Are you ready for AspieCon? Need more information about it? You’re in the right place! Last year’s AspieCon was a blast, and I’m sure this one will be even better! Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kelley Bolton, a clinician at Southeast Psych about AspieCon 2018. Here’s our conversation:
The Interview
Julie: Hi Dr. Bolton, thank you for talking with us about AspieCon today. I’m sure you are busy getting things ready, so let’s get right to it. This year AspieCon is coming up fast! It will be held Saturday, April 14, at the same location as last year, Queens Sports Complex in Charlotte, NC. But for those who aren’t familiar, what is AspieCon?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: AspieCon is a one-of-a-kind convention dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. It combines everything people love about comic book and pop culture conventions with access to valuable information and services one might find at a community resource fair.
Julie: AspieCon 2017 was incredible. What are you excited about for AspieCon 2018, in particular?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: We’ve added a number of new entertainment and resource elements this year which is awesome, but I am perhaps most excited for the opportunity our guests have to connect with others on the spectrum, and in turn to become part of a strong community. (Click HERE for the current schedule.)
Julie: It really is a fantastic opportunity to meet others who also live life on the autism spectrum. Who should attend?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: Aspies, Auties, their families and friends are certainly invited, but AspieCon is open to anyone who might be interested to attend whether it’s to learn more about the autism spectrum firsthand, play Dungeons and Dragons, or love to cosplay. Everyone’s welcome!
Julie: I love that it’s on a Saturday. Is this an all day commitment?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: Attendees are encouraged to stay as long as they like, but they will be able to re-enter if they need to leave and return for some reason; just don’t take off your wristband. Panels will be offered throughout the day along with other entertainment options such as trivia, D&D, character meet & greet, and an interactive quest for attendees to play while at the con. Also, food trucks will be serving lunch from 11:00-2:00pm.
Julie: When’s the deadline to buy tickets?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: Deadline to buy tickets online is 11:59pm, April 13th ($15 individual; $5 kids 12yrs and younger) Tickets can be purchased at www.aspiecon.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door ($20 individual; $7 kids 12yrs and younger). (Julie’s TIP: Chrome may work better than Firefox for this.)
Julie: Good to know there is still time to buy tickets! Dr. Bolton, what’s your relationship to Asperger’s?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: I first started working with kids on the spectrum in graduate school, and then I began working specifically with Asperger’s females when I joined Southeast Psych as a pre-doctoral intern. I love supporting the girls and their families as they grow and develop, and selfishly, I love how they challenge me to think outside-the-box and how interesting they make my life. My life would be so boring if they weren’t in it!
Julie: Thank you so much for talking with us today! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Dr. Kelley Bolton: Be there!
Julie: Definitely!
AspieCon 2018 in Charlotte
Want more info on Dr. Bolton or Southeast Psych?
Southeast Psych uses a forward thinking, strengths-based approach to the Asperger’s Syndrome and psychology. In fact, their tagline is, “Psychology for All.” Spend some time on their website and you’ll get a taste of what I mean. I highly recommend them.
Want to learn more about Dr. Kelley Bolton? Click HERE. She practices out of their Southpark location (Charlotte, NC). She’s amazing! For more information about Southeast Psych, their locations, clinicians, services, and more, please visit their website: Southeastpsych.com.
Julie’s Notes
AspieCon is a great resource for anyone on the Autism Spectrum and those who love them, as well as anyone who wants to spend a day in our world. Wondering how to dress for it? Be yourself. Prefer jeans and tees? Into Cosplay? Want to wear your robe from your favorite wizarding world? It’s all good. You really can be yourself here.
This year, I am honored to take part on the Parent Panel. If you are attending, please stop by and say “hi”! I’d love to meet you!
All my best,