Autistic Community Summit: Detailed Schedule

Schedule at a Glance

 

10-10:30 a.m. Welcome Sessions. 10:45-11:45 a.m. Keynote. 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch. 12:45-1:45 p.m. Breakout Session 1. 2-3 p.m. Breakout Session 2. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Breakout Session 3. 5-8 p.m. Speed Friending

Detailed Summit Schedule 2024

Hover over the title of each session to see a full description, and hover over the name of each presenter to read their bio. Information may change or be updated, so check back often! The keynote presentation and all breakout sessions will be livestreamed and recorded. In addition, the Support Check In and the Powerpoint Party will be livestreamed.

To register for the Summit, click here.

9-10 a.m.

 

Registration opens

 

 

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.AuSM Shop

Explore fidgets, books, and lifestyle products for sale.

Exhibitors

Visit resource tables to learn about community organizations that support autistic individuals.

Quiet Space and Hangout Room

Need to take a break? Our Quiet Space will have fidgets and comfy spaces to step away from the Summit. If you’d like to hang out with other Summit attendees, head to the Hangout Room! There will be games and puzzles, plus some programming offered throughout the day.

10-10:30 a.m.Welcome Sessions

Before our keynote presentation, we have some opportunities for you to connect with other autistics and prepare for the day. These sessions are optional: join us if you’d like or come in time for the keynote!

1. Orientation Session: Learn about what to expect from the day, where things are located, and the social norms of the summit.
2. Coffee Hour: Meet for a cup of coffee and conversation with other attendees.
3. Support Check In: A structured chance to share how you’re feeling, ask for support, and get ideas. Think of this as a mini support group. There will be an option to join virtually.

10:45-11:45 a.m.Keynote Presentation
A World of Possibilities: Rethinking Autistic Contribution and Work

Presented by AJ Locashio (she/her, they/them)

A nonbinary individual holding a coffee cup and grinning widely

Imagine a world where work is more than just a 9-to-5 job. This talk will show you a different way to think about work, one that makes you feel good and helps you reach your goals.

Key Points:

  • Work is more than a job: It can be anything that helps you feel good, like volunteering, taking care of yourself, or being part of your community.
  • Avoid burnout: Learn how to find a work-life balance that makes you happy and healthy.
  • Lead autistic projects: Discover how to start or join projects that are led by autistic people.
  • Connect with others: Learn how to build strong relationships with other autistic people.
  • Handle disagreements: Learn how to talk to others calmly when you don’t agree, especially when you’re working together.
  • Be yourself: Understand that it’s okay to ask for help or accommodations at work.
  • Find your purpose: Learn how to feel good about what you do and how you help others.

This talk is for you if:

  • You’re autistic and want to find a job you love.
  • You’re a parent or caregiver of an autistic person.
  • You’re an employer or coworker who wants to support autistic people.
  • You’re interested in a new way to think about work.

Get ready to feel inspired and learn new things about work. You’ll leave this talk with practical tools to help you find a work life that’s perfect for you.

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch Break

A young individual holds a microphone. They have bright red hair and wear a dark shirt.

Lunch is not provided by AuSM. You have the option to add a boxed lunch to your registration for $16-17. There are some restaurants within driving distance. You can also order Door Dash, Grub Hub, or another delivery service. You are also welcome to bring your own food.

During lunch, we will offer a variety of meet ups. If you want to find people with similar interests or backgrounds to eat lunch with, AuSM will share where you can find that group. These meet ups will include LGBTQ, parents, youth, and others.

12:45-1:45 p.m.Breakout Sessions 1

1. Ask a Neurodivergent Therapist: Community and Workplace Accessibility and Accommodations  presented by Elizabeth Duffy (she/her), Nikki Huelsman (she/her), Aster Letterman (he/him), and Santanna Ficken (they/them)

2. Be Kind to Your Mind: Embracing Neurodiversity presented by Amanda Vo

3. The Intersection of Addiction and Neurodiversity presented by James Fulton (he/him)

2-3 p.m. Breakout Sessions 2

1. Advocating When Your Communication Skills Take the Day Off  presented by Jason Wierdsma (he/him)A photo of a crowd watching a session at the Autistic Community Summit

2. Navigating the Healthcare System as an Autistic Adult presented by Jennifer Presnell (she/her) and Dr. Loucresie Rupert (she/her)

3. Embracing Change and Pivoting Your Passion on the Autism Spectrum presented by Jordan Salzano (she/her)

4. Creating Sensory Tools with Household Objects in the Hangout Room

Join Lizzy Duffy, an O.T., for an hour of making your own sensory tools out of easy-to-find items. Stop in for a little bit, or join us for the full hour.

3:30-4:30 p.m.Breakout Sessions 3

1. And Justice for All, Unless You Have Autism: Navigating the Justice System on the Spectrum presented by Meg Lietzau (she/her)

2. Autistic in the 20th Century, A Panel of Age 50+ Adults presented by Anna Skytta-Gurkanlar (she/her) with panelists Barbara Joy Schneider (she/her) and Diana StarDragon (she/her)

3. Disclosing Autism at Work presented by Daren Howard (he/him)

3. Powerpoint Party in the Hangout Room

We’re bringing back the Powerpoint Party! Last year we had a great time, so we’re doing it again. This is a chance for anyone to give a short presentation on a topic of their choice (3-5 minutes). You can sign up to present when you register, or let us know the day of. Send us your slides and we’ll have them ready to go. You don’t have to present to attend: you can always come to listen and learn about people’s favorite interests.

5-8 p.m.Speed Friending and Pizza

Join MNeurodivergent after the Summit for a chance to hang out and get to know your fellow autistics. The event will include a chance to do Speed Friending, plus time to hang out and eat pizza in a less structured setting. Speed Friending is similar in structure to Speed Dating. There will be two lines of people sitting across from each other. The participants will then talk to the person across from them for 5 minutes. At the end of the five minutes, the participants will rotate. They will continue rotating until the end of the event. Unlike Speed dating, evert participant will talk with every other participant, time permitting. The event will not be split by gender, age, race, etc.

Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Davanni’s, 5124 Gus Young Ln, Minneapolis, MN 55436
Cost: $15 (includes pizza)

Registration is separate from the Autistic Community Summit registration. Click here to register.

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