Scottish Autism, this week, are attending the Autism-Europe event in Nice along with over 2,200 autism experts from across the world. 

Under the motto “A New Dynamic for Change and Inclusion”, Autism-Europe’s 12th International Congress brings together more than 2,200 people on the autism spectrum, parents, professionals, carers and other interested parties from 80 different countries from all over the world from the 13 to 15 September.

Autism-Europe’s international congresses are dedicated to sharing advances in the practical and scientific knowledge of autism to as wide an audience as possible, including autistic people, researchers, professionals and parents. The Congresses are held every three years, each time hosted by a national autism organisation in a different European country. The member organisation that organises each congress is elected by the Autism-Europe’s General Assembly.

The congress addresses a wide range of issues, including: diagnostic and assessment, language and communication, access to education, employment, research and ethics, gender and sexuality, inclusion and community living, mental and physical health, interventions, strategic planning and coordination of services as well as rights and participation.

The conference will be held at the Congress Center Nice Acropolis. In the heart of Nice, just 7km from the Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport, Acropolis ranks among the world’s most famous conference and exhibitions centre.

Zsuzsanna Szilvásy, President of Autism-Europe, said: “The 2019 congress’ motto is “A new Dynamic for Change and Inclusion”, in keeping with our aspiration that international scientific research on autism should be translated into concrete changes and foster social inclusion for autistic people of all ages and needs. Our congresses therefore strive to be a place where all interested stakeholders can meet to exchange and reflect on how to shape better lives for autistic people”.

Danièle Langloys, President of Autisme France, said: “We will be particularly pleased to welcome professionals and families from all over the world to discuss the challenges, the advances, both social and scientific. Diagnoses are still difficult or too late to obtain in many countries, and it is important to share the tools to improve them, as it is essential to develop the means of real inclusion for people with autism, at school and at work, in sports and leisure activities, and also to bring support to families”.