Virtual Autism Summit

Join us for two days of learning and growing our understanding of autism! 

Conference Dates

November 6, 2025 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 
November 7, 2025 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 

Cost for Attendees

Professionals: $55 for both days 
Families and Individuals: Free  
Group Rate (6 or more professionals): $275 for both days.
Larger groups can contact Ashley Hartmann for a quote at 573-339-9300 or ashley.hartmann@esmw.org.

November 6, 2025

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome and Opening Keynote Speaker: From Boardroom to Classroom to Community
Presented by Dr. Samantha Hiew, Founder of ADHD Girls and Neurodiversity and Women's Empowerment Speaker

No two brains are the same. But what if you were born with a brain that constantly makes you feel like everything you do differentiates you from everyone else? Sam’s talk will introduce Neurodiversity and Autism and how those experiences impact our whole-person reality, including in the workforce, community, and the classroom. It will cast light on the misconceptions of neurodiversity and illustrate our neurodiverse experiences of Autism, as well as other co-occurring conditions. She will provide updates in the field of Autism as well as providing actionable insights to build a neuroinclusive and compassionate culture, promoting psychological safety. And, through it all she will reinforce the idea: You don’t have to change the person, you have to change the environment and connections between environments.
 

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM: Break

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM: PERMA+: A Framework for Prioritizing Caregiver Wellbeing
Presented by Special Guest Speaker Dr. Rick Gutierrez, Ph. D., BCBA 

This talk will highlight the PERMA+ model used to help caregivers achieve personal wellbeing and to enhance their support of family members with developmental disabilities. This talk will review the skills of reframing, identifying, and activating character strengths, gratitude, jolts of joy, and active constructive responding. Practical examples will be provided on how these skills can enhance the wellbeing of caregivers and their family members. Participants will be provided opportunities to reflect on their current views and relationship and learn how to recalibrate their perspective to align with their purpose.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Breakout Session 1

Session A: Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Female Population
Presented by Dr. Megan Tregnago, Ed.D., BCBA-D, LBA

This workshop will review common characteristics of autism in females and why females are often missed in the diagnostic process. The topic of camouflaging will be covered and resources will be shared.

Session B: Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Autism
Presented by Emily White

This session will provide an overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems including light tech and high tech devices, iPad apps, and dedicated devices. The session will also cover implementation strategies in home and school settings, funding opportunities, and other assistive technologies that can be used to support independent living.

November 7, 2025 

 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakout Session 2

Session A: Planning on Puberty: Proactive Interventions to Support Youth During a Time of Change and New Demands
Presented by Kerry Prout, Ph. D., ABPP

Puberty is a given. Education for kids about puberty is not. For autistic youth, it is especially important that caregivers actively teach what to expect, what is acceptable and safe behavior, and promote skill development in key areas. This talk will help guide caregivers to think proactively about what their child needs to understand to navigate puberty successfully and learn strategies for how to educate and support their child through the process of physical changes, new self-care skills, need for privacy, and more. 

Session B: Managing your Child's Home and School Programs
Presented by Mary Anne Hammond

Essentially, you are the CEO of your child’s life. And when that includes managing their home and school programs for children with autism spectrum disorder, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This training will help in practical ways such as knowing what records to keep and effective ways to communicate with the professionals involved in your child’s care, as well as give you some tools to navigate the process.

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM: Break

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM: Breakout Session 3

Session A: Ease into Employment: Building Independent Work Systems for Students with Significant Disabilities
Presented by Shannon Wess, MSW, BCBA

This session will explore how structured work systems promote independence and engagement for transition-aged students with significant support needs. Participants will learn how these systems help build the foundational skills necessary for future employment. The presentation will include practical implementation strategies and video demonstrations to support application in both classroom and community-based settings.

Session B: ASCEND (Autism Support Can Empower New Directions)
Presented by Justin Wade

Through the ASCEND program, our goal is to empower students, particularly those on the autism spectrum and within the broader neurodiverse community, by providing the support, resources, and encouragement necessary for long-term success. We are committed to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to thrive in college, transition successfully into the workforce, and lead fulfilling, self-directed lives into adulthood.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: "So, Are We Supposed to Hug Now?" Best Practices for Neurologically-Mixed Relationships
Presented by David Finch, Autism Consultant, Speaker, New York Times Best-Selling Author on Neurodiversity and Relationships

Five years into his marriage with Kristen, the love of his life, Dave Finch was diagnosed with autism – a diagnosis which explained his ever-growing list of quirks and compulsions, but didn’t make him any easier to live with. Determined to change, Dave set out to understand autism and his wife’s non-autistic way of life and learned to be a better husband with hilarious yet endearing zeal. Excessive note-taking, Husband Performance Reviews, and his own Journal of Best Practices were just some of the methods Dave employed to become the husband he wanted to be. Join Dave for this entertaining and inspiring keynote packed with relevant, actionable strategies for making relationships thrive.

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