UNITING AUTISTIC WOMEN TO SAVE AUTISTIC WOMEN.
FIRST AND FOREMOST
HOW DOES AN EVENT LIKE AUTISTICAPALOOZA HELP REDUCE THE SUICIDE RATE OF AUTISTIC WOMEN?
Ranked as a top reason for attempting suicide by Autistic women is feeling like they do not belong anywhere. AutisticaPalooza is bringing Autistic women together so that each of us can see, talk to and walk among the community of Autistic sisters to which we belong.
We are resilient. We are strong. We are brilliant. We know each other's pain and joy. AutisticaPalooza is where we can open our arms to each other in a way no one else can and, for many of us, in a way no one else does. This is why we call AutisticaPalooza a family reunion; it is a reunion of Autistic women made sisters by our common path in the world.
In this way, we are uniting Autistic women to save Autistic women.
IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA MEANT TO CONVEY SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE TO ATTENDEES?
No. Information conveyed at our conference is not intended to be specific or tailored medical or mental health care advice. Such advice can only be given to you by a licensed professional familiar with your unique circumstances.
ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS AT AUTISTICAPALOOZA ACTUALLY AUTISTIC?
All but one - Mary P Donahue, PhD. Though Dr Donahue is not Autistic, she is a licensed mental health care provider who has been treating Autistic adults for over thirty years. Diagnosed with ADHD, she is a widely-recognized expert on Autism and suicide. Because of this, we hold her in high regard as to her understanding of our community and consider her uniquely qualified to discuss the topics to which she will speak: 1) Healthier Relationships - Friendship and Love and 2) Autism and Alexithymia.
HOW MANY OF OUR SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS ARE AUTISM EXPERTS?
AWE defines an "Autism expert" as a person who is actually Autistic. Given that definition, and the fact that our audience is actually Autistic women, from our perspective, we believe that AutisticaPalooza will be the largest gathering of Autism experts the world has ever seen!
BESIDES HAVING ACTUALLY AUTISTIC WOMEN SPEAKERS, HOW IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AUTISM CONFERENCES?
Unlike other Autism conferences, our overall message - in fact, our truth - is that Autism is a difference, not a mental "disorder" or a personality deficiency to be trained or shamed out of us. Our speakers have been carefully chosen to speak at AutisticaPalooza because their message is strength-based and reflects the positive aspects of being an Autistic woman while simultaneously addressing the real difficulties we face living in an Allistic world. The goal is to provide attendees with concrete information we can use to make our lives better immediately!
WILL THERE BE ANY SESSIONS GEARED TOWARD HELPING ME NAVIGATE WORK?
Yes! The following sessions are specifically appropriate for this topic: 1) Autistic Me/Allistic Boss (panel), 2) The Best Work for Your Brain, 3) How to Ask for and Get the ADA Accommodations You Need, and 4) Creating Sensory Soothing Settings for Autistic Adults to Thrive.
WILL THERE BE ANY SESSIONS GEARED TOWARD HELPING ME NAVIGATE DATING, RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX?
Yes! In our quest to shatter the false public perception that Autistic women are not interested in sex, we will have both a session on "vanilla" sex and a separate session on so-called "kink" sex. We will also have a panel discussion on dating during which we will address common questions and tackle difficult topics such as the high rate of physical and emotional abuse our community experiences. Finally, we will hear from couples in both successful and unsuccessful mixed Autistic/Allistic marriages so we can learn what works and what doesn't work.
WILL THERE BE A COMMEMORATIVE POSTER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
Yes! Autistic artist, Amanda Hebert Hughes, is creating our commemorative poster and prints will be available at the venue. Pre-order your print when you purchase your event ticket to have it signed by the artist and available for pick-up upon your check-in at the venue!
WILL THERE BE SOUVENIRS FOR SALE?
Yes! There will be a variety of special items available at various prices to celebrate and commemorate the 1st Annual AutisticaPalooza!
I AM NEWLY DIAGNOSED. IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA FOR ME?
Yes! AutisticaPalooza is the perfect conference to attend to learn how to live a better life and about your wonderful Autistic community from other Autistic women!
I AM SELF-DIAGNOSED. AM I WELCOME AT THE CONFERENCE?
Absolutely!
I IDENTIFY AS NON-BINARY. AM I WELCOME AT THE CONFERENCE?
Absolutely!
I AM A TRANSGENDER WOMAN. AM I WELCOME AT THE CONFERENCE?
Absolutely!
I AM A MAN WHO LOVES AN AUTISTIC WOMAN. WILL AUTISTICAPALOOZA HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND HER ADULT AUTISTIC EXPERIENCE? IF SO, WILL I BE WELCOME?
Yes and absolutely!
I AM UNDER 18 YEARS OLD. MAY I ATTEND AUTISTICAPALOOZA ON MY OWN?
No. Session topics are geared toward adult women so minors must be accompanied by an adult parent.
WILL SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS SPEAK IN LANGUAGE I CAN UNDERSTAND OR WILL THEY SPEAK USING LANGUAGE ONLY A PhD CAN UNDERSTAND?
Speakers and panelists will speak from their own lived experiences in plain English.
CAN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EARN CREDIT FOR ANY AUTISTICAPALOOZA SESSIONS?
No. AutisticaPalooza is for Autistic women to share their lived experiences with each other. It is not intended to be formal professional training for mental health professionals and no CE credit is being offered.
IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA APPROPRIATE FOR NON-AUTISTIC PARENTS OF SCHOOL-AGED AUTISTIC CHILDREN LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO HELP THEIR CHILD?
No. Conference session topics are geared toward later-diagnosed Autistic women sharing their lived experiences and advice with each other. None of the sessions are geared toward helping parents find appropriate services for school-age children.
WHY IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA GEARED TOWARD AUTISTIC WOMEN AND PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFY AS NON-BINARY, TO THE EXCLUSION OF MEN?
AWEs mission is to engage in activities aimed at reducing the suicide rate of Autistic women. That rate is 13 times higher than the suicide rate of non-Autistic women and is the highest of all demographics in the United States. Simply put, Autistic women are most in need.
DOES MY AUTISTICAPALOOZA TICKET INCLUDE LUNCH FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY?
No, it does not. Box lunch tickets must be purchased separately for Friday and Saturday. The same applies to the Teen Curriculum. To make things exciting, each lunch ticket will be assigned a raffle number. During Friday and Saturday lunch, AWE will raffle off wonderful items, which may include such things as autographed books written by our speakers, headsets, quality fidgets and AutisticaPalooza promotional posters signed by our speakers! Must be present to win and every ticket can win only once so we can spread the raffle love around.
WHAT IS BEING SERVED FOR LUNCH?
BOTH DAYS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FRIDAY, October 18, 2024:
Baked Potatoes with toppings (Sour Cream, Bacon Bits, Shredded Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Butter)
Grilled Chicken Breast
Mixed Greens Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette on the side
Assorted Cookies and Brownies
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024:
Caesar Salad
Chicken Fajitas
Achiote Rice
Flour Tortillas
Lettuce, Salsa Roja, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese
Cheesecake Chimichangas
THIS IS THE FIRST ANNUAL AUTISTICAPALOOZA AND AWE'S FIRST ORGANIZED EVENT. WILL EVERYTHING RUN LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE?
No. We are working with many people who have graciously volunteered to advise us on organizing our event. However, we ask for everyone's patience and understanding should unwanted circumstances occur. Our goal is for our attendees to have a wonderful, life-changing experience at AutisticaPalooza and we will do everything in our power to make that happen!
WHEN IS THE ART EXHIBIT?
The art exhibit will be held at the venue and will be open on Friday and Saturday, October 18-19th. The exhibit will be open to the public from 6:00-10:00pm.
WILL THE ART EXHIBIT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Yes! The art exhibit will be open to the public from 6:00-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday, October 18-19th. Ticket price is $45 per person and tickets will be available on Eventbrite soon. A cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit Autistic Women Emerging.
DOES MY AUTISTICAPALOOZA TICKET INCLUDE ENTRY TO THE PUBLIC ART EXHIBIT?
Yes! Conference attendees can attend the art exhibit on one or both nights!
WILL THE ARTWORK BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
Yes! Artwork will be available for purchase with delivery after the exhibit.
WILL THE FEATURED ARTIST, AMANDA HEBERT HUGHES, BE AT THE EXHIBIT?
Yes! Ms. Hughes will be in attendance and will speak about her artwork on both evenings!
WILL PRINTS OF THE EXHIBIT ART BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
Prints of Ms. Hughes artwork will be available to order. More information coming soon on the additional artists.
CAN I ATTEND AUTISTICAPALOOZA ON-LINE IN REAL-TIME?
No. AutisticaPalooza will not be available on-line in real-time.
WILL AUTISTICAPALOOZA BE VIDEO RECORDED?
No. AutisticaPalooza will not be video recorded.
WILL AUTISTICPALOOZA BE AUDIO RECORDED?
Yes, audio recordings of select sessions will be made available. More information to come.
WILL AUTISTICAPALOOZA TEEN BE VIDEO RECORDED?
Yes! Video recording will be made available after editing. Price to be determined at a later date. Join our email list on the home page for updates,
CAN I RECORD THE SESSIONS MYSELF AS AN ATTENDEE?
No. Recording of any AutisticaPalooza session is a violation of the event code of conduct and is strictly prohibited. Violations will result in immediate and indefinite removal from the venue without refund or other compensation.
WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?
Tickets for AutisticaPalooza and AutisticaPalooza Teen are on sale now on Eventbrite. Use promo code ROAR for a $100 discount on AutisticaPalooza for the month of April ONLY! Does not apply to AutisticaPalooza Teen.
AutisticaPalooza: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autisticapalooza-tickets-875671185087?aff=oddtdtcreator
AutisticaPalooza Teen: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autisticapalooza-teen-tickets-875458167947
DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR LUNCH TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE AS WELL!
DOES MY AUTISTICAPALOOZA TICKET INCLUDE LUNCH?
No. Lunch tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite when you purchase your ticket to the conference. Each lunch ticket is also a raffle ticket. Fantastic prizes will be be raffled off during lunch on both Friday and Saturday, October 18-19th.
WHAT WILL BE SERVED FOR LUNCH?
Friday and Saturday, October 18-19th, lunch menus will be posted soon.
ARE TICKETS TRANSFERABLE OR REFUNDABLE?
Once purchased, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
WHERE IS AUTISTICAPALOOZA TAKING PLACE?
The venue for AutisticaPalooza is the Marriott Denver South. The address is 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree CO 80124.
IS THERE A DISCOUNT RATE FOR HOTEL ROOMS AT THE VENUE?
Yes! Click here to make a reservation at the venue hotel at the AutisticaPalooza discounted rate: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1708468229844&key=GRP&app=resvlink
WILL THERE BE A SENSORY FRIENDLY PLACE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?
Yes. Arrangements are being made to have a quiet room available for attendees during conference hours.
IS THERE A FEE TO PARK AT THE VENUE?
There is no fee to park for the day. The discounted overnight parking fee is $5.00 payable on check-in to the hotel.
DOES THE VENUE HOTEL PUMP SCENT INTO THE HOTEL?
The venue has agreed not to pump any perfumed scent into the building for the duration of the event.
DOES THE VENUE HAVE A RESTAURANT?
Yes. There is an on-site full-service restaurant at the venue. Note, however, that room service is not available.
DO I HAVE TO STAY AT THE VENUE HOTEL TO ATTEND AUTISTICAPALOOZA?
No. Here is a list of nearby hotels also in Lone Tree CO (zip code 80124):
Tru by Hilton Denver-South, 9741 Park Meadows Dr
Hampton Inn & Suites RidgeGate, 10030 Trainstation Circle
Element Denver Park Meadows, 9985 Park Meadows Dr
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver South, 10664 Cabela Dr
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd
Extended Stay America, 8752 S Yosemite St
Others:
Drury Inn & Suites, 9445 E Dry Creek Road, Englewood CO 80112
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 10535 El Diente Ct, Englewood CO 80112
Hilton Denver Inverness, 200 Inverness Dr W, Englewood CO 80112
Hilton Garden Inn Denver South, 9290 Meridian Blvd, Englewood CO 80112
IS THE VENUE IN A SAFE AREA?
The venue is located in Lone Tree CO which is regarded as a safe place to take a nice walk to local stores or restaurants.
IS THE VENUE STAFF PREPARED TO HANDLE A CONFERENCE FULL OF AUTISTIC WOMEN?
Yes. Marriott Denver South staff have been provided with information about our unique needs. In addition, AWE will have on-call personnel available to the venue staff during conference hours if additional support is requested by either venue staff or a conference attendee.
WILL THERE BE SECURITY AT THE VENUE?
Yes. In addition to the Marriott security staff, AWE is arranging for officers from the Lone Tree Police Department to staff our event.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN DENVER IN OCTOBER?
October has been described as prime hiking weather for Denver. Snow and rain are unlikely - possible, but statistically unlikely!
WILL THE EVENT BE CANCELLED IF IT IS RAINING OR SNOWING?
No. The show will go on snow, rain or shine!
IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM THE DENVER INTL AIRPORT TO THE VENUE AVAILABLE?
Yes. From the Denver Intl Airport, take the A Line commuter train to Denver's Union Station. From Union Station, take the E Line and get off at the Lincoln Station stop. Follow the sidewalk to the south up to the Marriott Denver South Parking Lot.
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH AWE STAFF FOR ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE?
Contact AWE staff via the contact page. We strive to reply within 3 business days.