With one year to go, Autism SA proudly hosted the official launch of the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) 2013 on Tuesday 7 August 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Guests included industry colleagues, valued members from the autism spectrum community, business events suppliers, representatives of iconic South Australian businesses, and existing supporters of Autism SA such as the Adelaide Convention Bureau, Adelaide Convention Centre and All Occasions Group.

South Australian media personality and APAC 2013 Ambassador Amanda Blair hosted the evening where guests were treated to a performance by the Marymount College Vocal Ensemble.

The Hon. Ian Hunter, South Australian Minister for Disabilities was warmly welcomed and announced the Government’s commitment to a successful conference by pledging $50,000 as principal sponsor.

The support acknowledges how significant APAC 2013 is in raising awareness and the profile of South Australia in the international autism spectrum community.

Other announcement highlights for the night included; unveiling of the APAC 2013 website, release of the sponsorship and exhibition prospectus and the opening of the call for abstracts.

Australia’s first Future Leaders Program is an initiative of APAC 2013 and aims to equip young Australians with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to develop self advocacy skills.

The program is a first for any conference of this nature, and will provide 
pre-conference familiarisation, socialisation, information, training and professional support, enabling young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate more fully in APAC 2013.

For more information please visit APAC 2013.

As the Asia Pacific autism community come together in Adelaide next year for APAC 2013 it is important to us that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders are at the centre of this conference and involved in every phase of the planning and operation.

To do this, we need your help.

If you are a person with an ASD, please complete this short survey and share with us your unique insights into what might make APAC 2013 truly autism focused and friendly.

We welcome any suggestions or comments on the topics covered or your experience of conference participation.

We look forward to you being an integral part of this very special event.

Please click here to complete the survey

Abstracts are now being called for oral and poster presentations for APAC 2013. The committee seeks a range of proposals covering current and emerging research, clinical and educational practice and the everyday life experiences and achievements of people with autism, families and others in the autism community. Visit APAC 2013 to submit your abstract online before to the submission closing date of Friday 14 December 2012.