Subscribe Via RSSAutism Society National Conference 2010
I just got back a couple days ago from a short but intense trip to the Autism Society National Conference in Dallas, Texas. Sorry for the blurry photo, but that’s me up there with Jason Ross and Alex Plank along with Michelle Garcia-Winner, who moderated the panel. At some point I also had to speak behind the podium which I was less thrilled/more mortified about, but I must have survived. Actually I feel a whole lot better about public speaking now that I realize that the key is not to try to be someone I’m not…doesn’t that sound familiar? (You can watch here on YouTube. Again, mortified.)
The Talks
Next year, I’ll definitely allow more time for sessions. I arrived the day before my panel and was so exhausted that even though I wanted to listen to Girl World or Relationships on the Spectrum, all I could do was plant myself in the first soft chair I could find.
One talk I made sure not to miss, however, was the Speaking for Ourselves panel. Every year, individuals on the autism spectrum living in the area local to where the conference is held get a chance to tell their story at this panel, and it just so happened that my friend Melody from ASParenting was speaking. Melody spoke eloquently, and hearing her story actually gave me chills as I realized how we both started out looking for such related supports and found each other.
How’d The Travel Work Out?
Besides having a fair amount of anxiety about speaking, I was also aware that it would be my first time traveling alone other than the times I flew home from college. Judging from some of my travel experiences in the past (like being in a small hotel in Colombia and realizing there are no other guests or staff while a potential break-in is happening in the middle of the night, and that’s when I discover my room phone doesn’t work, and oh! I don’t speak Spanish) I was unsure about how it could go. Maybe it would be more accurate to say that my husband had some doubts.
I have to hand it to the ASA and the Hyatt Regency Dallas; they made the whole experience go very smoothly. The hotel staff was extremely patient and professional when I asked them to repeat just about everything and never acted like it was anything out of the ordinary.
Halfway through my flight I realized that I’d left my toothbrush and phone charger at home, and started stressing about both of these things. When I asked the front desk where I could get a toothbrush, they just handed me one, no questions asked. My room turned out to have an ipod dock that worked well for charging my phone, so in the end everything worked out perfectly.
If I recall correctly, they mentioned that they trained the hotel staff on being autism-friendly, and I’m curious what that entailed.
If You’re Considering It
I know, conferences aren’t always the easiest to get to with all of the circumstances we have going on. Last year I couldn’t justify it at all. This year I probably wouldn’t have been able to go if it weren’t for the fact that I was speaking. Next year I’m hoping to go and will have to plan ahead carefully for it, but it’ll be worth it.
One question I initially had was whether there was enough programming for people on the spectrum to justify the effort. There turned out to be usually at least one (if not more) talk per session that would be of interest to adults on the spectrum, and it was probably more of an issue choosing just one. That said, you’re not going to go to every session anyway. Plus, there were a good number of adults on the spectrum to socialize with – if you’re so inclined. You could just as easily find a quiet place to be alone with your laptop.
If you go and run into me, please say hi. You might find me wearing a “no hugs please” button.
5 Responses
It is a shame your panel was so early. I do wish the “keynotes” had been shifted to plenary / lunch — I simply cannot function that early in the morning. I did see Mr. Plank walking about with a camera, I believe. (It takes me a few hours to prepare for each day.)
I was too tense in the afternoons, after sessions, to deal with people, but I was able to spend a lot of time alone away from the conference. The people at the hotel were definitely great at helping locate places.
The Townhall (I think Saturday?) was too tense for me. There are strong (vehement) views on the medical and mental health presentations, especially the DSM-V and some other matters. I had to skip the panels after the Townhall to gather myself. I do not do well anywhere near conflict or anger.
It is good that you enjoyed your short time at the conference. I hope you consider presenting at future events, as well.
C. S. Wyatt´s last blog ..The Why of Conferences
I wasn’t able to make the Townhall, although from what you describe maybe it’s for the best. There was one medical session I went to on neurology, but had I been given any description of the presenter or the material I would have chosen something else. They probably did not intend for someone who identifies on the spectrum to attend, and I will leave it at that.
You’re lucky you had the chance to get out of the hotel and explore! I saw on your blog that you got away.
How did your talk go?
The problem with research on education for “older” students is that few people at conferences are focused on adults. I believe I had 10 or fewer people in the audience.
I fear that so much energy is still focused on children that the secondary students and adults seeking training / life skills will be overlooked.
I did have a good time away from the conference. I love the NorthPark Mall in Dallas. Quiet, with ducks and turtles. I didn’t go into any stores, which would mean dealing with clerks and people, but instead sat in the art gardens for two hours.
The vehemence of people debating some issues is too much for me. The “self advocates” are too angry, some are even bitter. That’s not good for me.
I’m anti-factional and would rather see people work together to help with life skills we need, regardless of age or situation. Sadly, my “anti-anger” leads me to be “opposed” to some protest methods and language.
I travel poorly as it is, so why seek out tension?
C. S. Wyatt´s last blog ..Jobs and Autism
WOOHOO great stepping out on your own. I hope you are really roud of yourself. Also not to worry about the toothbrush and charger. Every traveler, no matter who they are always forgets something. Invariably it is the toothbrushes and chargers. Its why the staff handed you that toothbrush and why the ipod dock is in the room. It actually had nothing to do with your autism and verything to do with hotel service and knowing travelers.
Also I had just read that the Hyatt in Dallas was trained and even had autism-friendly rooms for families with children on the spectrum. it is an intersting occurrence and one that bespeaks well of that hotel chain. Going to use Hyatts from now on when we travel.
Elise´s last blog ..A Cyberbullying Asshat
For me, it’s always the charger! Whether it’s the phone charger or the laptop charger.
It really spoke to the staff’s level of professionalism that they took every request in stride, even late at night when several of us approached the concierge and asked a million questions about restaurants that deliver. Elise, you know and I know that not every business is prepared yet to handle all the quirks that come along with autism, so this is a wonderful thing!