WILLEMSTAD – On April 28-29, 2025, Curaçao will host the conference "Many Faces of Autism – Changing Insights and Participation" at the World Trade Center, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The conference will focus on recent developments in autism research and promote inclusivity in education and society. 

Autism specialist and parent coach Ilonka van der Sommen will deliver the keynote speech during all sessions. The conference is designed for a variety of audiences: on the morning of Monday, April 28, the focus will be on school leadership and management, while the afternoon sessions will target education professionals and healthcare providers. The evening will be dedicated to parents. The first day will conclude with a panel discussion and registration for workshops that will take place the following day. 

On Tuesday, April 29, the second day of the conference will be held at the University of Curaçao. It will feature fourteen interactive workshops covering a range of topics such as autism in young children, speech therapy, motivation, planning and structure, and sensory triggers. These workshops will be led by both local and international experts, including orthopedagogists, speech therapists, and specialists with hands-on experience in special education. 

The diverse range of topics is a highlight of the event, offering everything from theoretical insights to practical strategies for both the classroom and home. There will also be sessions for parents to share their experiences and for professionals to reflect on their own perceptions of autism. 

This conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of autism while promoting a more inclusive approach to supporting individuals with autism within both educational and social contexts.