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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. |
Early Bird pricing ENDs MAY 15
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 comfortable and confident, 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. The health department says that shirts, shoes, and face-coverings 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. However, because we cannot presume to know what you need, we are reliant on you to tell us what you need with enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Accommodations should be requested at least 48 hours prior to the event. We aim to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, but cannot guarantee our environment will be allergen free. 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 is NOT 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. Tours will be available until June 18, 2021.
Q: What do you mean by an “autism-friendly environment”?
A: The ScenicView Academy campus is designed for individuals with autism, and our event 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 neurotribe. We like you.
A: We want you to feel comfortable and confident, 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. The health department says that shirts, shoes, and face-coverings 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. However, because we cannot presume to know what you need, we are reliant on you to tell us what you need with enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Accommodations should be requested at least 48 hours prior to the event. We aim to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, but cannot guarantee our environment will be allergen free. 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 is NOT 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. Tours will be available until June 18, 2021.
Q: What do you mean by an “autism-friendly environment”?
A: The ScenicView Academy campus is designed for individuals with autism, and our event offers:
- Small Sessions
- Visual Supports
- Dedicated quiet spaces
- Options for non-verbal participation
- Social Supports
- Natural light
- Limited unsolicited social contact
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Wide hallways to avoid crowding
- Gender neutral restrooms
- Comfortable breaks between sessions
- Event staff are easily available and identifiable
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 neurotribe. We like you.
Meet Our Presenters & Panelists
Presenters
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.
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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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. |
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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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Cagney Ann Smullin
Cagney Anne Smullin is in her 14th year of working for nonprofits. Her professional experience is in public event management in Zoo’s and Aquariums, but she also has experience with small local non-profits like the 9th West Farmers Market where she was a board member and the market manager. She enjoys working for non-profits and it was one of the driving forces that caused me to pursue an MPA degree. While working for for Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Cagney successfully planned, organized and executed Hogle Zoo’s hosting of the 2015 Annual Zoo and Aquarium Conference for 2,000 attendees. She's an Administrative Manager for the College of Social Work and a member of the University of Utah Course Materials Team. Her current focus is on disability rights and services. Her daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 2 in 2014. Since then she has learned a lot about her needs and the needs of people with disabilities. In that time she also discovered that she is autistic and was diagnosed at age 32. People with disabilities and differences are vastly under-served and unseen in our community and she hopes to use her education and experience to raise awareness and create resources. She created a program called Hiring the Spectrum, an online employer training for autism inclusion. I created this training as part of my MPA degree and am currently researching its effectiveness. Cagney spends her limited free time playing with her daughter and creating new sensory experiences for her (she’s a sensory seeker), maintaining a Little Free Library for her neighborhood, and making weighted blankets to donate or sell for cost to other autism families, building Halloween displays in her yard, and watching movies with her husband. |
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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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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. |
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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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Katie Edna Steed
Katie Edna Steed is the Disability Specialist Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prior to coming to The Church, she spent fifteen years as an Associate Clinical Professor at Brigham Young University in the department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education. Her area of expertise is in children with severe disabilities, including Autism. Before teaching at Brigham young University, Katie taught in public schools both as a general and special educator. Katie also serves as a Technical Specialist for LDS Charities where she provides training throughout the world to help educators, medical personnel and parents support individuals with special needs. Katie’s favorite titles are that of wife and mother to three wonderful children, one of which has Autism. She loves to support children of all abilities achieve their goals and become what they desire to be. |
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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. |
Howard Tayler is the writer and illustrator behind Schlock Mercenary, the Hugo-nominated science fiction comic strip. He also co-hosts the Hugo and Parsec award-winning “Writing Excuses” podcast, a weekly 'cast for genre-fiction writers, with Mary Robinette Kowal, Brandon Sanderson, and Dan Wells. They collaborated together to create the Shadows Beneath anthology. Howard has written tie-in fiction for Privateer Press, and horror for the Space Eldrich anthologies. As well as the Planet Mercenary RPG. Planet Mercenary is set in the universe of the Schlock Mercenary comic.
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Darci Stone won the Gold Pen Award in Writers of Future Volume 34. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Physics Teaching and a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Darci currently develops online curriculum for math and science in American Fork, Utah. She married into the world of speculative fiction when she said “yes” to Nebula Award Winner Eric James Stone.
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Sessions and Activities
Coming soon!
Stuff to Look At/Read/Listen to About AutCon
Schedule
Event Maps
ScenicView Academy Campus Map - click here to view the map
Event Map: Finding Your Way Around - click here to view the map
Directions to AutCon - click here to download directions
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. Gold Sponsors will also receive 4 tickets to the event.
- Silver Sponsors ($1500) 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 |
