PROVO, UTAH, JULY 6, 2020 — AutCon, an annual convention by autistic adults for autistic adults, has traditionally been a space where adults on the autism spectrum could be with and learn from their autistic peers. Volunteers from the ScenicView community put time, energy, and resources into hosting the event, so when the COVID-19 virus prohibited gathering, ScenicView took AutCon online.

For more than 19 years, ScenicView Academy has been a community dedicated to empowering individuals on the autism spectrum, but as a support program it can be easy to forget that empowerment is not one-directional. Empowerment also involves listening to the experiences of autistic people, amplifying autistic voices, validating autistic ways of life, honoring the skills and contributions of autistic people, and providing a community of support for our autistic friends and associates. “That’s why AutCon is so important,” says Program Director Jared Stewart, “the best way to learn about autism is to listen to the experts — those who live the autistic experience every day.” 

The change of format was challenging for many of the presenters, who were asked to record presentations in advance, rather than present in real time to an audience. But the result is a website loaded with resources and content from the autistic perspective on numerous topics that influence and intersect with autism including:

• Navigating the social world of the workplace  
• Nonverbal communication
• Mental health and self-care 
• Healthy Sexuality 
• How to live on a fixed income
• Autism and the healthcare system 
• Receiving an adult diagnosis
• Using your autism to improve your health

The online format has also allowed ScenicView to share AutCon with programs nationwide, for no charge. You can find AutCon at svacademy.org/AutCon 

About ScenicView

ScenicView Academy, founded in 2001 in Provo, UT, is a nationally recognized nonprofit school for young adults with autism spectrum disorders, neurodiversities or learning disabilities. Through our residential programming, we empower our students to reach their potential and gain skills to live independently. Scholarships are available based on financial need. SVA is accredited by National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES).