Beyond Awareness: Discovering and Celebrating Autistic Strengths - Free Webinars - July 8 and July 15, 3:30-5:00 p.m. (MT)

Explore autism through a new lens. These webinars introduce a more affirming framework for understanding autism that acknowledges the real challenges while also recognizing the power within the unique traits. Many autistic individuals feel pressured to suppress their natural ways of engaging with the world to meet social expectations. How autism is understood shapes autistic well-being, how they value their autistic self, and the value communities gain from neurodiversity. Through research findings, relatable examples, and lived experiences, participants will gain appreciation for autism and a more empowering perspective on misunderstood autistic characteristics. Individuals with autism will find strength and value in their autistic identity. Family, friends, educators, and providers will gain a deeper understanding of autism and learn to recognize and support the strengths of autistic individuals, fostering greater inclusion.

Learning Objectives
•Describe the contrast between traditional deficit-based models of autism with a neurodiversity-affirming paradigm
•Examine four key autistic traits through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, understand how they are shaped by natural variations in the human brain, and identify the strengths associated with each
•Explore how well-known autistic individuals harnessed their unique traits as strengths and made a meaningful impact

Speaker:
Benino Coscia is a 15-year-old student and advocate who is passionate about helping others see autism through a strength-based lens, drawing from his personal experiences and research. He is the author of The Music Within and the founder of “Different, Not Less,” a nonprofit through which he has developed and delivered neurodiversity-affirming autism workshops.

Intended Audience:
•July 8 – This session is tailored for autistic teens and young adults
•July 15 – This session is tailored for family, friends, educators, and/or service providers who work with autistic youth and young adults

During registration, please select the date and plan to attend the webinar for the audience type that best describes you:
July 8 for autistic teens and adults
July 15 for family, friends, educators and service providers

Questions may be directed to christine.cook@cuanschutz.edu.