Students learn best and flourish most when belonging abounds. How might our schools become places of widespread and meaningful inclusion for every student? This keynote will focus on peer-mediated strategies as powerful and practical approaches for fostering relationships and learning throughout the school day.

This all day workshop will provide information on how to quickly and safely develop replacement skills within an open-door model without the need for physical management and to decrease escalated problem behavior. Attendees will learn some generally applicable processes for teaching contextually appropriate behavior following shaping of communication and toleration repertoires. Learners will be able to describe how to respond to problem behaviors were they to resurge during the skill-based treatment process. An attendee will be able to describe different choice models in which the process may be conducted to further minimize escalated forms of problem behavior during the therapeutic process. An attendee will learn how to identify and develop communication and toleration repertoires for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to shape contextually appropriate chains of behaviors comprised of relinquishing, transitioning, starting, varying, enduring, and persisting for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to collect data, monitor progress, and make values-based and performance-based decisions during the skill-based treatment process.

Come discover strategies to empower caregivers as active partners in their child’s treatment and advocates for individualized, high-quality care. Learn how professionals can support families and deliver tailored, impactful treatment for individuals across the autism spectrum. This session emphasizes collaboration, advocacy, and practical approaches to ensure meaningful outcomes for individuals and families navigating autism services. Presenters will discuss topics related to ABA treatments, IEP law, DSPD services, and comprehensive collaborative care across the lifespan

Risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in autistic people are complex and require multiple approaches to protect life, health, and wellbeing. This presentation will include lived experience and professional perspectives on steps for individuals, families, and communities to promote positive outcomes for autistic youth and adults. We will emphasize improved recognition; mental health support, acceptance for neurodivergence at home, school, and work; and public policy strategies.

Come and learn why the Five Protective Factors are being used nationwide to help strengthen families, improve child outcomes, and keep kids safe. In this fun and interactive session, we will explore through the metaphor of a family trip the irreplaceable role you play in your family and how to widen your perspective on parenting to increase confidence, provide guidance, and build connections with your child. You will be introduced to a parent handbook, children's storybook, and workbook to help make this journey more enjoyable.

This all day workshop will provide information on how to quickly and safely develop replacement skills within an open-door model without the need for physical management and to decrease escalated problem behavior. Attendees will learn some generally applicable processes for teaching contextually appropriate behavior following shaping of communication and toleration repertoires. Learners will be able to describe how to respond to problem behaviors were they to resurge during the skill-based treatment process. An attendee will be able to describe different choice models in which the process may be conducted to further minimize escalated forms of problem behavior during the therapeutic process. An attendee will learn how to identify and develop communication and toleration repertoires for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to shape contextually appropriate chains of behaviors comprised of relinquishing, transitioning, starting, varying, enduring, and persisting for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to collect data, monitor progress, and make values-based and performance-based decisions during the skill-based treatment process.

This session will describe evidence-based practices folks can utilize at home to protect against the negative effects of depression and anxiety symptoms. Attendees will learn about how anxiety and depression affect folks on the autism spectrum. We will also review research-based interventions for anxiety (i.e., mindfulness, cognitive defusion, relaxation techniques) and depression (i.e., behavioral activation and relational connection).

Description: Explore and learn from Autistic adults what they do in their daily lives to promote positivity. The intersection of mental health, specifically anxiety and depression, and Autism can produce an elevated experience for folks on the Spectrum. From this panel we will hear stories of their lived experience about things that they have done to manage these mental health issues by utilizing dedicated interests, incorporating personal values, and establishing a personalized system of positivity as an Autistic adult.

This session will describe the elements of self-determination, and how to best foster those characteristics from childhood through adulthood. This session is part of the Speakers’ Network for self-advocates through the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. The session will come directly from the lived experience.

In the second half of this session, you will learn more about the Five Protective Factors and how they work together to stabilize your family. Learn how small but significant changes can create valuable improvements in your life. We will review ways to more intentionally identify these factors in your life and emphasize those areas where you need help while building on your family's strengths. You will be given tools to teach these to your children as they learn alongside you.

This all day workshop will provide information on how to quickly and safely develop replacement skills within an open-door model without the need for physical management and to decrease escalated problem behavior. Attendees will learn some generally applicable processes for teaching contextually appropriate behavior following shaping of communication and toleration repertoires. Learners will be able to describe how to respond to problem behaviors were they to resurge during the skill-based treatment process. An attendee will be able to describe different choice models in which the process may be conducted to further minimize escalated forms of problem behavior during the therapeutic process. An attendee will learn how to identify and develop communication and toleration repertoires for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to shape contextually appropriate chains of behaviors comprised of relinquishing, transitioning, starting, varying, enduring, and persisting for their particular learner. An attendee will learn how to collect data, monitor progress, and make values-based and performance-based decisions during the skill-based treatment process.

Protective factors strengthen youth and families, making them resilient in today's complex world. For students with disabilities, there are 23 experiences and opportunities in school and in the community found to be key predictors of post school success. This session will discuss how the predictors of postschool success can build on the protective factors to support and unlock the potential of students with autism and other disabilities.

In an up-and-coming world where minority and marginalized groups are receiving much deserved recognition and representation in the media, education, and legislation; although much more work needs to be done. The single largest minority group in the US, those with disabilities, continues to lack representation noticeably. How can we approach solutions by looking at the situation from a sibling perspective to combat ableism, creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects individuals uniquely, with women often underdiagnosed and underrepresented in research. This study explores the experiences of seven autistic women at university, focusing on depression and life as students. Through interviews, four themes emerged: university experience, accessibility and supports, mental health, and the autism community. The study highlights their struggles with diagnosis, accommodations, and societal ignorance, while emphasizing their dedication to education and calls for more supportive research.

Come and learn why the Five Protective Factors are being used nationwide to help strengthen families, improve child outcomes, and keep kids safe. In this fun and interactive session, we will explore through the metaphor of a family trip the irreplaceable role you play in your family and how to widen your perspective on parenting to increase confidence, provide guidance, and build connections with your child. You will be introduced to a parent handbook, children's storybook, and workbook to help make this journey more enjoyable.

During this session an attendee will be able to describe the 7 elements of the Universal Protocol, describe how to support the implementation of a Universal Protocol and be able to describe measures used to evaluate the effects of the Universal Protocol on a client/staff specific and organizational scale.

Food plays a unique role in the lives of autistic individuals, often complicated by the presence of sensory sensitivities and limited palates. Navigating these obstacles can be difficult and oh so stressful for everyone involved in the meal process, so what gives? What’s going on and can it improve? Join as we discuss food, self-regulation, and maybe even some helpful ideas.

Despite the developmental delays associated with ASD, people with autism have the same hormones, urges, physical development, and decisions to make about sexuality that neurotypicals do. Though it may be awkward to address sexual issues, ignoring the subject is neither helpful nor possible. In this interactive presentation, participants will learn both the critical importance of sexual education and a host of tips for effective teaching and intervention across the lifespan.

In the second half of this session, you will learn more about the Five Protective Factors and how they work together to stabilize your family. Learn how small but significant changes can create valuable improvements in your life. We will review ways to more intentionally identify these factors in your life and emphasize those areas where you need help while building on your family's strengths. You will be given tools to teach these to your children as they learn alongside you.