Life on the Spectrum

October 27, 2022: DEMYTHIFYING MASKING: REFRAMING PATHOLOGY TO IDENTIFY UNDERLYING FACTORS

Workshop developed and presented by Dena Gassner.

Masking or Camouflaging is a new hot topic in autism research, however, these behaviors are naturally occurring in society but are differently executed by autistic persons. Masking is not a uniquely neurodiverse behavior. In this training, through illustrations of lived experiences, participants will deconstruct the research on the phenomenon known as masking in order to foster enhanced understanding and provide informed supports.

Please note: This workshop was not recorded.

October 27, 2022: RELATIONSHIPS AND AGING

A panel of autistic adults discuss their relationship experiences and how they have changed throughout their lives.

SPEAKERS

Andrew Milner

Chuck Hall

Connie Usher

November 11, 2022: Future Planning

Workshop developed and moderated by Shani Taylor.

A conversation about planning for the future, savings, and retirement, from the perspectives of Autistic Self-Advocates and professionals.

SPEAKERS

Maria Smith, Director of Education and Outreach, Achieva Family Trust

Elizabeth Yoder, CFO, Director of Financial Planning, Planning Across the Spectrum

Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 2 – 3:30 PM: AUTISM, MENTAL HEALTH & SELF-CARE

Workshop developed by Aliki Koumenis.

Presentation by Aliki Koumenis and Robert Schmus.

A conversation about mental health, wellness, and self-care, from
the perspectives of Autistic Self-Advocates and professionals in the mental health field.

Note: This workshop was not recorded.

Thursday, 7/1/21, 1:30-3:00 PM: SELF ADVOCACY

Workshop developed by Ellie McKeown

A panel of Autistic individuals discuss what self-advocacy looks like and how to implement it in your daily life.

MODERATED BY:
Robin Roscigno, Founder of AuTeach
Featuring a panel of Philadelphia-based self-advocates

Note: This workshop was not recorded.

Wednesday, 7/28/21, 7:00-8:00 PM: NAVIGATING HIGHER EDUCATION

Workshop developed by Elliot Mumma

A conversation about the ins and outs of higher education, from the perspectives of both an Autistic young adult currently in college and a representative from the Drexel Autism Support Program.

SPEAKERS
Elliot Mumma, current college student
Amy Edwards, Ed.D., Director of Drexel Autism Support Program (DASP)

Saturday, 9/18/21, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: SEX ED & DATING

Workshop developed by Ev Smith and Khylil Robinson

A two-part workshop consisting of a presentation on sex education for autistic individuals, followed by a panel discussion on dating and relationships featuring autistic individuals.

SPEAKERS
PART 1 – SEX ED
Speaker: Michael John Carley

PART 2 – DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS
Moderated by: Michael John Carley
Featuring a panel of autistic individuals
discussing dating and relationships.

Wednesday, October 13^th, 10:00AM-11:30AM EST: AUTISM IN WOMEN

Workshop developed by Sarah Nannery

Moderated by Hannah Belcher

Panelists: Hannah Belcher, Morenike Giwa, Sarah Nannery, Jordan Stephenson

Autism in Women consisted of a brief presentation on Dr. Hannah Belcher’s research on autism spectrum disorder in women, followed by a panel conversation of women discussing their lived experience as women on the Spectrum.