In the Spotlight Conference Shines

AASCEND‘s 10th (!) collaboration with the SF State University autism programs—the In the Spotlight conference on adult autism held October 20—was a great success! Speakers Charlene Tilton, star of the hit TV series Dallas and longtime president of Actors for Autism throughly charmed us with tales of helping young autistic actors find their way; and Tom Iland inspired with his fascinating experience of coming to life as an autistic person in the world of television..

Other highlights included the acceptance of a coveted AASCEND’s ENDS award by the cast and crew of the autism rom-com Keep the Change—via video from New York—and a beautiful and rocking musical performance by Rebirth Canal, fronted by spectrum lead Camille Mai singing in Portuguese, and Vietnamese. (Camille also designed our conference banner, above.)

Main room at the conferenceMain room at the conference

The many breakout groups and panels composed of people both on and off the spectrum thoroughly explored the conference topic of autism and the media, giving the day a great sense of focus. Here is the program for the day, and the presentations.

Conference CollageMany worked behind the scenes to make the conference a success.

Thank you to all!