A Whole Life:
The Empowered Journey
2023 Autism Virtual Conference – Available for New Registrants and Active for Current Registrants Until July 1, 2023
The day-long educational conference brings together agency and education professionals, families, parents, caregivers, individuals with autism, sponsors and exhibitors to build knowledge, inspire and make meaningful connections. The schedule includes Keynote Speakers Jennifer Cook, the “autism expert” on Netflix’s “Love On the Spectrum, US,” and bestselling female author of any single book in the genre; and Andrew Arboe, Founder of Driving with Autism and specializes on helping autistic drivers and their families pursue driving as a transportation option. He additionally reaches out to various autism/disability/neurodiversity organizations to start collaborations on empowering the community.
New Virtual Conference Tickets
All content available until July 1
$50
The in-person Autism Conference may be over until next year, but you can still register for the virtual Conference to view the Keynotes and all the Breakout Sessions! All content will be available until July 1, so register soon to view amazing Sessions from expert and interesting Presenters.
Current Conference Registrants
2023 in-person and virtual attendees
A reminder to all current in-person and 2023 virtual attendees, don’t forget to view the Sessions that you missed! Log in to the online platform here VIRTUAL AUTISM CONFERENCE with your registration email and password. If you haven’t yet logged in, input your registration email and you will be prompted to set up a password. Make sure you use the email you input for your original Conference registration. If you have any questions, contact us at autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org.
Keynote Speakers
Jennifer Cook
The "autism expert" on Netflix's "Love On the Spectrum," Jennifer is the bestselling female author of any single book in the genre and an award-winning international speaker, celebrated in the press as a "role model of positivity" whose insights touch hearts, lighten spirits, and broaden minds.
Andrew Arboe
Andrew is a self-advocate who has worked for various autism organizations, including Autism Services & Resource Connecticut, Autism Families Connecticut, Planning Across the Spectrum, and Focus Center for Autism. He also founded and ran Driving with Autism, an online driver readiness program. It was Andrew's personal experience of learning to drive that make his work history and public speaking possible. Andrew’s work focuses on the themes of empowerment and finding meaning in work.
Breakout Sessions
Participants will learn the benefits of using routines and schedules to help children complete tasks and activities. 1.5 BCBA credits are offered, organized through Julie Hayden!
This workshop will review in detail the DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder and the MGH Lurie Center for Autism’s approach to early and rapid diagnosis in children under 5 years old.
Transition is a word that has a unique meaning to families with a loved one aging out of the entitlement of education and into the world as productive, contributing adults. This anticipated change brings about many anxious feelings that Leilani and Jessica further discuss.
In this workshop, Lead Sexuality Educator for the Whole Selves program Brian Melanson will facilitate a focused, honest, and open discussion on sexuality, with the importance and practice of providing sexuality education for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities taking center stage.
Elizabeth and Cat are two autistic adults who have successfully navigated college and now work in the field of human services. From transitioning from high school to living in a dorm, they present both their personal and professional experience of autism in college. Topics include transition, independence, residential life, self-advocacy, relationships, accommodations, and the neurodiversity movement.
Gain new strategies as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Regional Autism Program Coordinator facilitates an interactive panel with DDS Regional Employment Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), MassHire Holyoke, Regional Employment Collaborative, a local employer and an individual with autism with an employment success story. The discussion will include ideas, insights, feedback, and resources on the job search process for individuals with autism ID/and non-ID.
Sponsored By
Thank you for your generous donations to support Autism Connections’ 32nd Autism Conference.
