on the spectrum, we invite you to come and be with your tribe. We like you.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Email us at AutCon@svacademy.org
Meet Our Presenters & Panelists
Presenters
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Layne Kertamus
Layne Kertamus says, “when you can’t bring your whole self to work, the employer always misses out on part of your potential and you are left with an inauthentic employee experience that leaves you wanting more...it’s a lose-lose situation.” Layne helps organizations become invincible. This happens when workplaces honor employees with hidden disabilities and neurodiverse ways of solving problems by valuing their contributions. Workplace wellness cultures that are diverse, inclusive, and equitable have the best results. As a diversity leader, he provides problem solving consulting, training, and conflict management services. He is a TEDx Speaker and has been honored by the Utah Business Magazine as a Living Color Honoree for helping to make Utah a more diverse state. Layne and his wife Andrea have six children and live in Salt Lake City. |
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Jared Stewart, M.Ed.
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). He is Program Director at Provo’s ScenicView Academy, a residential transitional school for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities, Vice Chair of Leadership with the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, and an adjunct professor of Behavioral Science at Utah Valley University teaching in the Passages program. A Magna Cum Laude BYU graduate, he has spent almost two decades working with adults on the spectrum, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes with many local and national audiences. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has family members with autism and has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome himself. He lives in Orem, Utah with his wife, three children, and Dorkie dog. |
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Josh Olivas
Josh graduated from Arizona State with a bachelor's in Political Science. He moved to Mongolia shortly after and while there, to quote the DSM-5, the "social demands exceeded his limited capacities" and he was diagnosed with HFA soon after returning to the US. He is working on a curriculum to help people with autism increase their self-awareness, and he loves making systems and proper flowcharts. |
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Sarah Adia Heuser
Sarah has a Bachelor's degree in behavioral science with an emphasis in psychology. Sarah is twenty-seven years old and lives in Provo, UT. She works for ScenicView Academy helping people with their government benefits. She was diagnosed as Autistic and having Nonverbal Learning Disorder in 2009. Upon her diagnosis she threw herself into studying autism from an autistic point of view by listening to fellow autistic people as well as considering research and academic resources provided by professionals studying autism. It is through this perspective taking that she became interested in the subjects of self determination and supported decision making (SDM). She plans to attend grad school next fall in the social work program at the University of Utah. |
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Christian Swenson
Christian Swenson is a grad student at BYU in their Comparative Studies MA program. His interests include philosophy, mysticism, art history, and the psychology of trauma. He is a National Merit Scholar, and he was Westminster College's outstanding philosophy graduate for 2015. He is also the author of a play about autism produced in 2013 called "The Box." |
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Elliot Francis
Co-Founder of Optimizing Utah, Autism Advocate, and IT Project Manager at University of Utah Health Sciences Elliot Francis is a graduate of the Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah and a Co-Founder of Optimizing Autism. Having worked as a successful systems analyst and IT project manager during college and after graduation, Elliot has a breadth of expertise in cross-domain systems and solutions. His major projects include the development and deployment of two mission-critical internal software systems for the University of Utah Health Science Cores covering 15 research labs. Acting as one of the representing autists on the Optimizing Autism board, Elliot provides a specialist’s perspective on how autism can be leveraged in the modern detail-oriented work environment. Elliot and his wife of 5 years live and work in Salt Lake City, Utah. |
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Damien Rodriguez
Dr. Damian Rodriguez is the health and exercise scientist for doTERRA International, LLC. He holds a doctorate in health science, a master’s degree in exercise physiology, and countless professional certifications. He has spent most of his life researching nutrition, exercise, and the lifestyle behaviors associated with optimal health. Along with his passion for health, as someone who lives with Asperger’s Syndrome, he is also involved in bringing awareness to autism spectrum disorders. |
Panelists
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Nancy Rountree
Nancy Rountree is currently the Library Diva at Spectrum Academy Elementary School in North Salt Lake. She describes her life as a timeline of oddness; slipping from awkward to weird, struggling through bizarre to unique, launching into goofball and ending up as being as being enough, a goofy, unique awkward person who has discovered she is ok, just the way she is. As a little girl she was always reading and pretending, and as an adult she enjoys saying, being and doing the unexpected. So people who meet her may walk away shaking their heads, but generally laughing, with a new story to tell. After being diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, Nancy began a period of introspection where she wrote, “ I used to be sad that I was different, that people were confused by me and I was confused by them, so i worked very hard to be like everyone else. But this didn’t make me happy either so I found somewhere in between where I am enjoying being me |
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Andy Sebastian
Andy Sebastian is a Salt Lake City-based comic book artist, writer and photographer whose work is mostly autobio centering around his experiences with high-functioning autism, mental illness, LGBTQ issues and Mormonism. You can find more information about his work through his site andysebastian.me and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram all @andywryly |
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Benjamin Mann
Benjamin Mann(gender non-binary, they/them or he/him) is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah, with a focus on disability rhetoric, relationships between disability and gender, and the rhetoric of autistic self-advocacy. Additionally, Ben serves as a college debate coach and teaches undergraduate courses at the University of Utah including Communication and Social Responsibility. Ben has published research at the journals Disability Studies Quarterly and Health Communication and presented nearly a dozen conference papers, including analysis of online disability activism and challenging ableist rhetoric against autism under a crip futurism lens. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Ben enjoys hiking, video game design, and binge watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer with his partner. |
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Non-Autistic Presenters
A note from the organizers: The purpose of AutCon is to elevate autistic voices and celebrate autistic experiences. Our goal is to offer as many autistic presenters as possible. At times when we are unable to secure an autistic presenter, we have chosen to invite non-autistic professionals rather than leave topics unaddressed.
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Ramdas
Hi, I’m Ramdas. I love yoga and I have lots of yoga credentials, like E-RYT 500 and Senior Teacher. I also studied with amazing teachers and mentors, like Yogi E, Chandrakant, Kamini and my favorite, Yogi Amrit Desai. I’ve practiced for 16 years and taught for 15. But, none of that is very interesting, is it? You want to know what kind of teacher I am and what classes with me might be like, right? Sometimes I make bad jokes—really, really bad jokes—when I teach. Sometimes I get choked up when I teach because of an amazing story. You might even be the one telling it! I’m also not a very bendy yoga teacher. It’s true! There are days I can’t touch my toes in a seated forward bend. I like smaller classes so I can learn everyone’s names. I want to know who you are and what you hope to gain from the classes I teach. What do I hope you will gain from the classes I teach? In a word, Freedom. I want your body to be free to move without pain (or at least with less). I want your mind to be free of stress and struggle. Can I help you find this freedom? Absolutely. Credentials Senior Teacher, Bhakti House & Amrit Yoga Institute Certified Amrit Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500 Certified Amrit Yoga Nidra Facilitator |
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Marty J. Clayton, Assistant Professor Utah Valley University. Video Game Design, Development and Animation
Marty entered the video game industry in 1997, and has worked as everything from an Environmental Artist to a Development Manager to an Associate Art Director. He has worked with outsourcing partners both nationally and internationally in environmental design, modeling/texturing, character development and animation. Marty took a short 2 year sabbatical to get his MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in Animation and used those talents to continue his 15 year career in the video game industry.In 2012 he joined the Digital Media Department at Utah Valley University using his skills in the design, pre-production, and production phases of the Game Development and Animation industries. Notable Projects: Top Gear Rally 2, Tiger Woods Golf, Nerf N Strike and N-Strike Elite, Monopoly Streets, Sims 3 Pets for the 3DS. |
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Clayton Lanz, Assistant Professor Utah Valley University. Animation/Gaming
Clayton Lanz has more than seven years of professional animation and game development experience. Three years of university-level instructional experience within animation and game development, including teaching and course development. He is known for his technical prowess in 3D production, including character technical direction and pipeline development. |
Sessions and Activities
Coming Soon!
Everyone needs a little coaching now and then. Our experts are here to teach you how they not only live with autism but thrive. Not comfortable asking questions verbally or in front of others? No worries. Non-verbal options will be available in each session.
Everyone needs a little coaching now and then. Our experts are here to teach you how they not only live with autism but thrive. Not comfortable asking questions verbally or in front of others? No worries. Non-verbal options will be available in each session.
Coming Soon!
Let's face it, autism can be very isolating. Come spend time with your tribe, ask them about their experiences, ask them how they make it work, ask them whatever you'd like. Not comfortable asking questions verbally or in front of others? Non-verbal options will be available in each panel.
Let's face it, autism can be very isolating. Come spend time with your tribe, ask them about their experiences, ask them how they make it work, ask them whatever you'd like. Not comfortable asking questions verbally or in front of others? Non-verbal options will be available in each panel.
Activities
- Sensory Room--Need to decompress a little? We get it. The sensory room is full of objects to help you calm and focus yourself so you can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others. Come and go as you please. Stay as long as you’d like.
- Biofeedback Station-- Biofeedback uses scientific instruments to measure and feedback information not readily available to your conscious mind about your neuromuscular and neurological processes. This feedback can give you greater awareness and voluntary control over these processes. By becoming more aware of what's going on inside your body, you can gain more control over your health.
- Open Art Studio--Our art studio will be open throughout AutCon. We’ll have manga patterns and adult coloring pages available, or you can work on some of your own creations. Art is a great low-stress way to meet new people.
- Yoga for Autism presented by Bhakti House of Pleasant Grove
Stuff to Look At/Read/Listen to About AutCon
Read
Listen
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Look
Schedule
Friday, June 26 (Day 1)
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Hosted by Techie For Life
TechieForLife (TFL) is a co-ed, residential postsecondary school with a wrap-around career support program in beautiful St. George, Utah. Students with neurodiverse social, emotional and academic challenges such as autism receive mentoring at TFL so they can build social connections, confidence and independence. Licensed as a vocational school, TFL offers in-house computer tech training, college or trade school help, apprenticeships, internships and job support for individualized paths forward. At TFL, students have a place to belong and support to succeed. |
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Full Schedule Coming Soon!
Friday, June 26 (Day 1)
10:00-11:00 CHECK-IN & RESOURCE FAIR
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1
2:30-3:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
4:00-5:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
Room 238
5:00–7:00 Dinner Break
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
7:00 – 9:00 Social Activities
Saturday, June 27 (Day 2)
Hosted by ScenicView Academy
Friday, June 26 (Day 1)
10:00-11:00 CHECK-IN & RESOURCE FAIR
- Show your ticket upon arrival to pick up your event T-shirt and individualized name badge (your name badge will also let others know the level of social interaction you are comfortable with).
- Stop by the resource fair and see what services are available in the community specifically for autistic adults.
- Take a look around, get to know the building. We want you feel comfortable here.
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1
2:30-3:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
4:00-5:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
Room 238
5:00–7:00 Dinner Break
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
7:00 – 9:00 Social Activities
Saturday, June 27 (Day 2)
Hosted by ScenicView Academy
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ScenicView Academy is a nonprofit school for young adults with autism or learning disabilities. Our program is designed to help students live, work, and thrive! We empower our students with skills to lead an independent, productive, and fulfilling life. |
10:00-11:00 CHECK-IN & RESOURCE FAIR
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1
2:30-3:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
4:00-5:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
Room 238
5:00–7:00 Dinner Break
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
7:00 – 9:00 Social Activities
- Show your ticket upon arrival to pick up your event T-shirt and individualized name badge (your name badge will also let others know the level of social interaction you are comfortable with).
- Stop by the resource fair and see what services are available in the community specifically for autistic adults.
- Take a look around, get to know the building. We want you feel comfortable here.
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1
2:30-3:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
4:00-5:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
Room 238
5:00–7:00 Dinner Break
MPR 126
Room 275
Room 212
Room 245
Room 280
Room 155
Room 170
7:00 – 9:00 Social Activities
Event Maps
ScenicView Academy Campus Map - click here to view the map
Event Map: Finding Your Way Around - click here to view the map
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
SUPPORT THIS UNIQUE EVENT
ScenicView Academy is a 501 (c) (3) public charity, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Fed Tax I.D. Number 20-3604973)
- Gold Sponsors ($5000 or more) will receive logo placement on all advertising leading up to the event, signage and verbal recognition at the event, logo placement in event program and on event T-shirt
- Silver Sponsors ($2000) will receive verbal recognition at the event, logo placement in event program and on event T-shirt.
- Friend of ScenicView Academy ($500) will receive logo placement in event program and on event T-shirt.
ScenicView Academy is a 501 (c) (3) public charity, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Fed Tax I.D. Number 20-3604973)
For more information contact:Kari Bushman, Community Relations
ScenicView Academy (801) 342-3463 karib@svacademy.org |
To become a sponsor contact:Alex Johnson, Sponsorships
ScenicView Academy (801) 226-2550 AlexJ@svacademy.org |
