The theme for Autscape 2012 is 'Similarities and diversities'.
While the diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions would suggest that all autistics share certain characteristics, it is also clear that autistic people differ from one another at least as much as we are similar. In this year's programme, we wish to explore these "similarities and diversities" both within the autistic spectrum and between autistic and non-autistic people. This may include any aspect of autism in which we may be similar to or different from each other, e.g. emotional or sensory experiences, memory and information processing, social interaction styles, communication, management of home and personal lives, personalities. It may also include understanding non-autistics, theories that unify or divide the autistic spectrum, explaining autism to people who know little - or a little too much - about it, autism and co-morbid conditions (e.g. mental or physical health issues), and many other topics.
The theme is meant to inspire presenters as well as to provide some coherence to the programme, not to be overly restrictive, so feel free to be creative in its application. Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority; however, any suitable topics will be given consideration.