Princess Marie of Denmark opened the SIKON conference, dedicated to autism, in her role as event patron. 

Her Royal Highness arrived at the ODEON, in Odense, on 24 April and was welcomed by the chairman of the Autism Association, Brian Andersen, as well as a posy of flowers offered by nine-year-old Lærke. 

Once inside, the Princess was in charge of offering the conference’s opening remarks, during which she highlighted the key work of the association in creating opportunities for people with autism. 

She then handed out the Autism Prize to Dorthe Hölck for her “extraordinary effort in creating the best possible conditions for people with autism,” according to the Royal Court. 

The prize consists of a diploma, 10.000 Danish Kroner, and a piece of art created by one or more people on the spectrum. 

Princess Marie was then given a tour of the displays of products by two companies, IBG and Protac. 

IBG (Interaktiv Borgerguide, or Interactive Citizen’s Guide) is a welfare technology company that creates tools for citizens to have accessible housing, support, and access to everyday information, communication and planning. 

Protac produces sensory stimulation devices that contain moving bulbs designed to create pressure and movement to stimulate the sense of touch and the muscle-joint sense, thus creating a calming effect on the body and the mind, something that is key in autism patients. 

SIKON took place in Odense’s ODEON on 24 and 25 April and welcomed more than 750 people, between professionals, people with autism and family members, all of whom listened to presentations about the most recent studies, research and insider perspectives on autism. 

The Autism Association was founded in 1962 and has since then worked on researching and spreading information about autism, as well as ensuring the best quality of life and opportunities for people diagnosed with autism and their families and support systems.