In this session, Dr. Stephen Shore will discuss the value of including those on the autism spectrum in participatory research. He will share the reasons for inclusion and the benefits to both autistic and non-autistic groups.

In this session, panelists will highlight the importance of including the arts in all areas of life for those on the autism spectrum. With a special focus on what is known about brain development for those with autism, this panel will highlight the various art forms in use therapeutically in the treatment of autism and will discuss why the arts are effective in addressing the needs of those on the autism spectrum.

In this session Dr. Theodore Henderson will discuss the problem with current treatments for Traumatic brain injury/concussion/CTE, Parkinson’s disease, Depression, Autism, PTSD, Post-COVID Fatigue Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and ADHD and will propose an alternative, non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment to improve brain function.

In a motivational and heartwarming session presented by film maker Ron Zimmerman, Ron will share the experience and insights gained from working with the families involved in the film Fierce Love and Art.

In this multimedia presentation, Elaine Hall, one of Hollywood's first Access Coordinators and Autism Consultants for film, TV and theater will share her work on shows such as Jason Katim's Parenthood, HBO's Autism: The Musical, Netflix's Atypical, Love on the Spectrum, Amazon's As We See It, and others.

This panel features the US Autism Association’s transition specialists in a topic intended to help those supporting an individual on the autism spectrum as they prepare to leave home and either attend college or join the workforce.

This session will focus on understanding what Person-Centered Planning is and knowing the 7 steps required to complete a comprehensive plan.

Featuring the most seasoned educators of the US Autism Association, this session will provide an in-depth discussion covering some of the best real-world tips and strategies for use in the classroom.

Intense discussion has continued over generations as to whether Autism is a purely psychiatric disorder vs. whether it has a nonpsychiatric medical basis. In “Comorbidities in Autism”, Dr. DeMio discusses evidence on both sides of the argument in order to offer participants information on this ongoing subject.

In this paradigm-shifting lecture, Raun K. Kaufman takes us on a deep dive into the three neuro-states of autism so that we can approach our loved ones in a way that is matched (instead of mismatched) to their current neuro-state, enabling connection rather than overload, ease rather than anxiety, blossoming rather than meltdowns.

This session will cover why women are missed when they can have as many autistic traits as men, and why autistic women experience so much distress. We’ll cover how to do a neurodiversity affirming diagnosis still using DSM-V-TR and whether an official diagnosis is necessary.

Music naturally supports social communication. In this presentation you will learn about an approach that uses music and counseling tools in a non-directive way that leads to self-efficacy and independence.