Melbourne’s Chris Varney, who has autism, will headline the list of international and Australian speakers at Victorian Autism Conference.
Chris, 26, founder of I Can network, will speak on the I Can attitude and share his story and ‘stories of transformation’ from others.
“It’s time to rethink autism,” says Chris.
“When I was diagnosed, the experts fed my mother a negative prescription of a future in which I couldn’t do things.
‘‘Mum somehow found the courage to have a rethink, choosing a path of ‘my son can’ rather than ‘my son can’t’. She created an I Can attitude around me of family, friends and teachers.
‘‘My brave mother removed my disorder by creating an environment free of the stigma that would inhibit me.
‘‘If we create an enabling environment, we reduce the need to distinguish the ‘disability’. This is where we can all play a role.’’
More than 1500 people from across the country will attend the conference, held every two years by Amaze, Victoria’s peak autism spectrum information and advice service.
Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie says: “Chris is one of 40 Australian and international speakers who will share their knowledge, experience and passion.
‘‘In addition to providing the community with new information, the conference allows people on the autism spectrum, members of their family, carers, teachers and others working in the field to learn and feel supported by each other.’’
UK education expert Professor Rita Jordan, Australia’s early childhood expert Professor Andrew Whitehouse, US expert Dr Lori Ernsperger, and Victorian Deputy Police Commissioner Lucinda Nolan are among the speakers.
Among those to speak on the theme Personal Journeys, Sharing Stories are Maribyrnong’s Mark and Leanne Hogan, and Brunswick West’s Scott Hardie.
There has been a 25-fold increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism in the past 30 years, with about 1-in-100 children affected. An estimated 55,000 Victorians are on the autism spectrum.
Time to Rethink Autism – Victorian Autism Conference
When | August 6-8
Venue | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Details | www.amaze.org.au/2014conference
