Autism Autonomy: In Search of our Human Dignity

Elizabeth Torres, PhD presents insights from her book "Autism Autonomy: In Search of our Human Dignity," a profound exploration of what it means to honor the full personhood of autistic individuals. In this keynote, Dr. Torres shares the importance of her research for amplifying autistic agency—centering the voices, choices, and self-determination of those on the spectrum.

Drawing on rigorous scientific inquiry and deep respect for lived experience, Torres challenges systems and frameworks that reduce autistic individuals to passive recipients of intervention. Instead, she argues for a paradigm shift: one that recognizes autonomy as foundational to dignity, and data-driven understanding as a tool for empowerment rather than control.

Key themes include:

• Why autonomy matters: The ethical and practical case for supporting self-determination in all aspects of life—communication, movement, decision-making, and daily living

• Research as advocacy: How objective measurement of sensory-motor processes can validate autistic experiences and challenge deficit-based narratives

• From compliance to collaboration: Rethinking clinical, educational, and family relationships to prioritize partnership over correction

• Amplifying agency: Strategies for creating environments, systems, and interactions that honor what autistic individuals are communicating—verbally and non-verbally.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the intersection between science and human rights, and a renewed commitment to practices that uplift rather than diminish autistic dignity. This keynote is a call to action: to listen more deeply, measure more thoughtfully, and advocate more boldly for a world where every autistic person's autonomy is recognized and protected.

Objectives:

1. Participants will explain the ethical case for supporting self-determination in all aspects of autistic life.

2. Participants will define language related to sensory-motor processing and measurement thereof, including but not limited to: vestibular, interoception, proprioception, sensory profile

3. Participants will integrate at least two strategies for creating environments that honor autistic autonomy.