Second Keynote Address: Autism Autonomy: In Search of our Human Dignity Time 12:45-1:30 PM Presenter/Facilitator Elizabeth Torres, PhD Back to Course List < Back Second Keynote Address: Autism Autonomy: In Search of our Human Dignity Elizabeth Torres, PhD presents insights from her book "Autism Autonomy: In Search of our Human Dignity," a profound exploration of what it means to honor the full personhood of autistic individuals. In this keynote, Dr. Torres shares the importance of her research for amplifying autistic agency—centering the voices, choices, and self-determination of those on the spectrum. Drawing on rigorous scientific inquiry and deep respect for lived experience, Torres challenges systems and frameworks that reduce autistic individuals to passive recipients of intervention. Instead, she argues for a paradigm shift: one that recognizes autonomy as foundational to dignity, and data-driven understanding as a tool for empowerment rather than control. Key themes include: Why autonomy matters: The ethical and practical case for supporting self-determination in all aspects of life—communication, movement, decision-making, and daily living Research as advocacy: How objective measurement of sensory-motor processes can validate autistic experiences and challenge deficit-based narratives From compliance to collaboration: Rethinking clinical, educational, and family relationships to prioritize partnership over correction Amplifying agency: Strategies for creating environments, systems, and interactions that honor what autistic individuals are communicating—verbally and non-verbally. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the intersection between science and human rights, and a renewed commitment to practices that uplift rather than diminish autistic dignity. This keynote is a call to action: to listen more deeply, measure more thoughtfully, and advocate more boldly for a world where every autistic person's autonomy is recognized and protected. Learning Outcomes: Participants will explain the ethical case for supporting self-determination in all aspects of autistic life. Participants will define language related to sensory-motor processing and measurement thereof, including but not limited to: vestibular, interoception, proprioception, sensory profile Participants will integrate at least two strategies for creating environments that honor autistic autonomy. Dr. Torres is a Computational Neuroscientist who has been working on theoretical and empirical aspects of sensory motor integration and human cognition since the late 90's. She graduated from Mathematics and Computer Science and spent a year at the NIH as a Pre-IRTA fellow, applying her skill set to the medical field. This work led to Pre-doctoral-fellowship funding (5 years) of graduate school. During her PhD at UCSD, she developed a new theoretical framework for the study of sensory motor integration, employing elements of Differential (Riemannian) geometry and tensor calculus adapted from Contemporary Mechanics and Dynamics to the realm of Cognitive Neuroscience. Upon PhD completion, she moved to CALTECH to receive postdoctoral training in electrophysiology and Computational Neural Systems as a Sloan-Swartz Fellow, a Della Martin Fellow and a Neuroscience Scholar. In parallel, she translated her models to work with humans suffering from pathologies of the nervous systems and built a new platform for personalized analyses of human naturalistic behaviors. She joined Rutgers University in 2008 and deployed her new platform to work on neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on issues with social interactions. Under an NSF Cyber Enabled Discovery Award, she then launched a transformative research program in autism seeking to build synergies with industry, funded by the NSF Innovation Corps initiative. She filed four patent technologies and with the generous funding of the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation and the New Jersey Governor's Council for the treatment and research of autism, she extended the new platform to study natural dyadic and social behaviors in general. Show More

Events coming up. ACN Annual Summit 2026 Toward Neuroharmony: Welcome to the Autism Renaissance Click here for our 2026 Summit Information! More upcoming events. June 8th - 12th March 9th - 14th July 6th - 11th June 22nd - 26th July 20th - 24th Camp AUsome! WE:PLAY Join us for our first camp of the summer, WE:PLAY! This play-based camp focuses on building communication, regulation, and social skills. Camp AUsome! WE:ACT Camp WE:ACT is for autistic middle and high-school students interested in musical theater. Campers will learn and perform scenes and songs from Disney favorites! Camp AUsome! WE:CODE Camp WE:CODE is fun for the techy kids! Learn to code and build with new friends. ACN bring in local experts to teach and build all things technology! Camp AUsome! WE:GO Our only camp for neurotypical/allistic siblings. This week-long camp takes place in Copano Bay, TX along the Gulf Coast where campers spend there time learning to do all kinds of fun things! Let's Get Social

< Back TRANSPORTATION About Transportation Services Transportation can be a significant challenge for individuals with autism and their families. Our resource library provides information on transportation options, including accessible transportation services, school transportation, and public transportation resources. TRANSPORTATION Alamo Regional Transit (ART) 1.866.889.7433 AACOG - Transportation for Seniors 60+. 8700 Tesoro Dr., Ste. 700, SA TX 78217 Alamo Service Connection (Medical Transportation) 210.477.3275 For Medical or dental appointments. Medicaid or CSHCN eligibility required. Area Agencies on Aging Directory https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/contact/aaa.cfm Medicaid Routine Medical Transportation Program 877.633.8747 Web: Click Here 1100 W. 49th St, Austin, TX 78756 There are here to provide Non-Emergency rides if you call and notify them at least 2 working days in advance; but as far as 30 days out; if you are out of town at least 5 days out of town as long as you are receiving Medicaid Benefits. Their ways of transport include; bus; van; taxi; rail for in town and bus; van; rail or airline for out of town. If a child 14 years old or younger they must be accompanied by an adult; 15 - 17 can ride alone if parent fills out consent form; also teen parents may ride alone with their child; without an adult. They are also able to accommodate those with disabilities, such as wheelchair bound. For more information, you may vista their website or call into the office. Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to schedule a ride; but transportation 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM Monday - Saturday. They also have a reimbursement plan for gas; lodging and food; for more detailed information, please contact the office. Methodist Healthcare Health Bus 210.647.7433 Web: www.sahealth.com/about/community/health-bus.dot Offers free transportation to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and any of its facilities, as well as to doctors on the medical staff at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. Serves select zip codes; wheelchair accessible; call 48 hours in advance to reserve. Patient Air Transport Helpline 1.800.296.1217 Web: www.patienttravel.org Makes referrals and provides assistance for patients who must travel long distances for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and who need financial assistance to do so. VIA Transportation Services 210.362.2140 Web: https://www.viainfo.net/viatrans-paratransit/ 800 W. Myrtle, SA TX 78212 Complimentary para-transit provided to individuals who have disabilities that prevent them from using fixed route bus service; provided during the same hours of the day, same days per week and within three- quarters of a mile of a fixed bus route. Applications must be verified by the applicant’s physician and eligibility is then determined. Well’s Waldo Wheels 210.647.7433 Web: https://sahealth.com/patients-visitors/methodist-healthcare-health-bus.dot Provides services for pregnant women who go to Methodist facilities for well-checks and to assist parents in getting their children to medical appointments; Spanish-speaking drivers are available Previous Next

The center. 535 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 Harvey E. Najim Campus The Harvey E. Najim Campus, generously donated by Harvey E. Najim, is dedicated to the service of the autism community. Our new center opened its doors in July 2023 and allows us to provide state-of-the-art treatments and diagnostics for individuals in need. We are also able to scale our services to better meet the needs of the growing population we serve. We are proud to announce that we will begin offering adult services in the near future. Our goal is to ensure the autism community in South Texas has a place to call home with all the support they need. What the new campus means for you. New programs & services Less diagnostic wait time. You have spoken, and we have heard you. Our new campus houses +4 new employees and 2 more observation rooms to handle multiple screenings at once. Our goal is to significantly reduce the time spent on our waiting list. More inclusivity. Our new campus allows us to offer expanded, wrap-around services for the whole family. Additionally, we can now provide more long-term support for our children as they age. Better community integration. Our generous donors at Valero have made it possible to host community events and resource fairs in our fully equipped Valero Community Center. From Camp AUsome! to our sensory-friendly holiday events, we are sparking a flame in the ever-growing autism community. Cozier environments. When you step into our building, you'll notice something special. We've designed it to feel just like home - cozy, welcoming, and peaceful. You won't find harsh fluorescent lights or noisy, echoing hallways here. Instead, we've crafted sensory-friendly spaces, not just rooms. Smarter play. We are huge proponents of learning social skills through play and child-led interactions, so we have created our space to be targeted to the autistic person and their caregivers. From the customizable projections on the climbing wall to the state-of-the-art video rePLAY system, we put play first. Relevant learning spaces. There is a world of opportunity out there, and big futures await. We have added immersive environments dedicated to teaching autistic children and their caregivers daily life skills. We look forward to seeing you in our teaching kitchen or back for Camp We:CODE. Leave your mark. ACN is providing exciting naming opportunities for our new campus. Name a wing, room, or help us pave our entryway with a dedicated brick. You can donate to ACN and support us in our effort to develop an amazing new facility. Donate today and make your mark on ACN! Customize a brick Location location location. Where we are building. Our new campus is located in the inner-west side of San Antonio, Texas. We believe that being in this area provides a centralized location to serve all of San Antonio. We're proud to serve from here and look forward to creating new relationships in the community. Please come by for a visit! Book your next event in our Valero Community Center. ACN's new campus features the amazing Valero Community Center annex space, fully renovated and equipped with a catering kitchen, restrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the outdoors. For more information contact: info@acn-sa.org

Does my child have autism? To know for sure, you should have your child screened . We do offer both screenings and diagnostics. Getting Started in 3 Easy Steps 1) Watch this video These are characteristics of children on the autism spectrum compared to children who might have developmental delays. Can you identify the differences? 2) Know the signs Our friends at Autism Navigator have created a pretty great checklist that details the signs to look out for in your child. Bring these behaviors up to your child's doctor if you notice more than one or two of them. View Checklist 3) Give this form to your child's doctor. If you are done with steps 1 and 2 and noticed several similarities in your child's behavior it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician. Below is a referral form for them to fill out so that we can schedule a screening. Download Form Our Services Get Support for Your Autism Journey at Autism Community Network Explore

Autism Community Network works with a large consortium of donors and healthcare professionals in the San Antonio community to provide quality educational, diagnostic, and therapy services for families and loved ones on the autism spectrum. Thank you to our founders. Founding Donor Kronkosky Foundation The mission of Kronkosky is to produce profound good that is tangible and measurable in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties in Texas. Kronkosky works on equal footing with nonprofit partners to support vulnerable populations and cultivate vibrant communities throughout the counties we serve. Founding Donor Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio is committed to honoring God and their Baptist heritage by fostering and funding health initiatives in our community. Founding Donor Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for uninsured and low-income families through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Founding Donor USAA Foundation, Inc. USAA, USAA Bank and The USAA Foundation, Inc., strive to increase positive impact by providing financial support to organizations that align with our corporate responsibility focus areas. In local communities where USAA has a significant presence of employees, we provide financial support to causes that address needs that align with our local focus areas. Founding Donor Spellman Charitable Fund of The San Antonio Area Foundation The San Antonio Area Foundation serves as your most trusted and impactful philanthropic partner to close opportunity gaps for the people in San Antonio who need it the most. Founding Donor / Capital Campaign - Platinum Valero Energy Foundation The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations. Founding Donor Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Gordon Hartman Family Foundation is dedicated to help bring about positive transformation in the lives of our friends with special needs, their families and caregivers. They strive to achieve this by investing their financial support, their time and their energy into organizations that serve individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Founding Donor Shield-Ayres Foundation The Shield-Ayres Foundation strengthens organizations that effectively meet the basic human needs of the most vulnerable members of our community, provide access to educational opportunity and the arts, advocate for social justice, and promote land and water conservation. Founding Donor St. Luke's Lutheran Health Ministries St. Luke’s Lutheran Health Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit foundation whose philanthropic focus is funding healthcare ministries that will benefit the San Antonio regional community, including direct and indirect healthcare services (medical, dental, mental health care and protective health services); health education; preventive services; wellness initiatives; and healthcare equipment and supplies that are critical to the delivery of direct care. Founding Donor Zachry Foundation The Zachry Foundation is a private, family foundation in Bexar County, Texas, founded by H. B. Zachry and sustained by family business entities. It seeks to help people improve their lives and communities by contributing to nonprofit organizations in the fields of the arts and humanities, education, health and social services. Founding Donor Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Myra died in 1943 leaving Frost National Bank as the trustee of her estate valued at $750,000 (over $10 million today) for the purposes of “a trust created for charitable purposes in perpetuity.” Today, this Trust has over $25 million in assets and annually gives over $1 million to charities and non-profit organizations. Among the many wonderful initiatives funded by Myra’s generosity are full time tutors and mentors for San Antonio’s underpriviledged youths, funding for trainers for Guide Dogs of Texas, and new state-of-the-art technology for the Mays Business School at Texas A&M. Her legacy in San Antonio lives on! You are in good company. Donate

Make Referral If you observe early signs of autism or developmental differences in your patients, we're here to help. Submit a referral using the button below to connect families with supportive, neurodiversity-affirming services. Click Here Why Refer to ACN Specialized Early Childhood Diagnostics ACN is dedicated to providing expert care for our families. Our physician, clinicians, and educators have 228 years of combined experience in supporting autistic and/or developmentally different children and families. They provide interdisciplinary and comprehensive play-based evaluations for children ages 0-5. Families who come to ACN receive same-day results and personalized recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of the entire family. Neurodiversity-Affirming & Trauma-Informed Care ACN is guided by our Experts by Experience Board , a growing group of autistic adults who assure that our practices are in alignment with neurodiversity-affirming care and are responsive to the expressed needs of the community we serve. We work hard to build environments and relationships that feel safe and that honor different kinds of minds. At ACN, we believe that every child has gifts to give and deserves to be understood strengths-based lens. Family-Centered Care At ACN, we believe that parents are the experts in their children. Families are involved every step of the way. We tailor our diagnostic and therapeutic experiences to the specific needs and motivations of each child and family. Our innovative and evidence-based therapies are parent-mediated, which means they empower families! We invite families to join our “herd” through involvement in quality-of-life programs, including SibSHOPS, FAMJAMS, Caregiver Support Group, and Coffee and Connections. Families involved with ACN have a sense of COMMUNITY and a place to call HOME. Mission-Driven, Outcome-Focused As a nonprofit, at ACN our priority is clinical excellence and lasting impact- not profit. Our clinical, educational and quality of life programming is dedicated to creating long-term positive outcomes, or BIG Futures, for the children and families we serve. Our mission is to create a community that recognizes and celebrates the value of our neurodiverse community members and understands the role we can all play in creating an inclusive world. When to Make a Referral This downloadable guide helps providers recognize early signs of autism in young children, including social communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and sensory preferences. It’s also designed to be shared with families—offering clear, compassionate language to support understanding and early action. Use it as a reference tool and a conversation starter for timely referrals to ACN. Download Guide Resources for Families Help families access the full range of ACN’s supportive services—from diagnostic evaluations and quality of life programs to community events and caregiver trainings—by connecting them to our team today. Refer a Family

:Le Brunch des Chapeaux Raffle Items Purchase your Raffle Tickets here! This button connects to our Valero Champions fore Charity link to buy raffle tickets. Click donate to purchase and 100% of your donation comes to us - no fees! Raffle tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100 Luncheon Package #1 Beauty & Bliss The Beauty Package is Always a Favorite! Parkhurst Luxe Medical Spa | Three Morpheus 8 Treatments Valued at $3,600 RFSA Dermatology | Hydrafacial, Dsyport 30 units, Emsculp Package (4 sessions) Valued at $3,000 Origins Spa | IPL (Intense Pulse Light) Skin Treatments Valued at $1,000 Kelly Wade Jewelers Gift Card Valued at $1,000 Lomi Skin | 90 Minute Head Spa Elevated Treatment Valued at $195 Letty Barolia | Professional Makeup Session Valued at $195 Assortment of Beauty Products (More items and information coming soon) Valued at $9,000 Luncheon Package #2 Hill Country Getaway The Trueheart Hotel | Two Rooms Valued at $1,600 Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques - Bella Notte Bedding | $1,500 Gift Card Alla Campagna Italian Restaurant| Dinner for Four Los Tios Mexican Restaurant | Lunch for Four Ab Astris Winery - Tasting for Four Pontotoc Vineyard Tasting Room - Experience for Four (More items and information coming soon) Valued at Over $4,200 Luncheon Package #3 Tiny Treasures Kevin Farnsworth Orthodontics | Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment, Total Complexity, Valued at $6,000 Dos Kiwis Studios / Dane Miller | Photography Package Includes the Session, Reveal and 16x24 Deep Luster Portrait, Valued at $600 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | Four Tickets to Blippi Live Valued at $450 Pastel Soft Play | Gift Card Toward any Rental - Soft Play, Ball-pit or Bounce House Valued at $250 Belles & Beaux / Gift card Valued at $250 San Antonio Polo Club | Riding Lessons Valued at $200 Spoil Me Kids Spa | Four Spa Day Gift Cards Valued at $200 Valued at $7,950 Luncheon Package #4 Wellness - Restore & Refresh Pvolve Alamo Heights | 50 pack of classes Valued at $1,000 Medi.ci | Gift Card Valued at $750 BodyByEMS | Three Sessions of EMS Training Valued at $600 Elemind | Elemind Headpiece Valued at $399 KetonelQ | Bundle of KetonelQ Valued at $270 Functional Nutrition | Megan Catalini Wellness Valued at $315 BioWorx Alamo Heights | Wellness Recovery Package Valued at $185 Daybreak | Sleep Study Absorption Company | Supplements Ammortal | Bed Chamber Experience at Kairos Relief Spa Estimated Value $4,200 Luncheon Package #5 Entertaining in Style! Relax while a Wonderful Chef Creates a Fabulous Meal for You and Your Guests in the Comfort of Your Own Home. Art of Cellaring (AOC) | An Assortment of Wine for You and Your Guests Mrs. Alice | Centerpiece/decor items for your table Cultus Artem | Party Favors for the added touch Alamo Plants & Pedals | Adorn Your Event with Beautiful Flowers Zbiotics included to make recovery from a fun event so much easier! Estimated Value $4,700 Luncheon Package #6 Port A Getaway! Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community Three (3) night stay at a two (2) bedroom residence (sleeps up to 6) 18 holes round of golf (for up to 6 players) Use of a beach cart and VIP beach chairs/umbrella set-up J McLaughlin | Beautiful Handbag Valued at $300 Assorted wines included for your evening gatherings. Memories to last a lifetime! Estimated Value $4,000 Afterparty - Package #1 The Argyle Experience - Bring Your Friends! The Argyle Sommelier Wine Reception for 20 Guests Hors d' oeuvres for you and your guests, selected by the Argyle's Executive Chef , Valued at $2,000 Trinity Flowers | Flowers Arrangement Valued at $200 Feather, Fluff & Flings | Gift Card for Tablescape Valued at $200 Valued at $2,400 Afterpaty Package #2 Living/Eating Local Enjoy an Assortment of San Antonio's Finest Restaurants. Dine In or Take it Home. This package makes dinner time and social time easy! Adair Kitchen $100 Gift Card Cappy's $100 Gift Card Chris Madrids $125 Gift Card Clementine $100 Gift Card Honey + Pickle $150 Gift Card Ladino $100 Gift Card La Fonda on Main $100 Gift Card Roam & Range $100 Gift Card $1,000 Gift Card to be used at any of the following: Cantina del Rio, Down on Grayson, The Grapevine, Gristmill, Josephine Street or Mozies. Valued at $1,875 Afterparty Package #3 Let's All Fiesta! Tickets to the Texas Cavaliers River Parade | Four Box Seats, Area 108A at the Parade Two Custom Made Fiesta Wreaths to Adorn Your Home Valued at $600 Saint Bernard Gift Card Valued at $500 Dos Carolinas | Seersucker Bathrobe Valued at $215 Dinner for 8 at Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine Valued at $150 Valued at $2,100 Package #10 Grand Raffle The Grand Raffle is for the BIG GIVERS! As an extra thank you, the Grand Raffle was designed to surprise you with items curated and donated by some of the events biggest donors. You cannot buy tickets to this raffle. Grand Raffle tickets are only given to those who raise their paddles during the Paddles Up portion of the luncheon. Tickets are given as follows: For the $5k paddle raise level you get 5 Grand Raffle tickets. For the $2.5k paddle raise level you get 3 Grand Raffle tickets. For the $1k paddle raise you get 1 Grand Raffle ticket. The Grand Raffle will be the last prize drawn to end the event and send you on to a great after party. Don't miss out on the fun surprises in this package! Estimated Value $5,000 You May Also Purchase Your Tickets at the Event

Training. The Autism Community Network is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program offers training for familial and professional caregivers, medical residents, student clinicians, education professionals, and the wider community to ensure that everyone who interacts with autistic individuals can provide them with the best possible care. 01 Coffee and Connections. Search Check out our quarterly and register! Coffee and Connection is our weekly virtual series that brings together experts in their respective fields to share insights and best practices on popular topics related to autism. From classes such as “Self-Compassion for Caregivers” and “Whisperings of the Sleep Fairy”, our series covers a broad range of important issues to help support autistic individuals and their families. Join us virtually every Friday from 9-10 am and connect with others in the autism community while gaining valuable knowledge and support. 02 Professional Conferences. Our organization is committed to providing a diverse and enriching array of professional conferences to support caregivers and professionals in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our flagship event, the Annual Summit, is a must-attend gathering featuring expert speakers and a comprehensive program covering a wide spectrum of topics relevant to your work. Whether you prefer virtual or in-person attendance, this event ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the autism community. For those seeking even more in-depth knowledge, Autism Community Network offers two summer intensive programs, “Neurodiversity University” and “Making ‘Sense’ of Autism.” Both programs delve deeply into the intricacies of autism and neurodiversity. The intensives equip attendees with invaluable insights and strategies to better support individuals on the spectrum. 03 Trainings on Request Search View class offerings At Autism Community Network, we understand the importance of community education and empowerment. We offer a range of training options that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your organization. Whether you require inclusive practices for your business or are seeking continuing education credits, our team can provide comprehensive group training sessions, ensuring that you and your colleagues are equipped with the necessary tools to create more inclusive environments. In addition to our diverse training offerings, we are excited to introduce "My Beautiful Brain," a specialized program designed for neurodiverse youth. This program empowers young individuals to embrace their unique qualities and understand what makes them exceptional. Through a series of engaging and interactive sessions, participants gain self-awareness and a sense of pride in their neurodiversity, fostering a positive self-image and enhancing their self-esteem. Our flexible training sessions can be tailored to your organization's specific needs and schedules, ranging from 30-minute workshops to full-day seminars. Furthermore, our Valero Community Center is available to provide an appropriate and welcoming space for your training and educational needs. We are dedicated to advancing education, awareness, and support in the field of autism and neurodiversity, and we invite you to join us in our mission. 04 Mentorships At Autism Community Network, we place a strong emphasis on mentorship as a cornerstone of professional growth and development in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to fostering mentorship opportunities is exemplified through our participation in various programs and initiatives. One such initiative is our collaboration with UTHealth's Profectum DIR BASIC Certification Program, where we actively support and mentor doctoral-level occupational therapy students seeking to obtain certification in the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model. Our experienced mentors guide aspiring professionals through the certification process, providing invaluable insights and guidance to help them excel in their DIR practice and better serve neurodivergent individuals. In addition to the certification program, we offer mentorship opportunities through our intern and medical residents programs. These programs provide hands-on experience and mentorship for individuals at various stages of their careers, whether they are students, recent graduates, or medical residents specializing in autism-related fields. Through these initiatives, participants gain practical knowledge, refine their skills, and receive guidance from our seasoned professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth of a more knowledgeable and compassionate workforce dedicated to autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to mentorship underscores our mission to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by autism and related developmental differences. We believe that by nurturing mentorship relationships and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals and their families. How to start: Learn more about our training programs. Excited to start learning? Contact us below, and we'll be sure to find the program that fits your specific needs. Enroll Cost of Training Cancellation Policy Cancelling a training requires a 48 hour notice. Our staff are passionate about helping the community. A cancellation may offer another organization the ability to take your place, or open a spot for our staff to work one on one with a family in need. Late Arrivals The policy for late arrivals is program specific, and based on the preferences of your organization and our presenters. If you are going to be late, we ask that you alert the appropriate parties in advance. Cost of training is tailored to your specific needs. For more information, contact Katie Benson at: Katie@acn-sa.org .

The "Every Voice Matters" Panel Time 2:45-4:00 PM Presenter/Facilitator Dr. Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR Back to Course List < Back The "Every Voice Matters" Panel This dynamic, interdisciplinary panel brings together speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, parents, and educators to explore the full spectrum of communication methodologies available to ensure that every autistic child can find their "voice." Panelists will discuss: Current Alternative Communication Approaches: An overview of methodologies including spelling-based methods, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), REST, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and the role of Developmental, Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBIs) The Critical Role of OT in Praxis Support: How occupational therapists address the motor planning challenges—apraxia and dyspraxia—that often underlie communication difficulties, and why this support is essential for successful implementation of any communication method Where the Research Stands: An honest look at the current evidence base for various approaches, emerging research, and what families and professionals should consider when evaluating options Whole Child Development: Why addressing motor praxis is not separate from communication intervention, but foundational to it—and how siloed approaches can leave children without access to their full potential The Communication Partner's Role: How parents, educators, therapists, and peers can become more effective communication partners by understanding the motor and sensory demands placed on the autistic individual Inclusion and Access: Practical strategies for ensuring that communication support extends beyond the therapy room into classrooms, homes, and community settings. Attendees will leave with a broader understanding of the landscape of communication support, a deeper appreciation for the interconnection between motor systems and expressive communication, and actionable guidance for assembling collaborative teams that honor each child's unique path to voice. Learning Outcomes: Participants will define and expand upon the definitions of apraxia and dyspraxia. Participants will explain the concept of "Whole Child Development" and its importance to their clinical and educational practice. Participants will explain the connection between communication and motor planning. Facilitator: Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR Bio : Dr. Carrie Alvarado is an occupational therapist with a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development, with an emphasis on mental health and neurodiversity. As Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Director for Autism Community Network, she brings a developmental, relationship-based, and neurodiversity-affirming lens to her work with autistic children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Dr. Alvarado’s clinical leadership and scholarship center on sensory processing, motor praxis, sensoriaffective integration, emotional praxis, reflective dyadic facilitation and interactive synchrony, with particular attention to how these capacities shape social communication, engagement, participation, and emotional regulation in autism. Her extensive DIRFloortime training and mentorship with Rosemary White, along with her training in Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy and iBASIS/Inklings, inform her facilitation of thoughtful dialogue across research, clinical practice, and lived experience. Disclosure: Carrie Alvarado is a salaried employee of Autism Community Network. Show More