Clinical Intensive Day -Additional Day of training for Professionals only 10/3/2026- At Autism Community Network Time 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Presenter/Facilitator Dr. Elizabeth Torres and Rosemary White, OTR/L Back to Course List < Back Clinical Intensive Day 8:30-9:45 AM: Dr. Elizabeth Torres Research; An Introduction to the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab Course Description: Dr. Elizabeth Torres will present an introduction to the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab (SMIL) at Rutgers University, highlighting the lab’s mission, innovative approach, and current areas of research. Designed for clinicians, this presentation will provide an overview of how the lab studies sensory-motor processes to develop data-driven therapies and more objective measures for understanding neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including autism and Parkinson’s disease. During the presentation, Dr. Torres will introduce clinicians to the lab’s major areas of work and research, including: • Autism and Communication: Pioneering the use of digital biometrics and computer vision to track microscopic facial movements ("micromovement spikes") and biorhythms. This research reveals hidden emotional cues in non-speaking individuals, preventing misdiagnosis and fostering better social understanding. • Interpretable Digital Biometrics: Replacing subjective clinical observations with precise, technology-driven outcome measures using commercial sensors to track motor noise, heart rate variability, and physical volition. • Genomics: Applying new statistical and computational techniques to selectively analyze the transcriptome to bridge molecular changes in neurons with observable behaviors. • Clinical Innovation: Collaborating with educators, clinicians, and families to develop inclusive tracking tools (like SILAS-Digital) to map a person's learning preferences, attentional windows, and nervous system dysregulation. The session will help clinicians better understand how SMIL’s research connects cutting-edge sensory-motor science with practical clinical applications, with an emphasis on improving assessment, communication, and individualized intervention strategies. Session Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: • Describe the mission and core areas of work of the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab and explain their relevance to clinical practice. • Identify how sensory-motor integration research can inform the assessment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including autism and Parkinson’s disease. • Recognize examples of digital biomarkers and technology-enabled measures used to support more objective, individualized evaluation and intervention. • Discuss ways that findings from the lab’s research may translate into improved communication and motor supports, assessment strategies, and person-centered clinical care. 10:00-11:15 AM: Rosemary White, OTR/L Practice; The Role of Affect in Intentional Movement in Autism Course Description: In autism, affect—the expression or internal experience of emotion—is deeply intertwined with intentional movement. It acts as the critical bridge linking the brainstem's motor intentions with the neocortex's social execution, fundamentally impacting how autistic individuals initiate, coordinate, and share physical actions. The Biomechanics of Motor and Affective Integration The foundation of intentional action is rooted in both motor systems and emotional regulation. • Primary Sensori-Motor Errors: Research suggests that early developmental differences in prenatal brainstem growth may cause challenges in integrating sensory information with motor timing. This means that the physical intention to move may require more conscious effort, altering the rhythm and pacing of simple actions, such as walking or reaching. • "Body-Blindness": In some frameworks, differences in how bodily movements are felt and expressed (intercorporeality) can lead to a disconnect where the natural, affective flow of a movement is altered. This impacts how actions are naturally "tuned in" to the environment or a social partner. • Affect as a Tool for Connection and Therapy: Because affective expression is processed differently in autism, traditional social cues might not translate into the same physical or emotional reciprocity. However, affect remains a powerful tool for engagement and therapy: • DIR Floortime: Neurodiversity-Affirming frameworks like the DIR Floortime approach leverage affect—such as enthusiasm, playfulness, and authentic emotional connection—to help children process sensory input. By following the child's lead, caregivers use affect to foster emotional regulation and build circles of communication. • Action Observation and Motor Intent: Studies have explored how motor intention and "mirror chains" (the brain's mechanism for understanding others' actions) function differently in autism. While autistic individuals typically understand the "what" of an observed action, understanding the "why" or emotional intention behind it can sometimes be more challenging. The Role of Imitation and Environment The social and physical environment plays a large role in how affect and movement interact: • Being Imitated: Studies indicate that imitating an autistic child's physical actions recruits neural areas involved in social cognition and helps promote social engagement and play skills. • Customized Engagement: Rather than expecting neurotypical displays of reciprocal affect, it is essential to find how the neurodivergent individual prefers and is able to engage, respecting their unique mind-body connection and sensory needs. Session Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: • Analyze the neurodevelopmental relationship between brainstem sensory-motor integration and affective expression in autistic individuals. • Identify at least three clinical signs of "body-blindness" or altered motor timing during intentional movement tasks. • Evaluate how an individual's emotional regulation impacts their ability to initiate and sequence gross and fine motor actions. • Formulate clinical intervention strategies that use authentic affective cueing (e.g., DIR Floortime techniques) to improve motor engagement. • Design modified physical environments that minimize sensory overwhelm to better support intentional motor planning and social reciprocity. 12:45-2:00 PM: Dr. Elizabeth Torres Experiential Workshop; From Research to Practice: Applied Sensory-Motor Integration Workshop Course Description: Building on the theory, research, and scientific foundations introduced in the first presentation, this second session will translate those concepts into an experiential learning opportunity for clinicians. Dr. Elizabeth Torres will guide participants through a more interactive and applied exploration of the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab’s work, using case-based examples and clinical scenarios to help attendees connect emerging research in sensory-motor integration, digital biomarkers, and individualized measurement to everyday assessment and intervention decisions. Through guided discussion, reflection, and application of real-world examples, participants will consider how these research findings may shape clinical observation, communication supports, interdisciplinary collaboration, and person-centered, individualized intervention planning for autism. This session is designed to help clinician learners move beyond understanding the science to actively considering how to apply it in their own practice. Session Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: • Apply concepts from sensory-motor integration research to case-based clinical scenarios involving assessment, communication, and intervention planning. • Interpret examples of digital biomarkers and individualized measures as they relate to real-world clinical observation and decision-making. • Analyze how emerging research findings may inform person-centered supports for individuals with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including autism and Parkinson’s disease. • Reflect on opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in translating sensory-motor research into practical clinical strategies. 2:15-3:30 PM: Rosemary White OTR/L Workshop; Illuminating and Supporting the 'I' in DIR Course Description: Rosemary White OTR/L’s afternoon workshop, "Illuminating and Supporting the 'I' in DIR" explores how clinicians can deeply understand and support a child's Individual Differences (the "I" in the DIR model) through sensoriaffective motor integration and reflective video analysis. The presentation focuses on several core tenets: 1. The Core Philosophy of the "I" • Individual Differences: White emphasizes that true DIR therapy requires looking past a child's diagnosis to recognize their unique biological, sensory, and motor profiles. • Multisensory Processing: The framework highlights how individuals take in and process sensory information (tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive) and how these dictate a child's ability to engage and communicate. 2. Sensoriaffective Motor Integration • Connecting Emotion and Movement: White teaches that affect (emotion) and motor planning are inextricably linked. A child’s ability to feel safe and regulated directly impacts their motor control, and vice-versa. • The "Just Right" Challenge: Clinicians are guided on how to set up environments and interactions that offer just enough motor and sensory challenge to promote growth without causing overwhelm. 3. Reflective Video Feedback Analysis • Micro-Analysis of Interaction: The session relies heavily on reflective video analysis. Guided by Rosemary, clinicians of all stripes will collaboratively review session footage frame-by-frame to observe subtle micro-movements, changes in affect, and sensory responses. • Clinical Observation: This practice allows therapists to track a child's intentions (following their lead), identifying exactly where an interaction breaks down due to sensory overload or motor-planning deficits. • Professional Development: Reviewing this footage helps clinicians adjust their pacing, tone, and body language to better attune to the child's nervous system. Session Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: • Analyze and articulate how Individual Differences in sensory processing (tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive) impact a child's capacity for engagement, regulation, and communication within the DIR framework. • Demonstrate understanding of sensoriaffective motor integration by identifying the bidirectional relationship between emotional regulation and motor planning in clinical video examples. • Apply reflective video analysis techniques to identify micro-movements, affective shifts, and sensory responses that reveal a child's intentions and regulatory state. • Recognize breakdown points in therapeutic interactions where sensory overload or motor-planning deficits interrupt a child's engagement and communication attempts. • Evaluate and adjust clinical techniques including pacing, tone, body language, and environmental setup to better attune to each child's unique nervous system needs. • Design "just right" sensory-motor challenges that promote developmental growth while maintaining the child's sense of safety and regulation. • Utilize collaborative video review processes to enhance clinical observation skills and refine therapeutic responsiveness in real-time interactions. • Integrate knowledge of the "I" in DIR to move beyond diagnostic labels and create individualized, sensory-informed intervention strategies. Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres is a tenured Full Professor in the Psychology Department at Rutgers University and the former Director of the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (2018–2023). A pioneer in computational neuroscience, she has redefined autism research by focusing on sensory-motor and neuromotor differences rather than behavioral deficits. As Director of the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab (SMIL), she uses mobile health wearables and data algorithms to develop personalized digital biomarkers for real-time tracking of nervous system dynamics. Her work seeks to uncover the neurological basis of autism to support precision medicine and tailored therapies. Author of Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective , Dr. Torres holds multiple biomedical patents and earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego, followed by post-doctoral research at Caltech. Rosemary White, OTR/L , is an internationally recognized pediatric occupational therapist from Australia with over five decades of experience. She trained in Neurodevelopmental Therapy in London with Dr. and Mrs. Karel Bobath, Sensory Integrative Therapy in Los Angeles with Dr. A. Jean Ayres, and DIR®/Floortime with Stanley Greenspan, MD, Serena Wieder, PhD, and the ICDL and Profectum faculty. Show More

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective Time 8:15-9:45 AM Presenter/Facilitator Elizabeth Torres, PhD Back to Course List < Back KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective Elizabeth Torres, PhD will present research from Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective , introducing a data‑driven framework that reframes autism through measurable physiological and nervous system activity. The talk highlights a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that replaces subjective descriptions with objective movement and sensory metrics to support personalized phenotyping. Torres will discuss how this perspective advances tailored interventions, enables longitudinal tracking, and empowers autistic individuals and their families. Objectives Participants will analyze the movement sensing perspective presented by Elizabeth Torres, PhD, to explain how physiological and nervous system data can reframe autism beyond subjective descriptions. Participants will evaluate the role of interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches in developing personalized phenotyping and improving the accuracy of autism assessment. Participants will create individualized intervention strategies that incorporate objective movement and sensory metrics to support longitudinal tracking and empower autistic individuals and their families. Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres is a tenured Full Professor in the Psychology Department at Rutgers University and the former Director of the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (2018–2023). A pioneer in computational neuroscience, she has redefined autism research by focusing on sensory-motor and neuromotor differences rather than behavioral deficits. As Director of the Sensory-Motor Integration Lab (SMIL), she uses mobile health wearables and data algorithms to develop personalized digital biomarkers for real-time tracking of nervous system dynamics. Her work seeks to uncover the neurological basis of autism to support precision medicine and tailored therapies. Author of Autism: The Movement Sensing Perspective , Dr. Torres holds multiple biomedical patents and earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego, followed by post-doctoral research at Caltech. Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres is a paid speaker at ACN 2026 Summit- Toward Neuroharmony: Welcome to the Autism Renaissance

In the news. Get the latest in autism news here. Apr 20, 2024 Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's support of autism acceptance reached global audience His inclusive message about the need not to treat autistic people as the "other" touched those with the disability and their advocates. Read More Apr 2, 2024 SAPD cadets learn how to respond to incidents involving people with autism San Antonio nonprofits have teamed up to create a training program to help San Antonio police cadets better understand autism spectrum disorders. Read More Feb 4, 2024 LOCAL Closer Look: Autism Community Network Felipe Aguilar talks with Adrienne Gaither, Director of Caregiver Empowerment and Occupational Therapist, Autism Community Network (ACN) in San Antonio. Read More Dec 20, 2023 Sound and vision: How San Antonio is building inclusivity in arts and culture Sensory-friendly events are primarily designed to accommodate those with autism spectrum disorder who might have difficulties adjusting behaviors to social situations or communicating their needs effectively. Read More Aug 28, 2023 'Emergent and transactional': How Jonathan Green is Rethinking Autism and Interventions Jonathan Green is professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and an honorary consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is also a long-practicing clinician. In this interview, he discusses the genesis of his recent article, “Debate: Neurodiversity, autism and healthcare,” and how it has been received by colleagues and the neurodiversity self-advocate community. There have been two commentaries published in response to Green’s article, with a third still in production. Read More Mar 27, 2023 Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Improved Long-Term Child Outcomes Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy is currently the only scientifically evidenced early social communication intervention to demonstrate long-term improved child social communication outcomes into middle childhood. Read More Jun 18, 2022 We Should Tell Children They Are Autistic As Soon As Possible Many parents in our community feel they don’t know the “right” way or time to tell autistic children about their autism. For this reason, we are grateful for a recent study showing that “it is probably best to tell people they are autistic as soon as possible.” We talked with Bella Kofner, an author on the study who is also autistic, about what the study reveals; the personal experience of being told about one’s own autism; why it is crucial for autism research to include autistic direction; and some takeaways for both parents and/or autistic people themselves. Read More

Who we are. At Autism Community Network, we are passionate about empowering families and caregivers to be the principal advocates, caregivers, and champions in their children’s lives. Our mission is to provide support, education and resources to those affected by autism. We strive to make a difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families by providing educational resources, support groups, and community events. Our goal is to ensure that those affected by autism get the support and resources they need to lead a successful life. Our organization. Autism Community Network (ACN) was established as a 501(c)(3) in 2008 by a consortium of health care funders concerned about the lack of child development services available to children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This initiative was led by Palmer Moe, former executive manager of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. ACN addresses the diagnostic, therapeutic, educational, and recreational needs of families impacted by autism living in South Texas. Our mission. Our mission is to maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them. Elephant-sized values. You may have noticed our larger-than-life mascot. As an autism nonprofit dedicated to forming relationships and nurturing the wellness of the autism ecosystem, we thought of nothing more fitting than the elephant. Elephants live in tightly bonded herds, also known as “packs” or “parades.” The herd, led by the oldest and largest matriarch, can consist of up to 100 individual elephants. Known for their high intellect and ability to store memories, elephants have been observed to display signs of emotions such as playfulness, joy, anger, and grief. These beautiful giants communicate through subsonic rumbles, which travel through the earth under their feet more quickly than through the air above them. Interestingly, elephants receive the rumbling messages through the skin on their feet and trunks, indicating highly attuned sensory systems. When a baby calf is born, the entire herd helps to raise and protect their young. ACN believes our commitment to holistic community support mirrors this natural phenomenon, and we are happy to take cues from our mammalian friends! Read More Team Our team. Tiffany Fresher Chief Executive Officer Read More Adrienne Gaither, OTR, CSIPT, C/NDT Chief Programs Officer & Occupational Therapist Read More Teresa Camacho Medical Billing Manager Read More Gabriel Gonzalez, OTD, OTR/L Bilingual Occupational Therapist Read More Jarrod Purkeypile, MA CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Read More Angela Sanchez-Concha Caregiver Coordinator Read More Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR Chief Operating Officer Read More Cortney John, MA Chief Development & Outreach Officer Read More Casey Garza, MPA Community Engagement Coordinator Read More Cathy Kersey Accounting Manager Read More Arjai Ramos Front Desk Coordinator Read More Anna Paola Smith, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Read More Alma Patricia del Angel, MD Chief Medical Officer & Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician Read More Vanessa Amaya Referral Coordinator Read More Noelia Cheatham Billing Specialist Read More Lisa Martinez-Jimenez Board Certified Behavior Analyst Read More Nicolle Reyna, MS CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Read More Reach out. Each family's journey with autism is AUsomely unique. Let our staff walk beside you on your pathway. Start Now Our board of directors. OFFICERS Joshua Behnke - President Behnke Legal Consulting, PLLC Denise Garcia - Vice President Texas Partners Bank Matthew Occhipinti - Treasurer Northwestern Mutual Greg Hanson, DO, FAAP - Secretary Southwest Children's Cente r MEMBERS Wendy Faldet HEB Beth Jones Assistant Superintendent - SAISD Manny Nsien President and CEO of Superior Living Foundation Ursula Pari Former KSAT 12 News Anchor & CEO of San Antonio Polo Club Michael Thompson Merrill Lynch Kristen Williams, PhD Executive Director of Disability Services - SAISD, Retired Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Advisory Committee. We're excited to introduce our Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Advisory Committee. This committee, including neurodiverse individuals of all stripes, serves to provide our board and our staff with ongoing guidance and support from a position of lived experience to assure our consistent alignment with strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

< Back Casey Garza, MPA Community Engagement Coordinator Casey believes that meaningful connections are at the heart of every strong community. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about bringing people together, building collaborative partnerships, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to feel supported and engaged. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Cameron University before completing her Master of Public Administration at Lamar University, combining a love for strategic communication with a deep commitment to serving others. As Community Engagement Coordinator at Autism Community Network, Casey is honored to help foster a more inclusive and connected community for neurodivergent children, youth, and their families. Whether she is building community partnerships, planning events, sharing stories, or welcoming new families, she is passionate about helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered while advancing ACN's mission of creating opportunities for every family to thrive. casey@acn-sa.org 210-435-1000

< Back LOCAL Closer Look: Autism Community Network Felipe Aguilar Feb 4, 2024 Felipe Aguilar talks with Adrienne Gaither, Director of Caregiver Empowerment and Occupational Therapist, Autism Community Network (ACN) in San Antonio. Gaither provides a historical and organizational overview of ACN. She also describes ACN’s mission as it applies to providing care to persons with Autism. Gaither gives some practical guidelines for caregivers of children with Autism and talks about the importance of early diagnosis. She describes services and resources that ACN provides to children and adults with Autism diagnosis. Learn more at ( https://www.acn-sa.org ). Listen to the interview here: https://www.klove.com/news/closer-look/hot-topx/local-closer-look-autism-community-network-san-antonio-7191 Previous Next

< Back CASE MANAGEMENT & FAMILY SERVICES About Case Management Services Our case management and family services resources provide information on support services available to individuals with autism and their families. These resources can help families navigate the often-complicated system of autism services and find the help they need. Also, inquire about our in-house autism case management resources! CASE MANAGEMENT & FAMILY SERVICES AACOG, Alamo Local Authority for IDD 210.830.5020 Web: www.aacog.com 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 800, SA TX 78217 Provides Eligibility Determination (autism is a related condition), service coordination for General Revenue Services and Texas Home Living program, enrollment into the Home and Community-Based services program, In-Home Family Support Program and admissions into Intermediate Care Facilities-MR and State Schools Any Baby Can of San Antonio 210.227.0170 Web: www.anybabycansa.org 217 Howard St. San Antonio, TX 78212 Provides case management, to families who have a child aged from newborn to age of 17. Provides crisis assistance, referrals, small group counseling, individual counseling, financial assistance and parent education for children with autism. ARC of San Antonio 210.490.4300 Web: www.arc-sa.org 13430 West Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216 FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES: Provides a social service “home” for families and caregivers of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Support Service Coordinators will help families connect to programs and find resources. Eligibility: all ages, no income restrictions, serving Bexar County and surrounding communities. COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CSCM): Provides comprehensive case management services for families who have a child/young adult(s) with special health care needs. Eligibility: Ages 3-21 years. Non- Medicaid eligible. Bexar and surrounding counties. COMMUNITY LIVING ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES (CLASS): Contact Yolanda Fuentes, Director of CLASS Case Management at yfuentes@arc-sa.org . Provides individuals with disabilities access to the resources they need to live and work as independently as possible in the community. Case Managers coordinate services including provider care, specialized therapies, adaptive aids, minor home modifications and respite care. Eligibility: Must be actively enrolled in the CLASS Medicaid Waiver Program. Center for Healthcare Services - CHCS-ECI, formerly PACES 210.261.3300 Web: www.chcsbc.org 5802 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78223 O ff ering a variety of services for parents with children under the age of 3, who are experiencing developmental delays. Services include case management, family centered services, activities in familiar settings, and more. Mo family is turned away because they cannot a ff ord to pay. Free services for children on Medicaid. Other services provided based on family size and adjusted income. Previous Next

< Back Anna Paola Smith, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker Anna Paola Smith attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her BA in Psychology and her Masters degree in Social Work. She has had the opportunity to work with children and families in the school, hospital, and clinical settings. Anna Paola's interests lie in family system and how the development of one child may impact the entire family unit. After living in Austin for 6 years, she relocated to San Antonio with her husband, Daniel. During her free time she enjoys creating recipes for her Paleo-based Instagram account, exploring the culinary scene in San Antonio with her family and friends, and living an active, healthy lifestyle. anna.paola@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 2010

< Back Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's support of autism acceptance reached global audience Tom Orsborn Apr 20, 2024 Spurs fan Martin Krøger, although 5,300 miles away in Denmark, had the sense coach Gregg Popovich's comments after a recent game in support of autism acceptance were made for his benefit. "If I could ever thank that man in person, this would be at the top of my list of things to thank him for," Krøger, a 50-year-old IT consultant, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Krøger was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, when he was 48. "Forget the wins and the titles, that's just a game," Krøger wrote after hearing the NBA's all-time winningest coach's message of inclusion. "Seeing people for who they are and using your platform for doing good works, that's what really matters in the end." After wearing Nike custom Air Force 1 sneakers sporting a colorful infinity symbol with the words "Inclusion" and "To The Max" during a home game against Philadelphia on April 7 as part of the NBA's efforts to promote Autism Acceptance Month, Popovich spoke about the need to value those living on the autism spectrum. "We're just trying to bring some awareness to autism," he said. "I didn't even realize it was that prolific. I guess it's one out of every 37 children is diagnosed with autism, and that's a lot more than I think I knew. But it's a malady I think is misunderstood in some ways. It's like it's a 'bad thing' or that person is the 'other'. Now, that person is just different and really deserves our attention, our support and a realization they have other advantages, or advantages is the wrong word, but other traits that make them special. "So giving them love and support is really important and hopefully people will understand they need to be included. They can't be put aside as 'others'. They need to be included and supported." Autism advocates applauded the empathy and support shown by Popovich, 75. "It’s absolutely wonderful," said Tiffany Fresher, CEO of the Autism Community Network, a San Antonio nonprofit that works to "maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them," according to its website. Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a condition that ranges from mild to serious and is typically marked by social awkwardness, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors and other problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, autism affects one in every 36 children and one in 45 adults in the United States. Popovich and other NBA coaches embraced Autism Acceptance Month in response to an effort by Utah Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison and his wife Susanne to raise awareness after their son Max was diagnosed with autism in 2022. "Before the season started, we just knew we wanted to do something to try and help or contribute," Morrison told USA Today. "And we had the idea to just maybe tap into the handful of coaches I knew just to see who would be interested in wearing the shoes as a way to highlight autism." Gregg Popovich and other coaches across the league wore custom Nike Air Force 1 shoes for a pair of games as part of an NBA-wide initiative to raise awareness for autism. The sneakers were signed by the coaches and auctioned off to raise funds for the To The Max Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the Morrisons to support autistic individuals and their families. Dr. Melissa D. Svoboda, director of the autism program at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, said it was "amazing" to hear Popovich draw attention to autism. But she said his comments also reinforced her belief the public still needs more education about autism. "When I first started my training, I told people I was going to work with autistic children, and they were like, 'Artistic? Like they draw?' " Svoboda said. "Nobody knew what autistic meant. Thank goodness, fast forward, fifteen, twenty years later and now it is so much more common, but you still have people like coach Popovich saying, 'Oh, I didn’t know it was this common.' "It’s so common that there is this real big movement toward neurodiversity, which is really what he is getting at, that maybe (autism) is a spectrum of normal, especially with some of these higher functioning individuals. Some people may call them quirky, but they have a place here. There are some amazing things they do that other people don’t have as a skill set. And it really is about inclusion and support to make sure everybody, no matter ability or disability, finds a placed and a meaning in what they want to do." The Autism Community Network works toward fulfilling that goal by helping families gain a better understanding of autism. "When somebody in the family has autism, everyone is dealing with autism in their family," Fresher said. "We are trying to teach them their child’s strengths and how to communicate with their child and how to reduce stress in their family...to help the family better communicate with the child, so the child’s stress is reduced as well." Svoboda is hopeful that during Autism Acceptance Month people "on the more severe end of the spectrum who require a lot of support" aren't forgotten. "A lot of this neurodiversity movement is centered on people at the higher end of the spectrum, but I think we have to make sure we are including everybody on every part of the spectrum," she said. Krøger, the Danish Spurs fan who praised Popovich's comments on X, was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's syndrome is a condition on the autism spectrum with generally higher functioning. People with the condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics, according to the website for the Nationwide Children's Hospital. "It was a life-changing experience, suddenly realizing I could now let go of all of the guilt and anger I'd carried around with me since childhood," Krøger wrote to the Express-News in a direct message on X about his diagnosis. "I came to accept that while I was in fact different from most of the people around me, that did not mean there was something wrong with me. I was simply that: different." Krøger wote that being "very open" about his diagnosis with family, friends and colleagues has been a freeing experience. "People deserved to know how much hard work goes into just living with someone like me or into living with children with the same difficulties," he wrote. " It's been very heartening to see the reactions my wife and I have gotten from people we know. Still, I'm able to mask my neurodivergence somewhat when I'm out in the world and so I still get to hear how people talk about 'everyone wants a diagnosis for their kid these days' and questioning the validity of the difficulties facing us. "That's why Pop's comments moved me. Being the son of a no-nonsense coach in that same gruff but caring mold, it's probably no surprise I already hold him in high regard. It just means so incredibly much to people like me that a man of his stature takes the opportunity to educate folks on something as simple but meaningful as remembering to include us, even though we're a bit different. "His reminder that we need love and support really hit home for me, knowing that while I'm fortunate in that regard, I know too many who weren't as lucky as me." To see the article on the San Antonio Express News website visit https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/popovich-s-support-autism-acceptance-reached-19396018.php . Previous Next

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