Attending a conference that focuses on autism spectrum disorders is a great way for family members, professionals, and autistic individuals to connect. While varying in scope, these autism conferences are the place to find out the latest information on autism research, breakthroughs in autism education, and biomedical treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
2008 marks the 39th year that the Autism Society of America (ASA) will be hosting its national conference and exposition. Scheduled from July 9 through July 12, 2008, the event will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The conference will have over 200 sessions geared towards parents, professionals, caregivers, autistic individuals and more. In addition to the conference, the ASA’s exposition will feature over 150 exhibitors.
Registration fees are $225 if you register by 5/1/08 and $270 if you register by 7/1/08. Onsite registration will also be available for a fee of $300. Individuals on the autism spectrum receive a discounted registration fee of $150 and children under 18 are free.
Autreat is sponsored by the Autism Network International (ANI). ANI is “an autistic-run self-help and advocacy organization for autistic people.” Autreat is not your typical autism conference; focusing on the positive sides of living with autism, conference-goers will not find information on causes of autism spectrum disorders. Attendees will also notice an absence of information on autism cures.
The 2008 retreat is tentatively scheduled for June 23-27, 2008 in Syracuse, New York. Autreat is geared towards autistic individuals and their friends.
The 2008 US Autism and Asperger Association (USAAA) International Conference will be held from September 4-7, 2008 at the Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, Texas. Detailed conference information is not available yet but the USAAA website welcomes attendees as the organization brings “Biomedical Treatments, Behavioral and Developmental Therapies Together.”
The Defeat Autism Now! (DAN) Spring Conference is scheduled to take place from April 4-7, 2008 at the Cherry Hill Crown Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ. From the Defeat Autism Now! website, “Defeat Autism Now!® is dedicated to educating parents and clinicians regarding biomedically-based research, appropriate testing and safe and effective interventions for autism.”
If you are an autism professional, caregiver, family member, or autistic individual, consider attending one of these 2008 autism conferences.