Day 1 Presentations
Mini Workshops and Sessions
Shorter, family-friendly sessions that are as fun as they are informative!
RTA Public Transportation Workshop​
Decisions, Dungeons & Dragons
Baby Boomer Meet-Up
D & D Beginner Game
Caregiver Meet-Up hosted by Mother2Mother​
Talespinner Children's Theater Movement Classes
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Drum Workshop
CCBDD Job Panel
Budding Yoga - The Joy of Journaling for Self-Care
Adaptable Swim Lessons for All- Goldsmith Swim School
Spectrum & the Stigma: Navigating the Working World While on the Spectrum
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Autistic Communication Across Fandoms
Help Your Child Thrive This Summer: ESY guidance, summer camp planning, and funding tips​
Lady Gaga Meet-Up
Video Screening for Direct Support Providers: "All Means All: Direct Support for Challenging Behaviors in Community Settings"
Advocacy Town Hall​
Day 2 Presentations
Connecting Families, Communities, & People
Strengthen the networks we depend on — from school systems to friendships to daily support.
Take Me As I Am
Natasha Nelson
90 minute session
In this session, Natasha Nelson will guide participants through the key differences between goal-oriented misbehavior and the BioPsychosocial needs of autistic children. Explore how sensory processing disorders impact the eight senses and discover effective support tools and resources for managing sensory issues and executive dysfunction. Learn why collaborative leadership is a more effective approach for supporting autistic individuals, and understand how Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) can enhance communication and connection with autistic people.
Culturally Informed Parent Training: How Building a Culturally Responsive Community Develops Advocacy Skills
Camille Proctor
90 minute session
Join Camille Proctor, Executive Director of The Color of Autism Foundation, as she shares strategies for creating culturally responsive autism support services. This session focuses on breaking barriers to care, implementing culturally informed assessments, and empowering families to advocate for their loved ones. Perfect for healthcare providers, educators, and support professionals looking to enhance cultural competency and build inclusive, effective support systems.​​​​
Trapped in My Mind and How I Broke Free: POV from an Autistic Adult
Christopher Cottrell
30 minute session
At just 18, Christopher was forced to navigate adulthood on his own. Now 23, he shares his powerful story of resilience, from facing prejudice to finding connection and trust. Through his lived experience, Christopher offers raw insight into the challenges and strengths of growing up autistic in a world built for neurotypicals..
Walk in my shoes: The double empathy problem between autistic and non-autistic people.
Ann Liesen, PhD
60 minute session
This session will explore the "Double Empathy Problem," which challenges the idea that autistic people lack empathy. Instead, it reveals how both autistic and non-autistic individuals experience empathy differently, leading to communication mismatches, misunderstandings, and unmet needs. Learn how to bridge these gaps for healthier interactions.
Supporting the Neurodiverse Family
Tiffany Thomas
90 minute session
This session focuses on building empathy for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. Educators and professionals will gain insights into the challenges these families face, including executive functioning, processing, and self-regulation, and learn strategies for offering better support.
Connecting with Neuroaffirming Practices​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Shift from awareness to action. This room centers lived experience and affirming tools — grounded in empathy, dignity, and real inclusion.
The Perceptual Systems and Sensory Processes of Autistic Individuals: A Neural Perspective
Grace Blatt, MA
60 minute session
Autistic professor and self-advocate Grace Blatt, MA breaks down the neuroscience behind sensory sensitivities—explaining why they’re hard-wired, not behavioral. Learn why accommodations matter and how to support authentic sensory regulation.
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Strategies to Teach Emotional Regulation to Autistic Individuals
Abbigail Rich MOT, OTR/L
30 minute session
Many tools aim to teach autistic individuals how to manage emotions—but do they really help? OT Abigail Rich breaks down why common methods often fall short and shares practical, affirming strategies that build true emotional regulation across settings.
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Empowering Self Advocacy: Moving Through Grief to Action
Jesse Kohler
90 minute session
In a time of deep uncertainty and ongoing systemic stress, how do we move from overwhelm to impact? Join Jesse Kohler—Founder of The Change Campaign and Executive Director of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP)—as he shares insights from Capitol Hill and offers a powerful message: democracy is the antidote to trauma.
Through real-world examples, including a case study of autistic youth engaging in self-advocacy, Jesse will guide participants to reflect on their own experiences and shape them into meaningful advocacy narratives. Walk away with renewed hope and tools to turn grief into purposeful action.
Autistic Kids Become Autistic Adults: Increasing Community Acceptance of Autistic Traits in Adults
Abby Evans
30 minute session
Public awareness often focuses on autistic children—but autistic children grow up. In this powerful session, autistic self-advocate Abby Evans uses personal experience to explore how common autistic traits show up in adulthood, how they’re often misunderstood, and what true community acceptance looks like across the lifespan.
Navigating the Autism Experience Through the Lens of an Autistic Educator
Tabitha Mosley
60 minute session
What does it mean to teach while autistic? Join Tabitha Mosley, an autistic Intervention Specialist, as she shares first-hand insight into the sensory, social, and advocacy dynamics of today’s classrooms. Learn practical strategies to support both autistic students and educators, and explore how neurodivergent professionals are reshaping education from the inside out.
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Connection Through Fascination: A Workshop on Connecting with People Over their Favorite Topics
Bradley Wyner, NADD-DDS
90 minute session
Discover how deep interests—often called “special interests”—can be powerful bridges to connection. In this interactive workshop, Bradley Wyner will guide participants through real-life examples and hands-on activities designed to help you connect with autistic individuals through the topics they love most. Whether it’s Pokémon, highways, or SpongeBob, you’ll learn how to turn fascination into meaningful interaction in personal, educational, and clinical settings.
​
Connecting with Yourself and Others
Get personal. This room focuses on mental wellness, communication, and identity — designed with the whole person in mind.
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Navigating an Adult Diagnosis: Moving from Curiosity to Confidence
Andrew Schlegelmilch, Ph.D.
90 minute session
As more adults seek autism assessments, questions about choosing the right path, understanding professional language, and covering costs often arise. In this informative session, Dr. Andrew Schlegelmilch will demystify the adult autism assessment process, focusing on the Comprehensive Psychological Assessment. Gain insights into why adults seek evaluations, the benefits they report, and how this process compares to the well-established assessment methods for children. This talk offers practical guidance to help adults navigate their journey toward an autism diagnosis with confidence.
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Walking Alongside Autism: Navigating Healthy Adult Relationships
Tracy Masterson, PhD & Elizabeth Stiles, MPA, Ph.D
90 minute session
Building and maintaining relationships can be challenging for autistic adults, but their unique perspectives also bring incredible strengths to their connections. In this session, Dr. Tracy Masterson and Dr. Elizabeth Stiles will explore the key challenges and strengths autistic adults face in relationships. Learn practical skills to initiate, sustain, and navigate social interactions, as well as strategies for effective communication and relationship-building that can enhance your personal connections.​​​
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Embracing Change and Pivoting Your Passion on the Autism Spectrum
Jordan Salzano
30 minute session
Change can be tough, especially for those on the autism spectrum. In this session, Jordan Salzano will share strategies for navigating life’s transitions and pivoting your passions, despite the challenges of sensory processing. Using evidence-based insights and personal stories, you’ll learn how to embrace change, recognize when it’s time to shift, and discover new opportunities for growth and connection.
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Let’s Get Functional: Moving Away from Textbook Goals
Kristin Zielinski OTD, OTR/L
60 minute session
Traditional therapy goals often focus on achieving the "ideal" way of doing things—like holding a pen with a perfect tripod grasp. But what if progress, not perfection, was the goal? In this session, Kristin Zielinski will explore how shifting the focus from textbook techniques to functional, meaningful tasks can create better outcomes for children. Learn how to set goals that prioritize participation and progress, not just perfection, and discover how this approach fosters growth in areas that matter most to each individual.
Skillful Parenting on the Spectrum: Employing DBT Emotion Regulation Skills in Difficult Parenting Moments
Denise Ben Porath Ph.D
90 minute session
Parenting a child on the autism spectrum comes with its own set of unique challenges and stressors. In this engaging, 90-minute workshop, Dr. Denise Ben Porath will teach parents how to regulate their emotions during difficult moments with their autistic child. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills like mindful parenting, "acting opposite" to unhelpful emotions, and radical acceptance, participants will learn practical tools for managing stress and embracing parenting moments with greater calm and understanding.
Connecting Open Hearts and Open Worlds
Think big. This room celebrates bold ideas, intersectionality, and the people leading change.
“The Doors of the Church Are Open” Making Spaces of Faith Open for All!!
Brittany Pope
90 minute session
Religious communities offer valuable social, emotional, and spiritual support, but families with disabilities often face barriers to full participation. In this session, Brittany Pope will explore strategies for enhancing accessibility and fostering inclusion in faith-based spaces. Attendees will learn how to raise awareness of autism, advocate for change, and use storytelling to promote deeper understanding, ensuring that families with disabilities feel welcome and supported within their religious communities.
Radical Acceptance in Parenting: Building Relationships that Endure
Reinhild Boehme
90 minute session
​In this session, Reinhild Boehme will introduce the powerful concept of radical acceptance in parenting and relationships. Participants will explore how moving away from a “fix-it” mindset and embracing acceptance can strengthen connections and create more meaningful, enduring bonds. Learn how mindfulness techniques can support this shift, helping parents build healthier, more resilient relationships with their children and loved ones.
Advancements of Virtual Reality for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Jenna Winkelman
30 minute session
Explore the cutting-edge role of Virtual Reality (VR) in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). From enhancing social skills to improving emotional regulation, VR is revolutionizing therapy for individuals with ASD. In this session, Jenna Winkelman will showcase how VR is helping users practice real-world skills in a safe, immersive virtual space. Drawing on personal experiences and the latest research, discover how VR is transforming the way we approach therapy, from social connections to sensory processing, and how it could shape the future of telehealth for ASD treatment.
The Intersection of Autism and LGBTQ+ Identities
K Pepera, LIPC, SUPV
60 minute session
Approximately 30% of autistic individuals also identify as LGBTQ+, yet their experiences often remain overlooked. In this session, Kameron Pepera, Co-Founder of Colors+ Counseling, will delve into the unique intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identities. Learn how to foster empathy and build stronger connections with autistic clients by understanding the complexities of their dual experiences. Gain insights on how to provide more inclusive, supportive care that honors both their neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ identity.
Science Basics for Humanity - What it Means to be Human
Brittany Pope and Reinhild Boehme​
90 minute session
Creating welcoming environments starts with understanding the science behind human interactions. In this session, Brittany Pope and Reinhild Boehme will explore the basics of fear, safety, and threat responses and how these perceptions shape the way we engage with others. Learn how these dynamics impact autistic individuals, neurodiverse people, and neurotypical individuals differently. Together, we’ll envision how to create spaces where all forms of human expression and identity are celebrated and embraced.
Day 2 Presentations
Connecting Families, Communities, & People
Strengthen the networks we depend on — from school systems to friendships to daily support.
Take Me As I Am
Natasha Nelson
90 minute session
In this session, Natasha Nelson will guide participants through the key differences between goal-oriented misbehavior and the BioPsychosocial needs of autistic children. Explore how sensory processing disorders impact the eight senses and discover effective support tools and resources for managing sensory issues and executive dysfunction. Learn why collaborative leadership is a more effective approach for supporting autistic individuals, and understand how Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) can enhance communication and connection with autistic people.
Culturally Informed Parent Training: How Building a Culturally Responsive Community Develops Advocacy Skills
Camille Proctor
90 minute session
Join Camille Proctor, Executive Director of The Color of Autism Foundation, as she shares strategies for creating culturally responsive autism support services. This session focuses on breaking barriers to care, implementing culturally informed assessments, and empowering families to advocate for their loved ones. Perfect for healthcare providers, educators, and support professionals looking to enhance cultural competency and build inclusive, effective support systems.​​​​
Trapped in My Mind and How I Broke Free: POV from an Autistic Adult
Christopher Cottrell
30 minute session
At just 18, Christopher was forced to navigate adulthood on his own. Now 23, he shares his powerful story of resilience, from facing prejudice to finding connection and trust. Through his lived experience, Christopher offers raw insight into the challenges and strengths of growing up autistic in a world built for neurotypicals..
Walk in my shoes: The double empathy problem between autistic and non-autistic people.
Ann Liesen, PhD
60 minute session
This session will explore the "Double Empathy Problem," which challenges the idea that autistic people lack empathy. Instead, it reveals how both autistic and non-autistic individuals experience empathy differently, leading to communication mismatches, misunderstandings, and unmet needs. Learn how to bridge these gaps for healthier interactions.
Supporting the Neurodiverse Family
Tiffany Thomas
90 minute session
This session focuses on building empathy for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. Educators and professionals will gain insights into the challenges these families face, including executive functioning, processing, and self-regulation, and learn strategies for offering better support.
Connecting with Neuroaffirming Practices​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Shift from awareness to action. This room centers lived experience and affirming tools — grounded in empathy, dignity, and real inclusion.
The Perceptual Systems and Sensory Processes of Autistic Individuals: A Neural Perspective
Grace Blatt, MA
60 minute session
Autistic professor and self-advocate Grace Blatt, MA breaks down the neuroscience behind sensory sensitivities—explaining why they’re hard-wired, not behavioral. Learn why accommodations matter and how to support authentic sensory regulation.
Strategies to Teach Emotional Regulation to Autistic Individuals
Abbigail Rich MOT, OTR/L
30 minute session
Many tools aim to teach autistic individuals how to manage emotions—but do they really help? OT Abigail Rich breaks down why common methods often fall short and shares practical, affirming strategies that build true emotional regulation across settings.
Empowering Self Advocacy: Moving Through Grief to Action
Jesse Kohler
90 minute session
In a time of deep uncertainty and ongoing systemic stress, how do we move from overwhelm to impact? Join Jesse Kohler—Founder of The Change Campaign and Executive Director of the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP)—as he shares insights from Capitol Hill and offers a powerful message: democracy is the antidote to trauma.
Through real-world examples, including a case study of autistic youth engaging in self-advocacy, Jesse will guide participants to reflect on their own experiences and shape them into meaningful advocacy narratives. Walk away with renewed hope and tools to turn grief into purposeful action.
Autistic Kids Become Autistic Adults: Increasing Community Acceptance of Autistic Traits in Adults
Abby Evans
30 minute session
Public awareness often focuses on autistic children—but autistic children grow up. In this powerful session, autistic self-advocate Abby Evans uses personal experience to explore how common autistic traits show up in adulthood, how they’re often misunderstood, and what true community acceptance looks like across the lifespan.
Navigating the Autism Experience Through the Lens of an Autistic Educator
Tabitha Mosley
60 minute session
What does it mean to teach while autistic? Join Tabitha Mosley, an autistic Intervention Specialist, as she shares first-hand insight into the sensory, social, and advocacy dynamics of today’s classrooms. Learn practical strategies to support both autistic students and educators, and explore how neurodivergent professionals are reshaping education from the inside out.
Connection Through Fascination: A Workshop on Connecting with People Over their Favorite Topics
Bradley Wyner, NADD-DDS
90 minute session
Discover how deep interests—often called “special interests”—can be powerful bridges to connection. In this interactive workshop, Bradley Wyner will guide participants through real-life examples and hands-on activities designed to help you connect with autistic individuals through the topics they love most. Whether it’s Pokémon, highways, or SpongeBob, you’ll learn how to turn fascination into meaningful interaction in personal, educational, and clinical settings.
​
Connecting with Yourself and Others
Get personal. This room focuses on mental wellness, communication, and identity — designed with the whole person in mind.
Navigating an Adult Diagnosis: Moving from Curiosity to Confidence
Andrew Schlegelmilch, Ph.D.
90 minute session
As more adults seek autism assessments, questions about choosing the right path, understanding professional language, and covering costs often arise. In this informative session, Dr. Andrew Schlegelmilch will demystify the adult autism assessment process, focusing on the Comprehensive Psychological Assessment. Gain insights into why adults seek evaluations, the benefits they report, and how this process compares to the well-established assessment methods for children. This talk offers practical guidance to help adults navigate their journey toward an autism diagnosis with confidence.
Walking Alongside Autism: Navigating Healthy Adult Relationships
Tracy Masterson, PhD & Elizabeth Stiles, MPA, Ph.D
90 minute session
Building and maintaining relationships can be challenging for autistic adults, but their unique perspectives also bring incredible strengths to their connections. In this session, Dr. Tracy Masterson and Dr. Elizabeth Stiles will explore the key challenges and strengths autistic adults face in relationships. Learn practical skills to initiate, sustain, and navigate social interactions, as well as strategies for effective communication and relationship-building that can enhance your personal connections.​​​
Embracing Change and Pivoting Your Passion on the Autism Spectrum
Jordan Salzano
30 minute session
Change can be tough, especially for those on the autism spectrum. In this session, Jordan Salzano will share strategies for navigating life’s transitions and pivoting your passions, despite the challenges of sensory processing. Using evidence-based insights and personal stories, you’ll learn how to embrace change, recognize when it’s time to shift, and discover new opportunities for growth and connection.
Let’s Get Functional: Moving Away from Textbook Goals
Kristin Zielinski OTD, OTR/L
60 minute session
Traditional therapy goals often focus on achieving the "ideal" way of doing things—like holding a pen with a perfect tripod grasp. But what if progress, not perfection, was the goal? In this session, Kristin Zielinski will explore how shifting the focus from textbook techniques to functional, meaningful tasks can create better outcomes for children. Learn how to set goals that prioritize participation and progress, not just perfection, and discover how this approach fosters growth in areas that matter most to each individual.
Skillful Parenting on the Spectrum: Employing DBT Emotion Regulation Skills in Difficult Parenting Moments
Denise Ben Porath Ph.D
90 minute session
Parenting a child on the autism spectrum comes with its own set of unique challenges and stressors. In this engaging, 90-minute workshop, Dr. Denise Ben Porath will teach parents how to regulate their emotions during difficult moments with their autistic child. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills like mindful parenting, "acting opposite" to unhelpful emotions, and radical acceptance, participants will learn practical tools for managing stress and embracing parenting moments with greater calm and understanding.
Connecting Open Hearts and Open Worlds
Think big. This room celebrates bold ideas, intersectionality, and the people leading change.
“The Doors of the Church Are Open” Making Spaces of Faith Open for All!!
Brittany Pope
90 minute session
Religious communities offer valuable social, emotional, and spiritual support, but families with disabilities often face barriers to full participation. In this session, Brittany Pope will explore strategies for enhancing accessibility and fostering inclusion in faith-based spaces. Attendees will learn how to raise awareness of autism, advocate for change, and use storytelling to promote deeper understanding, ensuring that families with disabilities feel welcome and supported within their religious communities.
Radical Acceptance in Parenting: Building Relationships that Endure
Reinhild Boehme
90 minute session
​In this session, Reinhild Boehme will introduce the powerful concept of radical acceptance in parenting and relationships. Participants will explore how moving away from a “fix-it” mindset and embracing acceptance can strengthen connections and create more meaningful, enduring bonds. Learn how mindfulness techniques can support this shift, helping parents build healthier, more resilient relationships with their children and loved ones.
Advancements of Virtual Reality for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Jenna Winkelman
30 minute session
Explore the cutting-edge role of Virtual Reality (VR) in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). From enhancing social skills to improving emotional regulation, VR is revolutionizing therapy for individuals with ASD. In this session, Jenna Winkelman will showcase how VR is helping users practice real-world skills in a safe, immersive virtual space. Drawing on personal experiences and the latest research, discover how VR is transforming the way we approach therapy, from social connections to sensory processing, and how it could shape the future of telehealth for ASD treatment.
The Intersection of Autism and LGBTQ+ Identities
K Pepera, LIPC, SUPV
60 minute session
Approximately 30% of autistic individuals also identify as LGBTQ+, yet their experiences often remain overlooked. In this session, Kameron Pepera, Co-Founder of Colors+ Counseling, will delve into the unique intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identities. Learn how to foster empathy and build stronger connections with autistic clients by understanding the complexities of their dual experiences. Gain insights on how to provide more inclusive, supportive care that honors both their neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ identity.
Science Basics for Humanity - What it Means to be Human
Brittany Pope and Reinhild Boehme​
90 minute session
Creating welcoming environments starts with understanding the science behind human interactions. In this session, Brittany Pope and Reinhild Boehme will explore the basics of fear, safety, and threat responses and how these perceptions shape the way we engage with others. Learn how these dynamics impact autistic individuals, neurodiverse people, and neurotypical individuals differently. Together, we’ll envision how to create spaces where all forms of human expression and identity are celebrated and embraced.