Conference Schedule
(all times MDT / UTC-06)
Click on each session title for session descriptions and information. Conference access information has been distributed directly to registrants via email.
Thursday, September 23
Friday, September 24
Saturday, September 25
Conference Features & Expo
Conference Recordings: If you experience technical difficulties at any point, never fear! Post-event access to most session recordings is included with your registration, valid until Sunday, October 3. Access details will be sent to your email after the conclusion of the conference.
Conference Surveys & CEUs: To obtain a Continuing Education Unit or Professional Development certificate, you MUST fill out a CEU Individual Session Evaluation Form for EACH session you attend. These forms are available on this page, listed above each session. You must also fill out the Conference Evaluation and CEU Certificate Request Form, which will open at the end of the conference. You may earn CEU contact hours by watching recorded material during the post-event access period (see above). All forms must be completed and submitted by October 3, 2021. Certificates will be issued no earlier than October 4, 2021. You can view the full conference policy on CEUs here. Your feedback is invaluable in improving US Autism Association events for all – thank you!
Exhibits: Visit the “Expo” area of Hopin to view and interact with a diverse group of 2021 World Autism Conference and Gala sponsors and exhibitors. Open all day!
Speakers’ Booth: Visit the Speakers’ Booth within the “Expo” area of Hopin to meet and chat with conference speakers in live meet & greets. Open all day (see booth for schedule).
Help Desk: Technical and conference support is available at the World Autism Conference Help Desk in the “Expo” area of Hopin. You can also send a detailed email to gala2021support@usautism.org.
Thursday, September 23
(all times MDT / UTC-06)
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
CEU Individual Session Evaluation
Opening Night Watch Party Panel Discussion: “Voices Across the Spectrum”
We’ll open this year’s conference with a 90-minute, in-depth, live online webinar featuring a panel of diagnosed individuals sharing their questions and personal insights into the topics that matter most to those who are diagnosed and to those who want to help.
Friday, September 24
(all times MDT / UTC-06)
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Keynote
CEU Individual Session Evaluation
Welcome and General Information - US Autism Association President Marlo Payne Thurman, Ph.D.
Keynote Presentation: Get Off the Couch and Do Something!
In her signature frank and matter-of-fact style, Dr. Temple Grandin uses this session to discuss the need for all individuals with autism, including even younger children, to “get off the couch” and build something, try a new hobby, or take on a part-time job to gain new skills and move towards independence and self-sufficiency. In this session, Dr. Grandin highlights the need for parents to help their children build on social skills, establish good work habits, and ultimately gain their independence through work projects and the development of interests and skills.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
+ Good Autism Education is Just Good Education
In this session, Dr. Gil Tippy describes how early learning education through the use of basic Floortime concepts translates into building useful skills to help learners of all ages solve problems. Dr. Tippy discusses the need for teachers to find and build on students’ strengths and communication skills within a Floortime learning model to construct the “little behavioral pieces” necessary for basic skills to grow into abstract thinking and learning. With the belief that a developmental approach to learning is the foundation to a good school, Dr. Tippy emphasizes that good education for children on the autism spectrum is simply good education for all children.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
+ Treating the Medical Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder
In his calm and down-to-earth style, Dr. Phillip C. DeMio, Medical Director Emeritus for the US Autism Association and world-renowned physician specializing in the treatment of autism and other complex medical conditions, discusses some of the most common physical aspects of autism and addresses possible ways to address these. With the belief that autism is often accompanied by significant physical illnesses that can be overlooked and ignored within the “characteristics of autism” discussion, Dr. DeMio describes how those with autism can and should be properly treated for their health-related medical conditions as a foundational step in treating them for their autism.
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: One Non-Speaker's Observations
US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore, Rob Bernstein, and Dr. Wenn Lawson, together with Dr. Tasha Oswald, explore and discuss the non-speaking world of autism with renowned expert on the topic, Paul Kotler, who is himself non-vocal. With so many of our family and friends on the autism spectrum who are unable to find their voice, this panel provides deep insights into understanding those who cannot speak out loud, but have much to share.
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
+ Presuming Educational Competence when Teaching Students with the Most Significant Needs
In this session, Dr. Brewer explains why it is crucial for students to be taught with the presumption that they can achieve. During the session she explains the important role classroom peers can have and discusses what the least restrictive environment means along with the current research on student outcomes in the classroom. Teachers and parents will be able to identify ways they can advocate for students and make sure they are placed in the appropriate setting. The second part of the session explains and provides strategies for teachers as well as the students’ families to presume competence for students in the classroom and ways to support them. She explains the term “least dangerous assumption,” and explains the important role teachers have when determining the best instruction.
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
+ Accessing Government Benefits During COVID-19
In this session, CFP Michael Beloff shares his unique and personal expertise on the topic of accessing government benefits for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through his unique lens as both a parent of a diagnosed child and an expert in financial planning for the needs of those on the spectrum, Michael brings a wealth of information along with practical steps and timelines to consider when exploring SSI and SSDI for autistic individuals.
10:15 - 11:50 a.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Understanding Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the most commonly recommended therapy for treating those on the autism spectrum, and with its strong research base it has been used effectively, in various forms, for over 50 years. But according to those treated, there are both positives and negatives within ABA therapy. US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore and Rob Bernstein welcome top ABA experts in the field James Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D (who is also a US Autism Association Advisory Board member) and Nicole M. Rodriguez, Ph.D., BCBA-D, as well clinical psychologist, Dr. Marcia Eckerd. Utilizing their past experiences and knowledge, these experts discuss the many aspects of ABA therapy and the effect this intervention method can have on individuals and their families. The interesting and informative panel is moderated by US Autism Association Advisory Board member Theresa Wrangham.
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
+ A Voice for Everyone
In this session, Vicki Clarke, Speech Language Pathologist and AAC Specialist, discusses communication, speech, and the tools we use to help individuals with Autism develop speech and language skills. Our conversation explores the tools of augmentative and alternative communication, the reasons a person with Autism may be non-speaking and communication intervention.
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
+ Tips and Strategies: Advocating for the rights of your child with high functioning Autism
In this session, Robin Chalker will share her expertise as a special education lawyer and advocate on the topic of advocacy in school for individuals with autism who might otherwise slip through the cracks. In this session, Robin will detail the various steps and pitfalls those deemed “high functioning” face when accessing supports, services, and accommodations in the public school system and will share insights into why using an advocate rather than a special education lawyer might be beneficial.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch Break (Optional Activities)
Exhibits
Visit the “Expo” area to view and interact with a diverse group of virtual exhibitors.
Speed Networking (12:30 - 1:00 p.m.) [Tutorial]
Meet other attendees, speakers, and sponsors in short one-on-one networking sessions! Visit the “Networking” area of Hopin to meet and greet other conference attendees in up-to-two minute sessions. If you’d like, click “Connect” at the top of the page to exchange contact information, or choose to “Extend” your meeting. Meetings are never recorded.
1:00 - 1:55 p.m.
+ The Importance of Providing Authentic Individualized Programming
This session focuses on strategies to develop an individualized IEP and analyze the results. Suellen Inwood, director of a unique school that emphasizes authentic individualized education plans for all students, also explains the importance of understanding that a full team (speech, OT, PT, psychologist, educators, administrators and, most importantly, family) is needed to facilitate the development of an IEP that accurately provides an individualized education plan and program.
1:00 - 1:55 p.m.
+ Career Skills Development and Job Readiness
Dr. Michael McManmon is the founder of the College Internship Program and on the Advisory Board of the US Autism Association. His expertise stems from his Doctorate in Special Education, his Master’s in Counseling, and his Master’s in Human Development. He is also an individual that has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. In this session, Dr. McManmon discusses the importance of job readiness.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Understanding RDI
Join moderator and US Autism Association Advisory Board member Theresa Wrangham with Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Wenn Lawson, and Rob Bernstein as they discuss Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for individuals on the autism spectrum. In this session, the panelists talk with Dr. Rachelle Sheely who is the co-founder of RDI. This panel will help viewers gain a deeper understanding about the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) model and its applications for individuals on the autism spectrum.
2:00 - 2:55 p.m.
+ Autism and Arrest
Attorney Carol Weinman is a nationally recognized expert in autism spectrum disorders and criminal law. In this session, Ms. Weinman discusses the important topic of police encounters with individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as the importance of training and education for police, who may not realize they are dealing with a person who may not understand what they are even being asked to do. Attorney Weinman also discuses the importance of educating parents and schools about this topic, and explains why it is essential to only involve police when there are no other options.
2:00 - 2:55 p.m.
+ Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism
Drawing from the topics of his book Uniquely Normal, and on his experience as an autism consultant and brother to an adult man on the autism spectrum, Rob Bernstein shares his perspectives on tapping into the various areas of strength, interest, and normalcy to better understand, interact with, and address the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Daily Life Therapy
In this continuing series on Approaches to Autism, US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore and Rob Bernstein are joined by US Autism Association President Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman to discuss Daily Life Therapy with Deborah Donovan, one of the leaders in the field for this approach. Daily Life Therapy is a holistic approach based on the three pillars of Physical Stamina Building, Emotional Stability, and Intellectual Stimulation. This panel will help viewers gain a deeper understanding about the Daily Life Therapy model and its applications for learners on the autism spectrum.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
+ Cognition and Intelligence in Autism
In this session, Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman, President of the US Autism Association, Jeffrey Freed, author of the popular book Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World and autistic himself, and Dr. Richard Williams, autism expert, researcher, and parent of an adult daughter with autism discuss the complex topic of cognition and intellectual ability in autism. In this informative panel discussion speakers will share their insights about sensory processing difference, learning styles, and the possibility of latent intellectual abilities that don’t always show up on an IQ test for those with an ASD diagnosis.
Marlo Payne Thurman, Ph.D.
Richard Williams, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Freed, M.A.T.
Moderated by Theresa Wrangham
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
+ Autism and Driving
In this session, Andrew Arboe, the director of Community Outreach for Connecticut’s Planning Across the Spectrum, speaks about driving for those on the spectrum. It’s a personal topic for him as he is autistic himself and has obtained a driver’s license. He touches upon the lack of driving schools for those with disabilities in Connecticut and the various programs other states offer.
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Dinner Break (Optional Activities)
Exhibits
Visit the “Expo” area to view and interact with a diverse group of virtual exhibitors.
Speed Networking (4:00 - 4:45 p.m.) [Tutorial]
Meet other attendees, speakers, and sponsors in short one-on-one networking sessions! Visit the “Networking” area of Hopin to meet and greet other conference attendees in up-to-two minute sessions. If you’d like, click “Connect” at the top of the page to exchange contact information, or choose to “Extend” your meeting. Meetings are never recorded.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Special Event: How Do We Continue to Put Beauty into a World that is Struggling?
In this session, Dr. Thomas Rashad Easley discusses his personal experiences with autism, within his expertise as a diversity consultant, pastor, musician, and as the Dean of Community and Inclusion at the School of the Environment at Yale University. In a special event that features Dr. Easley’s musical lyrics, passages from his book, and personal insights about himself, his autism, and his expertise as a diversity consultant, Dr. Easley shares his life and work with moderator Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman in an honest, heart-felt, and relationship-focused discussion about putting beauty back into a world that is struggling.
Saturday, September 25
(all times MDT / UTC-06)
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Keynote
CEU Individual Session Evaluation
Welcome and General Information - US Autism Association President Marlo Payne Thurman, Ph.D.
Keynote Presentation: The Four A’s of Autism: A Pathway to Leading a Fulfilling and Productive Life
Dr. Stephen Shore, an individual on the autism spectrum himself, provides useful insight and direction for those working with diagnosed individuals. Broken down into 4 useful parts that Dr. Shore refers to as the Four A’s of Autism, this session provides clear, easy to follow steps and in-depth descriptive examples to guide family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals in ways that will guide them to support individuals on the spectrum as they move towards leading fulfilling and productive lives.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
+ The Learning Style Profile for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Approach: A Practical Application of ASD Empirical Research
The primary purpose of this session with Dr. Patrick J. Rydell is to assist viewers in understanding the interrelationships among social-communication, learning styles, and independent thinking in children with autism spectrum disorders. As we mentor our children at home, in the community, and at school, we ask the question, “Who’s Doing the Thinking?” Are we prompting and directing our children to perform skills based on pre-determined criteria or are we mentoring our children to “look up and around” and independently learn from the many social, communication, behavioral and interactional cues available in the social context. Discussion involves how to move children with ASD from learning style weaknesses to learning style strengths based on the Learning Style Profile for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Rydell, 2012).
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
+ Psychopharmacology and Beyond
Theodore Henderson, M.D., Ph.D., who is a member of U.S. Autism Association’s Advisory Board and a practicing psychiatrist specializing in neurobiology and psychopharmacology, presents information about the brain. In this session, he delves into the various types of scans used on the brain, detailing what information is given by each and how these are or are not helpful to those on the spectrum. From there, Dr. Henderson discusses infrared laser treatment as well as the importance of treating the symptoms and not the diagnosis. Dr. Henderson also explains how treating the body as a whole is the key to changing one’s life.
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: The Miller Method
In this continuing series that focuses on uncovering key differences as well as shared methodologies, the US Autism Association is pleased to introduce Ethan Miller and Carol Taylor, experts in the Miller Method. Ethan and Carol are joined by US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore, Rob Bernstein, and Theresa Wrangham, moderator, who take participants into a deep-dive to better understanding the Miller Method’s usefulness in helping children on the autism spectrum.
10:00 - 10:55 a.m.
+ No Pushing, No Battles, No Meltdowns: Education Best Practices Using the Language of Autism
In this eye-opening, fast-paced session, author and autism thought leader Raun K. Kaufman, who is a US Autism Association Advisory Board member, explains, in detail, how we can educate our loved ones on the spectrum and truly enable them to grow... without the pushing and the battles (which lead to meltdowns) that we so often experience. Grounding it all in the primacy of relationships in the learning process (especially given the understanding of autism as a social-relational challenge/difference), Raun shines a light on how what we do to, with, and for our child/adult actually feels for them on the inside. (This is particularly helpful given that Raun has actually been where our children are.) He elucidates how we can use this knowledge to change the learning process (the timing, the style, the approach, the environment, even the goals) to eliminate alienation, stress, overstimulation, friction, and conflict by communicating and teaching in "the language of autism."
10:00 - 10:55 a.m.
+ SPECT Brain Function Imaging - Its Benefits for the Autistic Individual and Family
Dr. John Michael Uszler, a member of the US Autism Association Advisory Board, describes his life’s work as a medical doctor who has specialized in the use of SPECT Brain Imaging for its applications in helping individuals with neurocognitive differences. Using SPECT Brain Function Imaging data, Dr. Uszler describes how imaging data has been used to guide medical and psychiatric treatments for individuals on the autism spectrum.
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Floortime
In this continuing series created to specifically compare and contrast the various intervention methods for individuals on the autism spectrum, Theresa Wrangham, moderator and US Autism Association Advisory Board member, interviews Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore and Rob Bernstein, and Floortime experts, Dr. Gil Tippy (also a US Autism Association Advisory Board member) and Bridget Henn. This session is sure to provide in-depth information and offer valuable insight about Floortime and its usefulness for individuals on the autism spectrum.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
+ Project Based Learning Across the Autism Spectrum: Unique Opportunities During Covid-19
Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman, School Psychologist and President of the US Autism Association, discusses various learning styles and the range of learning opportunities for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders that can be addressed within a project-based learning model. Using several real-world examples, Dr. Thurman shares her unique expertise with moderator Theresa Wrangham to take standards-based learning objectives and embed these within interest and theme-based learning blocks to give individuals with autism a more complete and hands-on approach to learning.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
+ Reshaping The Family: Co-Parenting A Child On The Spectrum
Joleena Louis brings her wealth of legal expertise to the topics of divorce, co-parenting, and reshaping the family after a divorce for families with a child on the autism spectrum. Offering frank insight into the steps that should be taken to address the needs of a diagnosed child when a family is “reshaping” Joleena provides step-by-step directions about when to share the news of a divorce with a child, how to address the unique needs of children on the spectrum during a divorce, and how to build a post-divorce parenting plan that gives a child on the spectrum the support and stability they need.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch Break (Optional Activities)
Exhibits
Visit the “Expo” area to view and interact with a diverse group of virtual exhibitors.
Speed Networking (12:30 - 1:00 p.m.) [Tutorial]
Meet other attendees, speakers, and sponsors in short one-on-one networking sessions! Visit the “Networking” area of Hopin to meet and greet other conference attendees in up-to-two minute sessions. If you’d like, click “Connect” at the top of the page to exchange contact information, or choose to “Extend” your meeting. Meetings are never recorded.
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
+ Critical Elements of Effective Language-Based Educational Interventions For Children With Autism
In this session, Dr. Jim Partington, an internationally recognized behavior analyst and member of the US Autism Association Advisory Board, provides a review of elements that need to be included when developing an intervention program to help children obtain the best outcomes. This presentation provides a review of methods for assessing a child's specific language (verbal behavior) and social deficits, as well as the process of determining priorities to develop effective intervention plans. Dr. Partington also reviews the importance of parents and educators working together in the implementation of teaching procedures, both in structured teaching sessions and during everyday activities of living. A specific emphasis will be placed on helping parents realize their critical role in the ongoing education of their child.
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
+ Autism and Aging
US Autism Association Advisory Board member Dr. Wenn Lawson, a well-respected Australian psychologist and highly knowledgeable expert on autism who is also on the autism spectrum himself, gives information about growing up with autism and mind and body awareness. Dr. Lawson discusses neurodiversity and how the brains of those on the spectrum age.
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Animal Assisted Interventions
You may have heard of therapeutic dogs. Research has shown that animals can be helpful to children and adults on the autism spectrum. The benefits of using animals in therapy are explored with two established researchers in the field, Dr. Maggie O’Haire and Leanne Nieforth, both from Purdue University, as well as US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore, Rob Bernstein, and Theresa Wrangham (moderator).
2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
+ What About Teens and Young Adults? Sensory Needs, Independence, and Transitions: A Conversation with an Occupational Therapist
We all know that occupational therapists are front and center in addressing the challenges of children on the autism spectrum. As children grow up, the role of occupational therapy changes and presents new opportunities for facilitating successful transition to adulthood. In this session, Dr. Jeanne Eichler, Occupational therapist, music therapist and educator, discusses reasons to seek that occupational therapist and bring them back to the team. She discusses her work with teens and college students, the impact and changing presentation of sensory preferences as individuals mature, and her vision for occupational therapy as a commonly seen practitioner in post-secondary (college and university) settings.
2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
+ What services do students on the spectrum need to succeed in college?
Michael McManmon, Ed.D., a psychologist who is himself diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and who is a US Autism Association Advisory Board member, provides information that is helpful for students, clients, or parents of young adult children with learning differences when they transition to college. Dr. McManmon will speak about the importance of knowing what one needs for services, and explains the key to choosing a college. He will examine the importance of social thinking and social ability skills, as they are the foundations for self-advocacy and flourishing in college. Dr. McManmon will also discuss daily living skills that are needed when living away from home.
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.
+ Approaches to Autism: Soma Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)
Do you know a non-vocal child on the autism spectrum? Our very own US Autism Association Advisory Board member and Non-Vocal Advocate Sameer Dahar and US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore and Rob Bernstein are joined by Erika Anderson to discuss the RPM method. Erika is a Certified RPM provider and the only apprentice to Soma Mukhopadhyay, the RPM method founder. In this session, both Erika and Sameer discuss the specific reasons why RPM gives some non-vocal individuals on the autism spectrum a better method for communication. Expertly moderated by US Autism Association Advisory Board member Theresa Wrangham, this episode is extra special as Sameer Dahar, who is a student of the RPM Method and is a non-vocal person on the autism spectrum, together with his teacher Erika, shares his own behind-the-scenes look at the RPM approach.
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
+ Dispelling the Myth of Intellectual Disability in Autism
In this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Sameer Dahar, non-vocal autism expert and advisory board member of the US Autism Association discusses his unique insights and perspectives on sensory processing, language development, and learning for diagnosed individuals who are primarily non-vocal with his colleague and friend Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman. With profound wisdom and from the position of his own deeply felt experiences, Sameer shares with viewers his belief that all individuals with autism have strong, innate intellectual abilities that should be recognized and explored towards a more comprehensive understanding about intellectual ability in autism.
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
+ Autism and the Criminal Justice System
This session gives an in-depth discussion of how those with autism are affected by the criminal justice system. Carol Weinman, Esq. is both a parent of a child with autism and a defense attorney which has allowed her to have a unique expertise in this field. Attorney Weinman begins the session by explaining that those with autism are victims but also perpetrators who often lack intent. During the session, participants gain an understanding of why those with autism are more likely to be misidentified by both police officers and the community and the intricacies of the broad range of characteristics those with autism can display. She then explains why once interaction is initiated it often turns negative. After an in depth look at the cause of negative interaction, participants will be provided with key structures that need to be incorporated into training and education for police officers, correction officers, judges and attorneys who will be working with these individuals.
3:45 - 4:00 p.m. - Closing Remarks
Closing Remarks, Thanks, the CEU Certificate, and the All-Access Pass
US Autism Association President Marlo Payne Thurman, Ph.D.