Breaking the Either–Or Trap: Why Autism Needs Nuance, Not Extremes (Virtual Session)

Presenter: Hari Srinivasan, Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University

Autism is often framed through competing binaries—medical vs. social models, superpower vs. deficit narratives, independence vs. high-support. Drawing from his expanded Neurodiversity 2.0 framework, multisensory neuroscience, disability studies, and lived experience, Hari Srinivasan examines why autism cannot be understood through extremes and how both challenge-based solutions and strengths-based opportunities must coexist. Participants will gain a more nuanced, equitable framework for thinking about disability, belonging, and research—one that moves beyond polarized debates and toward practical, human-centered change.

Keynote: Creating Career Opportunities: The Inclusion Films Story

Presenter: Joey Travolta, Founder, Inclusion Films

Joey Travolta will share the story of Inclusion Films and its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in the film industry. Founded by Travolta, Inclusion Films provides hands-on training in all aspects of film production including screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and acting for adults with disabilities. Participants work on real film projects, commercials, and corporate infomercials, gaining industry-relevant skills while building creativity, teamwork, and confidence. 

Crush to Connection: An Overview of PEERS® for Dating

Presenter: Blake Warner, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Fellow, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

This interactive session introduces PEERS® for Dating, an evidence-based program developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. PEERS® for Dating supports neurodivergent young adults in developing skills for building and maintaining romantic relationships, including finding people to date, online dating, and handling conflict in relationships. Participants of this session will learn about the UCLA PEERS® for Dating program, explore key strategies taught in PEERS® for Dating, and observe a live demonstration of selected skills.

From Capable to Thriving: Preparing Neurodivergent Students for College, Career, and Life

Presenter: Emily Raclaw, Executive Director, On Your Marq, Marquette University

Many neurodivergent students are fully capable of succeeding in college, yet struggle when the expectations, pace, and unspoken systems of higher education collide with executive functioning, communication, or emotional-regulation differences. This session reframes college success through a “capable to ready to thriving” lens and explores what supporting neurodivergent learners from their first year through post-graduation transition looks like.

Drawing on the On Your Marq program as a working model, we’ll examine how coordinated executive functioning support, community belonging, academic strategy development, and early career/life preparation create the conditions for long-term thriving.

Keynote: Not Broken, Just Built Differently: “Adulting” While Autistic (Virtual session)

Presenter: Kaelynn Partlow, Published author, social media creator, and advocate

As an autistic adult who lives and works in both neurodivergent and neurotypical spaces, I’ll share the strategies I’ve found useful for navigating the world. This presentation covers practical ways to access and request accommodations, communicate effectively in work and social settings, and manage the demands of independent living. We’ll explore self-advocacy skills, how to advocate for others in our community, and how to honor our social and communication differences without feeling like we have to hide who we are. Whether you're new to your diagnosis or have been walking this road for years, this session offers useful tools, shared language, and solidarity.

Take Your Vitamin D&D: Building Belonging, Bravery, and Therapeutic Role Playing Games

Presenters: Virginia Spielmann, Executive Director, STAR Institute

How can a tabletop game help us build spaces where everyone belongs, takes risks, and grows together? In this dynamic, interactive session, Executive Director Virginia Spielmann explores the power of "safe enough" spaces—where neurodivergent individuals can be brave, communal, and authentically themselves. Through the lens of Dungeons & Dragons and the Critical Core program, Virginia will unpack the double empathy problem and demonstrate how collective storytelling can transform relationships and outcomes. Participants will leave with fresh insights and practical strategies for fostering empathy, interdependence, and real inclusion—at the gaming table, in the classroom, and beyond.

Early Bird Price Ends January 5!