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. ​

2018 Session Videos

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: Are non-autistic friends/family allowed to attend?

A: If having a safe person along will enable you to feel comfortable attending, we welcome them. However, to avoid a crowded or over-stimulating environment the tickets are limited. We ask that non-autistic friends and family members will respectfully keep in mind that by buying a ticket to the event, they may be taking a space that could benefit an autistic person.

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. Please contact us via email at AutCon@svacademy.org to request accommodations.

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.

Q: What do you mean by an “autism-friendly environment”?

A: This includes:
  • Small Sessions
  • Sensory Supports
  • Dedicated quiet spaces
  • Social Supports
  • Natural light
  • Limited unsolicited social contact
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces

​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. 

Q: What do you mean when you say that your screening of Avengers: Infinity War is "autism friendly" ?

A:  For our screening, we have set the following guidelines:
  • the volume be lower than a typical showing
  • the lights will be raised just a bit
  • movie-goers can make noise or walk around if needed (as long as it is not disruptive to others). 
AutCon staff will be working with the theater to ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasant experience. ​

Meet Our Presenters & Panelists

​Presenters

Nancy Rountree, Keynote
​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
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.
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 works at ScenicView Academy as the residential and transportation specialist, he is working on a curriculum to help people with autism increase their self-awareness, and he loves making systems and proper flowcharts.
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.
Eric Stoker
Mr. Eric Stoker lives with his family in West Jordan Utah and is the  information specialist for the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. He has served on the Utah Parent Center Board of Directors, People First of Utah Board of Directors, Utah Special Education Advisory Board and the Citizen Advisory Council at Utah State University representing the voice of self-advocates. Eric has spoken nationwide about issues that affect people with disabilities, autism and his life experiences.  He received the Champion of Equal Opportunity Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities in 2014. In his free time, he is a huge basketball fan and attends Utah Utes Basketball and football games with his family. He is also one of the assistant managers of West Jordan High School’s basketball team. He is an avid train buff and has amazing knowledge about the past and current railroad systems in Utah and throughout the United States.  
Stacy Stanford
Stacy Stanford is the policy analyst for the Utah Health Policy Project, a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to advancing sustainable healthcare solutions. She has been an activist for expanded healthcare access and disability rights for many years. She received a BA from Westminster College in Disability Justice, a customized degree program combining political science, sociology and justice studies. Her thesis, "Dehumanization, Dismissal, and Disparities: An Analysis of Harmful Trends in Healthcare Providers' Interactions with Autistic Patients", explored the complex connection between autism and healthcare access- specifically, the way anti-neurodiversity stigma impacts care.
Stacy and her husband, D, are both autistic, and have been making marriage on the spectrum work for almost a decade. They live in Rose Park with a herd of dogs and cats, and enjoy watching football.
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."

Panelists

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.
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
Danielle Driggs
Danielle Driggs is currently studying computer science at Utah Valley University with the goal of being a software developer. Danielle is twenty-three years old and lives in Pleasant Grove, UT. She has a strong passion for human rights, particularly when it comes to the LGBT and neurodiverse communities. She is also very involved in animal welfare. In her spare time Danielle enjoys spending time with animals, playing video games, and watching TV.
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.

Non-Autistic Presenters

A note from the organizers: Mental health can be a highly personal topic, and in our search for presenters, no autistic individuals came forward in this category. Rather than leaving such an important topic unaddressed, we chose to reach out to local professionals.
Jonathan Cox
Jonathan Cox was raised in Orem, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University, and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2008. He completed a clinical internship at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute. Following his internship, he worked for University of Utah Healthcare in the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Clinic for four years, obtaining a licensure as a Psychologist in 2009. In 2012, he was hired at the Brigham Young University Counseling and Psychological Services, and currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor and Group Coordinator for CAPS. He currently lives in Orem, Utah with his wife, three children, and one cat.
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
Sessions and Activities
Information Sessions
​
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.
​
  • Navigating the Social Rules of The Workplace
  • What does the future Look Like for Me? Autism across the Lifespan.
  • Systems - Plan More, Stress Less!
  • Supported Decision Making: An Alternative to Guardianship
  • Understanding My Rights Under The ADA
  • Autism and the Health Care System
  • Advocacy, Accommodation, and Adaptation in the Workplace

Plus sessions about mental health, emotional regulation, and more!

Panels
​
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.
​
  • LGBTQ and Autistic Panel 
  • Women on The Spectrum Panel
  • Marriage and The Spectrum Panel 
  • ​Reddit In Real Life Panel
Activities
​
  • Lego Room sponsored by Bricks and Minifigs of Orem. Are you a master builder? Come show off your skills and meet others master builders. Participate in the races, or just get inspired by the cool creations. Come and go as you please. Stay as long as you’d like.
  • 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
Schedule
​4:00 – 4:50  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.

4:50 – 5:00  Seating for dinner

5:00 – 5:50  DINNER & KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

5:50 – 6:00   Transition Time and/or Resource Fair 

6:00 – 6:50   CONCURRENT SESSIONS 
  • Advocacy, Accommodation, and Adaptation in the Workplace-- Elliot Francis, Optimizing Autism
  • Autism Across the Lifespan: Seasons of Struggle, Seasons of Growth.--Jared Stewart
    • The funny thing about kids with autism is that we grow up to be adults with autism! Jared reviews the research about what to expect throughout the "seasons" of life for individuals on the spectrum while recounting highlights of his own story and sharing tips for success. Bring your questions and experiences about what it means to live with ASD, and come celebrate the ups and downs of whatever season you’re in!​ 
  • LGBTQ+ and Autistic Panel--Sarah Heuser, Benjamin Mann, Danielle Driggs, Andy Sebastian
    • Researchers are beginning to find a strong correlation between the autism spectrum and being on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Join our panelists Andy Sebastian, Danielle Driggs, Jason Silva, and Sarah Heuser as they discuss topics like finding a date, discussing autism with a partner, finding their communities, and other intersections of being on multiple spectrums.
  • ​Mental Health: Self Care and Seeking Help--Jon Cox BYU
    • Concrete suggestions on how to care for your mental health, including skills you can use on your own, as well as when and how to reach out to others for help.
  • Yoga For Autism: Working from the Inside Out--Ramdas
    • Discover how yoga helps you quiet the emotional roller coasters of life.

6:50 – 7:00  Transition Time and/or Resource Fair

7:00 – 7:50  CONCURRENT SESSIONS 
  • Autism and Employment: ​Getting and Keeping a Job on the Spectrum--Jared Stewart
    • Studies show that only 1 in 3 of those of us on the Spectrum have a job, and only about 1 in 5 of us hold down a "normal" job.  And yet, there is nothing inherent in autism that should make it so difficult to find and keep employment-- especially when our strengths are taken into consideration!  Come discuss facts, tips, and practical systems for interviewing, disclosure, and navigating the all-important (but often unwritten) social rules of the workplace.
  • Supported Decision Making: An Alternative to Guardianship--Sarah Heuser and Eric Stoker
    • Your Voice Does Count! Supported Decision Making (SDM) is a growing movement that promotes the idea that ALL people are capable of making decisions with support. SDM is a way to plan your life by working with a team of trusted supporters in order to make your own decisions about your future. SDM strengthens your ability to be self-determined and empowers you with the tools to live a supported life.
  • Women on The Spectrum Panel--Sue Chamberlain, Brandi King, Nancy Rountree, Arielle Wildman, Nikki Lower
    • Women often present autism differently than their counterparts and for this reason they are often misdiagnosed or missed altogether by medical professionals and researchers. Join our panelists: Sue Chamberlain, Brandi King, Nancy Rountree, Arielle Wildman, and Nikki Lower as they discuss being autists and women and how those intersections affect their lives. 
  • Marriage and The Spectrum Panel--Damien & Kelly Rodriguez, Stacy & D. Stanford, Chase and Anna Carson, Shannon & Haley Richey
    • Do you see yourself getting married one day? Are you one of the roughly 17% of those on the Spectrum who already are?  What's stopping you from having the relationships you really want in your life?  Anxiety? Dating? Courtship? Communication? Rigidity? Non-verbal issues? Come ask your questions about successful relationships to a panel of successfully married autistics.  We may not have all the answers for you, but we'll be happy to share the ups and downs of our own experiences and what worked for us!
  • Systems - Plan More, Stress Less!--Josh Olivas
    • Wish you had more time for your hobbies? Stressed about all your responsibilities? Having trouble accomplishing tasks? Systems help us structure our lives. They are routine processes that help us stress less and do more. We'll talk a little bit about what systems are, why we should care about them, and we'll go over some tricks for making great systems to fit your needs.
  • Yoga Nidra & Autism: The Power of Restorative Sleep--Ramdas, Bhakti House
    • Yoga Nidra provides you access to deep relaxation and peace.

7:50 – 8:00  Transition Time and/or Resource Fair 

8:00 – 8:50  CONCURRENT SESSIONS 
  • Understanding my Rights Under The ADA--The Disability Law Center
    • As the saying goes, not knowing your rights can be the same as not having any. Even though it has not been legal to discriminate against people with disabilities in employment, education and other public accommodations for over 25 years, it still happens today. Come learn the basics about what rights you have under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and what to do if you feel you have faced discrimination.
  • Autism and the HealthCare System--Stacy Stanford
  • Speed Friending!
    • Looking for a quick and easy way to make friends? Come try speed-friending! We’ll help you know what to say, and who to talk to, and if things don’t click, you can move on without the awkward goodbye. You have nothing to lose and new friends to gain!
  • Reddit in Real Life Panel--Sarah Heuser, Jared Stewart. Josh Olivas, and more!
    • Ever wonder if other autistic people do what you do or think what you think? Here’s your chance to find out. Why go to reddit with your questions, when we have a panel of real-life autists right here? This final panel of the evening is your chance to ask anything you want--about autism, about life on the spectrum, about what to do in certain situations, about relationships, about school, about work, about anything.
  • Autism 2.0: How to Turn Autism into a Superpower--Christian Swenson
    • A lecture on psychological tricks to process overwhelming sensations and overstimulation and turn them into quick, on-the-spot decisions. This is a kind of Autism 2.0, where instead of being overwhelmed by the world, you use it as rocket fuel.

8:50 – 9:15   Travel time to theater for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR!

9:30 - Midnight   AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR! at Cinemark University Mall
  • 1010 S 800 E, Orem, UT 84097 (see maps section for directions) 
Event Maps
ScenicView Academy Campus Map​ - click here to view the map
Level 1 - click here to download the map
Level 2 - click here to download the map
Directions for AutCon - click here to download directions

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

SUPPORT THIS UNIQUE EVENT
  • Gold Sponsors ($3000 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, and 8 tickets to our autism-friendly screening of Avengers: Infinity War.  
  • Silver Sponsor ($1500) will receive verbal recognition at the event, logo placement in event program and on event T-shirt, and 4 tickets to our autism-friendly screening of Avengers: Infinity War.  
  • 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:

Jessica Savage, Sponsorships
ScenicView Academy
(801) 226-2550
jessicas@svacademy.org

​Accreditation & Associations

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