Taking Off the Mask: Autistic Pride Symposium Program Unveiled

We are thrilled to unveil the program for the Autistic Pride Day Symposium 2024, set for June 8th in Melbourne and June 9th in Sydney. These events promise a series of enriching panels and workshops designed to foster understanding, inclusion, and empowerment for Autistic individuals. Tickets are now on sale, with accessible options for community access and opportunities for companies to sponsor tickets for community members.

Melbourne Program Highlights:

• 10:30 AM, Panel 1: Neurodivergent Health Practitioners: Insights and Innovations, featuring Naomi Malone and Judy Tang

• 11:15 AM, Panel 2: National and State Autism Strategies: Opportunities, Challenges, and Impact, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Sharon Zivkovic, Rebecca McCash, and Sofia Neale. Concurrently, Workshop 1: Autism in the Workplace: Know Your Rights, led by Tammie Sinclair

• 12:00 PM, Networking Lunch

• 1:00 PM, Panel 3: Autistic Entrepreneurship: Building a Support Ecosystem in Australia, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Sharon Zivkovic, Rebecca McCash, and Roo Harris. Concurrently, Workshop 2: Unlocking Support, led by Anita Aherne

• 2:00 PM, Panel 4: Autism and Disability: Perspectives and Intersections, featuring Rosie Putland and Jacob Alan. Concurrently, Workshop 3: Surviving to Thriving, led by Rebecca McCash

• 3:00 PM, Panel 5: Autistic Led Solutions for Autistic People: Technology Focus, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Michelle Ridsdale, and Roo Harris

Sydney Program Highlights:

• 10:15 AM, Panel 1: Understanding Autism: Neurodivergent Health Practitioners’ Perspectives on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Public Perception, featuring Judy Tang and Naomi Malone

• 11:15 AM, Panel 2: Autistic Led Solutions for Autistic People: Programs, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Tammie Sinclair, Rebecca McCash, and Anita Ahern

• 12:00 PM, Networking Lunch

• 12:45 PM, Film Screening: Neuromance, introduced by Kyle Goldfinch

• 1:00 PM, Panel 3: Media Representation of Autistic People: Challenges, Progress, and the Path Forward, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Kyle Goldfinch, and Sandra Thom-Jones. Concurrently, Workshop 1: Autism in the Workplace: Know Your Rights, led by Tammie Sinclair

• 2:00 PM, Panel 4: Embracing Neurodiversity in Education: Building Neuroaffirming Learning Environments for Autistic Students, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Diana Tan and Marion Rabuka Concurrently, Workshop 2: Surviving to Thriving, led by Rebecca McCash

• 3:00 PM, Panel 5: Autistic Entrepreneurship: Autistic Cognition and Business Development, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Sharon Zivkovic, Roo Harris, and Christina Chun

• 4:00 PM, Panel 6: Enhancing Employment Opportunities for Autistic Individuals: Strategies for Inclusion and Success, featuring Kyriakos Gold, Rebecca McCash, Tammie Sinclair, and Sandra Thom-Jones

• 5:00 PM, Q&A: Think Autism, moderated by Kyriakos Gold, with participation from all speakers

• 6:15 PM, Networking Drinks

The Sydney event is made possible by the City of Sydney, showcasing their commitment to supporting neurodiverse communities and invisible disabilities.

On Wednesday, May 22, we will be launching the new Autistic Pride Day website. This revamped platform offers a streamlined interface, making it easier to access information about events, resources, and community initiatives. Users can explore detailed agendas for the Melbourne and Sydney symposiums, register for workshops, and engage with content celebrating neurodiversity.

The new website aims to enhance connection and understanding within the Autistic community and beyond. Visit Autistic Pride Day to explore the new features.

Join us for these insightful and engaging events as we celebrate Autistic Pride and work towards a more inclusive future.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Melbourne event page and the Sydney event page.