Support & Programs
Au-Some conference
A day of sharing, inclusivity, and acceptance of the autistic community in Canada.
The Au-Some Conference is the only Canadian conference in which all of the presentations are created and delivered by individuals on the Autism Spectrum, sharing their lived experiences and enriching the lives of
It is a day for people to learn about the diversity of the Autism Spectrum and where, together, we will create an inclusive environment for sharing successes and for creating acceptance for those on the spectrum, caregivers and communities.
NEXT AU-SOME CONFERENCE: October 27 -28
October 27, 2023
7pm - 9pm EST
How to be a Good Autism Advocate
How to be a Good Autism Advocate
As individuals on the Autism Spectrum get older, it’s important that they learn to advocate for themselves to the best of their ability. Beginning to learn these skills in adolescence will help individuals with autism transition to adulthood and will benefit them throughout their lives.
Tom Jackman
An award-winning autism advocate, recognized for his leadership in disability rights, and an Autism Canada board member.
A New Self Advocacy Guide for Cancer...
A New Self Advocacy Guide for Cancer Patients on the Autism Spectrum: Meet the Sisters Who Created it
People on the Autism Spectrum might need specific support and resources to navigate cancer. Two sisters, one a cancer survivor who is also on the Autism Spectrum and the other, an ethnographer and caregiver, have created a self-advocacy guide for cancer patients on the Autism Spectrum. They hope their guide will help you and your support people access the best healthcare possible, have effective conversations with your healthcare team, and learn ways to articulate your needs.
Paula & Lindsey Holmes-Rodman
Paula Holmes-Rodman is an ethnographer, caregiver, advocate and writer. Lindsey Holmes is a four-year ovarian cancer survivor, a recent brain tumor survivor, and an adult on the autism spectrum.
We Belong: Self-advocacy for people...
We Belong: Self-advocacy for people on the Autism Spectrum
Those with ASD don’t fit into the expected mold of society. Many see us as victims, but we don’t have to live a life of despair. For those on the spectrum, self-advocacy is an essential life skill. We cannot passively wait for the system to change. We must have the confidence to ask for the aid we need if that includes applying for benefits or asking employers for accommodations.
D.
We Belong: Self-advocacy for people on the Autism Spectrum
October 28, 2023
10am - 2pm EST
A journey through self-advocacy using...
A journey through self-advocacy using creativity and positive autistic attributes
This presentation will look at self-advocacy and creativity, drawing on my personal lived experience. It will focus on challenging assumptions, promoting autistic strengths, strategies for advocacy, supporting allistic folks to be allies and promoting self-esteem and positive self-knowledge for autistic people.
Yenn Purkis
An Autistic, ADHD, Non-binary, Asexual individual with schizophrenia, author, and global presenter.
My Art and Autism
My Art and Autism
This presentation will cover his journey as an autistic person, how drawing helped him as a young boy and eventually helped him find his place in the world as a self-employed artist. It will also cover how autism affects Casey’s art.
Casey Vormer (Remrov)
An autistic, self-taught pencil artist renowned for his detailed realistic drawings of animals and cityscapes
The importance of hobbies for mental...
The importance of hobbies for mental health and wellbeing
Hobbies can be another word for special interests, but hobbies is a word that is amore easily identifiable and has very little stigma attached. However, for many late-diagnosed, high-masking autistics, partaking in hobbies/special interests can feel self-indulgent, but maintaining hobbies is so important to our mental and physical health.
Kristen Hovet
A late-diagnosed autistic individual, who founded ‘The Other Autism’—a platform that challenges autism myths and highlights late diagnoses
Maybe ALL creativity is autistic creativity
Maybe ALL creativity is autistic creativity
Is all creativity autistic? Autistics often are fascinated by the micro: special interests, numbers, details that NTs may miss. Most creative ideas begin with something specific and expand from there. Are all creatives simply following the path that comes so naturally to autistics
Michael Levine
A former Television Academy Governor, celebrated composer, and penned the award-winning short film The Aspirant.
Palette of Imagination
Palette of Imagination
In this presentation, attendees will be invited into a vibrant, neurodiverse creative universe. The showcased artistry is deeply personal, flourishing in vivid colours inspired by sensory moments, profound emotions, and the beauty of nature.
Aiden Lee
A multimedia artist, podcast host, broadcaster, painter, and youth activist.
The importance of hobbies for mental...
The importance of hobbies for mental health and wellbeing
Hobbies can be another word for special interests, but hobbies is a word that is amore easily identifiable and has very little stigma attached. However, for many late-diagnosed, high-masking autistics, partaking in hobbies/special interests can feel self-indulgent, but maintaining hobbies is so important to our mental and physical health.
Kristen Hovet
A late-diagnosed autistic individual, who founded ‘The Other Autism’—a platform that challenges autism myths and highlights late diagnoses
