Aspies For Freedom

A truly unique online conference for you to put in your diary. For
the first time ever, from October 17-21, 2005, many of the world's
leading experts on autism will be online to answer your questions in
the world's biggest free on-line autism conference.  You can register
now at http://www.autism2005.org

The conference, which is thought to be the largest of its kind
anywhere in the world, is open to anyone with an interest in autistic
spectrum disorders, including Asperger's syndrome.

Autism2005.org is a unique opportunity to speak directly to experts
such as Professor Rita Jordan, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor
Uta Frith, Dr Tony Attwood and the international authors Donna
Williams and Wendy Lawson, both of whom have autism.
The conference is being organised by Autism Cymru, Wales' pioneering
national charity for autism.  Delegates can register now at
http://www.autism2005.org and make a note to log on to take part in this
groundbreaking event. Abstracts and papers for the conference will be
available online from the beginning of October 2005.

You don't need to be an expert yourself - the conference is open to
absolutely anyone: people with autism, parents, teachers, social
workers, probation officers, police officers, medical professionals,
researchers or the just plain curious.
All the experts will be available to answer questions and exchange
views and ideas. The on-line conference will tackle all aspects of
autism, from the latest research findings in the fields of the brain
and genetics, to diagnosis, education, Asperger's syndrome,
biomedical approaches, other therapies and first-hand experiences of
living with autism.

Autism Cymru's Chief Executive, Hugh Morgan, said: "Autism Cymru is
proud to host this historic on-line conference.  Never before has the
public had access to such a pre-eminent group of leading-edge experts
in the field of autism.  Distinguished experts from across the globe
will come together to discuss their research and experience and
exchange the latest ideas and thoughts on a subject which has
continued to perplex practitioners from a range of disciplines.  It
is our hope that Autism2005 will set the standard by which future
similar events may be judged.  I would encourage anyone with an
interest in autism to register and take part in this truly world-
beating conference."

The conference is the latest in a notable series of world firsts for
Autism Cymru. The Welsh Assembly Government is working closely with
the charity and others in developing a strategy for children, young
people and adults with autism. This 10-year strategy aims to raise
awareness and improve service delivery across health, education and
social services. Autism Cymru is also working with the universities
of Wales, Bangor, Cardiff, Glamorgan and Swansea to develop a
national research centre for autistic spectrum disorders.

For further information on Autism2005 contact Laura Morgan on 029
20464940 or go to http://www.autism2005.org

The outstanding gathering of experts taking part includes:

Professor Uta Frith
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen
Professor Tony Attwood
Professor Rita Jordan
Professor Anthony Bailey
Professor Lorna Wing
Donna Williams
Wendy Lawson
Paul Shattock
Dr Karl Reichelt
Theo Peeters
Dr Geraldine Dawson
Dr Digby Tantam
Dr Fiona Scott
Dr Tony Charman
Dr  Marian Sigman
Dr Patricia Rodier
Dr Rebecca Landa
Dennis Debbaudt

They had this conference last year, and the site was horribly laggy, and slow.
They only have the opportunity to answer a few questions, and they pick if they answer or not.

My advice would be, try and have a fast connection, go there early and submit questions as soon as you can in the hope of getting a response.

Questions themselves can be interesting, regardless of whether anyone bothers to answer the question. Philosophy is all about questioning things that have never before been questioned. There's almost as much cleverness in asking a really good question as in giving the right answer.

The problem is that you never get to see other people's questions, they are submitted directly, you only see the questions that get answered by the panel.

We should a have STRONG  AFF presesence

Perhaps we should do username_AFF just to show we are out there

Autism cymru are already aware of AFF, and if we use such a tactic they might dismiss every question, or even worse - the NT parents reading will see the names and dismiss our questions. A better plan is to simply ask questions that provoke thought without drawing immense attention to ourselves.

Why would they dismiss it out of hand simply cos of AFF affixed to username??


Being aware of aprreciateing the strength i n numbers is different besides there will be more than Autism Cymru there

As the people answering questions can be as selective as they like, we basically have not much choice, people will not see any of our questions unless they are answered (if my memory is right, and if they use the same procedure as before).

All we can do is try and ask pertinent questions and hope for a response. And hope that the site is not so slow that its impossible to view.

I've had a quick look at the conference site, and it looks like a discussion forum to me. I think you're supposed to ask the experts questions relevant to their papers, but none are posted as yet. I guess one could critique papers?

There's one section of the discussion forum for the token autistic (aren't they so generous?), I think that section is called "Voices from the spectrum" or something like that. I think it would have been nice if they had named it "Opinions from the spectrum" instead. I guess they will acknowledgee that we have voices, but will they give us any credit for having opinions worth considering? Actually I have a lot more things besides a voice. I've got opinions, rights, responsibilities, kids, spouse, mortgage, degree, a vote and lots of housework to do.

I think there was some other forum in which off-topic discussion will be permitted.

Lili did you have to register to see the forums? I couldn't see them.