Symposium on Autistic Relationships: Communication, Community, Connection

Ticket sales for the live event are now closed. We welcome you to purchase access to the replay by following the link below. 

Buy replay ticket 

Replay ticket sales close 5pm (AEST) Monday 20 June 2022. Ticket holders will be able to access the platform 9am (AEST) Wednesday 22 June 2022. 

About the Symposium

Reframing Autism’s 2022 Symposium on Autistic Relationships will be held online on Autistic Pride Day, Saturday 18 June 2022.

In the field of Positive Psychology, PERMA represents a model of subjective wellbeing or “happiness” that is integral to living a “good life”. The acronym PERMA stands for positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievements.

In this Autistic-led, one-day, single-stream event, we will explore the R of PERMA in the context of Autistic lived experience. Join us as we learn and reflect on the unique gifts and strengths that Autistic people bring to their relationships with others, as well as the ways that non-autistic people can connect with us that acknowledge and are respectful of our Autistic neurology.

Who is it for?

Appropriate for the Autistic community, as well as for their families, allies and professionals, the structure of the program has been designed to ensure accessibility, and to encourage engagement and interaction.

Why attend?

• 12 expert sessions on various aspects of Autistic relationships
• Virtual swag bag filled with resources and recommended reading
• Live chat opportunities with speakers and other delegates
• Access to online video content, virtual swag bag and exhibit hall for 30 days post-event

A comprehensive agenda

We are thrilled to share our exciting line-up of speakers and session topics with you. Our speakers represent a diverse range of fields, expertise and lived experience.

Welcome to Country  |  Michael West

Autistic Relationships: What do we know?  Dr Melanie Heyworth

Relationships with identity: Self-acceptance  |  Lauren Melissa Ellzey

Relationships with mind: Self-compassion  |  David Gray-Hammond

Relationships with animals & nature  |  Dr Dawn-joy Leong

Relationships with family: Child & parent  |  Shadia Hancock & Jane Hancock

Relationships between friends with diverse communication needs  |  Tim Chan, Julie Matheson, Jade McEwen and Emmy Elbaum

Relationships between children & professionals  |  Dr Amy Laurent & Dr Jacquelyn Fede

Relationships with community: Social identity  |  Terra Vance

Relationships at work  | Yenn Purkis, Cherie Clonan, Cat Howell, Andrew Baird, Andrew Fox & Cassandra Lutzko

Relationships between friends  |  Dr Erin Bulluss feat. Abby Sesterka

Relationships between intimate partners  |  Ashton Bartz & Chris Rohweder

Closing: Fostering positive connections  |  Dr Melanie Heyworth

We are also pleased to advise that if you are unable to join us live on Saturday 18 June 2022, you will still be able to access the vFairs platform for 30 days upon completion of the Symposium and view the presentations at a time that is suitable for you.

Purchase your ticket

Accessible pricing and 30-day access

$49  |  General Admission 

$199  |  Professional Development 

(Professional Development ticket includes a Certificate of Completion)

Ticket sales close 5pm (AEST) Friday 10 June 2022.

Secure your place today!

If you are an Autistic person and wish to attend the Symposium, but you are currently experiencing financial hardship, please follow the link below.

Apply here

Did you know? If your child has an NDIS plan that includes a budget line for parent education, and you are plan- or self-managed, you can claim your registration costs for Reframing Autism events from your child’s NDIS funding.

Join our online community 

Use #AutieRel22 as we count down to this exciting event!