As pioneers in Neurodiversity advocacy, Evaleen and AUsome Training lead the way in Neurodiversity training in Ireland, ensuring professionals, parents, and educators engage with lived experience and real change. They offer flexible online Neurodiversity training courses led by Autistic advocates and pride themselves on delivering accessible Neurodiversity training for professionals and educators
History of Neurodiversity Conferences in Ireland
Before 2019 there were no Autistic-led conferences in Ireland. Many people had not even heard of the word “Neurodiversity”. Conferences, even those small few that were organised by Autistic people did not headline Autistics and other Neurodivergent folx. All of this changed when Evaleen was having yet another chat in an Autistic online group about yet another upcoming ‘autism conference’. The group were really disheartened about the lineup of ‘experts’ speaking about Autistic people rather than Autistic people being seen as capable of speaking for and about ourselves.
An Autistic woman on an advocacy mission
If such a thing as an Autistic Conference didn’t exist then that meant that people who were thirsty for knowledge and correct information had no alternatives to these awfully pathologising autism conferences in Ireland at that time. What was needed more than anything was some powerful Autistic advocacy because harmful ideas had so far gone unchallenged in Ireland.
“Well if no one is going to do it for us”, said Evaleen “I’ll do it myself”.
Evaleen was known to some of her friends as The Little Red Hen for reasons probably already obvious to you from reading this far! And if you can’t guess it’s because she saw what needed doing and made it happen, even when no one else would. Off she went to set about creating Ireland’s very first All-Autistic Conference.
Evaleen had never organised a conference before but that didn’t phase her. She used her skillset from organising children’s events and researched what she didn’t know. Little did she realise that organising it was going to be the easiest part. But of course there were going to be objections and obstacles and lots of heartache along the way to Ireland’s first ever all-Autistic, Neurodiversity Conference. Autistic rights were just not on the radar in Ireland only back 6 years ago.
Nothing could have prepared her for the resistance to an Autistic Conference- some of it even from within the Autistic Community itself, which was just finding its feet in Ireland. Although it almost broke her she achieved her goal as she had a clear understanding and vision of what this conference would mean for those to follow. It was a groundbreaking Neurodiversity conference, an event that changed the course of Autistic rights in Ireland and elsewhere.
What makes AUsome Conferences Unique
To date, there are no other Neurodiversity Conferences in Ireland quite like AUsome’s. Autistic-led events such as Autscape in the UK tend to be attended primarily by Autistics whereas AUsome Neurodiversity Conferences capture a wider audience of professionals, schools, parents and change makers. Their Neurodiversity training takes people on a journey–to dismantle bias and helps them to reassess the society we live in.
Some Neurodiversity conferences fall short of making real change and understanding the grassroots movement for Autistic and other Neurodivergent people’s rights. Evaleen and AUsome Training have a very clear understanding of what Neurodiversity is and their Neurodiversity conference always encapsulates powerful advocacy as well as gentle guidance and insights from professionals with lived experience.
People who attend Minding Autistic Minds Conference and other Neurodiversity conferences and events by AUsome Training never leave the same as when they arrived. The emotional aspect of this Autistic-led conference has to be experienced to be understood. Attendees describe AUsome Neurodiversity conferences as “life changing” , “warm”, “challenging” and “transformational”. What AUsome Training does comes from a place of pain and love–pain for what humanity has done to each other and love–a deep hope that we can change this.
Neuro-affirming trainers at Minding Autistic Minds Conference 2024
Neurodiversity Training Opportunities
Since this first game changing Neurodiversity event in 2019 in Ireland Evaleen has gone on to create many Autistic-led Neurodiversity Training Courses available online to anyone in the world. Minding Autistic Minds Conference is an annual in person event but it’s hybrid so you can also attend online. Neurodiversity events should always be accessible to Neurodivergent people.
Join us for this year’s Minding Autistic Minds Conference—two powerful days of learning, connection, and transformation. Secure your place now here. A wonderful 2 day conference of Neuro-affirming presentations and workshops delivered by Neurodivergent professionals. It’s a wonderful Neurodiversity CPD opportunity. Come to learn from some of Ireland’s leading advocates as well as UK presenters.
Don’t just read about the transformation—experience it for yourself. See what a truly inclusive autism conference is like. Join us at the next Minding Autistic Minds Conference and discover how our Neurodiversity events are changing the conversation and lives. You won’t find another Autism rights conference like this in Ireland. Last year was a sell out event attended by Autistic people, professionals, schools, social care workers, doctors, nurses, HR, third level educators and so many more
The first day of the Neuro-affirmative conference is designed for professionals working with Autistic adults: from mental health professionals and educators to HR personnel and social workers, this conference is tailored to address the pressing issue of Autistic mental health and well-being. Gain first-hand insights and a practical skillset. Day 1 of this Autistic-led advocacy event will also be hugely beneficial to parents and Autistic adults themselves.
The second day of the Irish Neurodiversity AUsome conference is designed specifically for schools, parents, caregivers, and professionals working with Autistic children and teens. Discover the crucial role of mental health in the lives of Autistic children, gain valuable insights, and learn practical approaches to support their well-being.
Last year’s conference SOLD OUT, bringing together Autistic advocates, professionals, educators, and decision-makers. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this movement—register now!
This conference is an invaluable CPD opportunity for professionals seeking Neuro-affirmative training
