Grant enables autistic community to join the conversation
![The grant offers a great opportunity for individuals on the spectrum, their families and carers to connect and network at the event [Source: Shutterstock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/24-Sept-Autism-west.jpg?fm=pjpg)
Autism West has received a Lotterywest grant to help subsidise tickets for their annual symposium, aimed at bringing people together to listen and share the latest thinking in autism.
The Autism West Symposium will be held on 2-3 November at Pan Pacific Perth, offering a great opportunity for individuals on the spectrum, their families and carers to connect and network.
Chief Executive Officer of Autism West, Louise Sheehy, says the symposium, which is in its fourth year, aims to cover a number of themes, including “strategies on education and how to understand behaviour, early intervention, as well as issues relevant to adults with autism, including disclosure and its impact”.
Keynote speaker for the event is US advocate Michael John Carley, the founder of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP); an organisation providing support and education for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Other presenters include international and local people, many with lived experience of autism, as well as speakers from Autism West Youth Advisory Council, Bankwest, Optika Solutions and Curtin University, delving into topics such as early intervention and design within the autism community.
“Autistic presenters from both our own local area as well as overseas can offer insight to individuals and families raising children, as well as professionals such as teachers, health professionals and researchers,” Ms Sheehy says.
“We hope delegates leave thinking about how important it is to be exposed to different opinions and get these opportunities to learn from each other.”
“This grant enables people who may struggle to afford to attend to contribute to the conversation,” Ms Sheehy adds.
Applications for subsidised tickets are open to individuals on the spectrum, their families and carers, as well as not-for-profit organisations, and close on Tuesday 25 September.
Successful applicants will be notified by 2 October.
The application form for subsidised tickets is available here.
More information on the Autism West Symposium can be found on on their website.
For more information on disability support and services, please visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au