AWARES online autism conference 2007
November 29th, 2007 at 10:41am |
Welcome to an interview with Adam Feinstein, founder of the AWARES online autism conference now in it’s 3rd year.
1) Hi Adam, tell us about your involvement with the autism field
I first became involved in autism when my son, Johnny, was diagnosed with the disorder at the age of around three-and-a-half. At the time, I new very little about the condition but I decided to do a lot of research and talked to other parents. I also founded my own international autism newsletter called Looking Up (www.lookingupautism.org). I am now also the editor of two autism-related websites, AutismConnect (www.autismconnect.org) and Awares (www.awares.org). Both are run by Autism Cyrmu, Wales’ National Charity for Autism.
2) What is the AWARES online conference?
This year, I am running Autism2007, the third annual Awares international online autism conference organised by Autism Cymru. Last year’s event was a resounding success - Professor Simon Baron-Cohen called it “the best online autism conference on the planet.” Over 10,000 delegates joined in the discussions and put questions to the more than 60 experts taking part. This year’s conference began on November 26, but I am extending it for a further two weeks. The line-up of experts who agreed to participate in this year’s conference is unprecedented. They feature many of the world’s leading autism authorities, and delegates have the unique
opportunity to put questions to all of them. The participants include Donna herself, Dr Lorna Wing, Professor Rita Jordan, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Dr Susan Folstein, Dr Gary Mesibov and Dr Darold Treffert.
opportunity to put questions to all of them. The participants include Donna herself, Dr Lorna Wing, Professor Rita Jordan, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Dr Susan Folstein, Dr Gary Mesibov and Dr Darold Treffert.
3) How does the AWARES online conference work?
It is very simple: to register, go to www.autism2007.org and follow the registration process. Once you have full access to the conference, you can read all the experts’ papers and the discussions. If anyone needs further information, they can contact me on adam@autismcymru.org
4) How does the AWARES online conference compare with face to face conferences?
I believe the Awares online conference is far more user-friendly than a face-to-face conference and provides a unique forum which is actually the largest online event of its kind anywhere in the world. People can log on whenever they like and put questions directly to the top world experts in the field of autism, or they can engage in a lively, constructive and stimulating debate with other delegates.
5) What have you learned from being involved in and part of the AWARES online conferences over the last few years?
Quite apart from the fascinating research findings I have picked up from the experts’ papers, I have a learnt a huge amount from reading the first-hand accounts from people with autism like you, Donna, and from delegates on the spectrum, as well as their parents, carers and other professionals in the field. The discussions always prove extremely enlightening.
6) How long does the AWARES online conference run for?
Officially, the online conference lasts for a week, but I always end up extending it due to popular demand. The same goes for this year’s event: I will be extending it for another two weeks until December 14.
Thanks for taking the time to let us know about the conference.
See you over there.
Warmly,
autistic author of 9 published books,autism consultant and international public speaker.
Hi, love your interviews!
Do you have any video interviews or video of any of your talks etc?
Or you could email me some clips, that would be great if you have any to email.
Thanks!
Hi Beth,
I have one podcast on my website http://www.donnawilliams.net under ‘interactive’ then ‘oddpod’
I’m intending to do do more.
I also have DVDs on the site which are done in video diary style on a range of topics.
and I have You Tube clips over at You Tube too.
there’s also 4 documentaries of me - one UK, one Japanese, one German, one US
so I’m out and about.
Hi,
The previous two years I participated in the annual Awares autism forum, but will not this year. I am too busy and I get lots of information on autism already. But, I did look at the photos and abstracts of the people that submetted papers. I finally got my speeches on youtube and search dithorsos to get to them and I will be submitting more and more.
http://www.debbiethorsos.com
http://www.myspace.com/dithorsos