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Plenary Address: Supporting Individual Differences While Promoting Relationships through DIR®/Floortime Time 1:40 - 2:40 PM Presenter/Facilitator Rosemary White, OTR/L Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day Rosemary White, OTR/L presents a deeply practical and relationship-centered session on supporting the unique sensory, motor, and regulatory profiles of autistic children and adults—while nurturing authentic connection and belonging. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and her expertise in DIR®/Floortime, Rosemary explores how challenges in praxis (motor planning) and regulation can compromise an individual's capacity to engage, connect, and feel safe in relationships. Rather than viewing these differences as barriers, she reframes them as essential information that guides how we meet each person where they are. Through compelling case presentations, Rosemary elucidates: How praxis challenges affect initiation, sequencing, and spontaneous engagement—and what this means for relationship-building The role of regulation in supporting or disrupting connection, and how co-regulation creates a foundation for growth DIR®/Floortime strategies that honor individual differences while promoting reciprocal, joyful interaction Practical approaches for clinicians, educators, and families to follow the child's lead while scaffolding developmental capacities How to recognize and respond to subtle cues that signal readiness, overwhelm, or the need for support Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the interplay between motor, sensory, and relational development—and concrete strategies for fostering authentic connection that respects each individual's unique nervous system and communication style. Objectives Participants will explain the neurological relationship between dysregulation and disrupted connections. Participants will explain at least three strategies of DIR®/Floortime. Participants will integrate strategies recognizing and responding to regulatory cues into their own clinical or educational practice. Rosemary White, OTR/L is from Australia and has been an Occupational Therapist since 1972. Rosemary received her Neurodevelopmental Therapy training in London with the Bobaths, her Sensory Integrative Therapy training in Los Angeles with Dr. A Jean Ayres and her training in DIR®/Floortime with Stanley Greenspan, MD and Serena Wieder, PhD and the Faculty of ICDL. Rosemary is the owner of a private practice and specializes in working with children presenting with challenges relating and communicating such as autism, sensory processing/integration differences and motor planning and regulatory/attention differences. Rosemary owns and operates Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Services in Seattle, Washington. Rosemary’s practice emphasizes understanding the impact of the child’s sensory processing and postural control on their capacity to relate, communicate and learn. In addition to her clinical work, Rosemary is very active in teaching and consulting throughout the United States, and internationally including Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, Trinidad, Barbados, Taiwan, Brazil, Ukraine and Australia. You can reach her at office@pedptot.com if you are interested in having her consult or lecture for your group. Show More

Educator Track: AM Breakout Session: Brains, Behavior, and Belonging Time 10:00-11:15 AM Presenter/Facilitator Rebecca Engle, MEd Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day What if behavior isn't something to control...but something to understand? Join Rebecca Engle for a powerful session exploring how nervous system science reshapes the way we think about behavior, connection, and learning. This session challenges compliance-based models and replaces them with something deeper. Student don't need better behavior management systems. They need environments that understand their brains. Objectives Participants will analyze how nervous system functioning influences behavior, connection, and learning in educational and caregiving environments. Participants will evaluate the limitations of compliance-based behavior management models and compare them to neurobiologically informed approaches. Participants will design supportive environments and strategies that align with students’ nervous system needs to foster regulation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Rebecca Engle is a special education teacher a with a masters degree from Texas Tech University with a deep commitment to ending seclusion and restraint in schools. Making history in Texas politics at 19, she has been a passionate advocate for student rights and inclusive educational policies. As an award-winning children’s book author and neurodivergent public speaker, Rebecca amplifies the voices of marginalized learners and promotes trauma informed, compassionate approaches. Through her teaching, writing, and advocacy, she strives to create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive without fear.

Contact Us We welcome any questions, comments, or feedback you may have. If you have any inquiries regarding our non-profit or the services we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and to provide support in any way we can. To get in touch with us, please fill out the form below, click the let's chat button, email info@acn-sa.org or call us at (210) 435-1000. Contact: Contact First Name Last Name Email Phone Address Subject Type your message here... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Expertise by Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel Time Lunch & Learn - 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Presenter/Facilitator TBD Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day In this powerful and deeply personal panel, autistic adults share firsthand accounts of how sensory processing differences and motor praxis challenges shape their daily lives, relationships, and sense of self. Panelists offer authentic insight into experiences often misunderstood or overlooked—such as navigating overwhelming sensory environments, the internal effort behind seemingly "simple" motor tasks, and the gap between what their bodies do and what they intend. This session is designed for a diverse audience—families seeking to better understand their loved ones, clinicians looking to ground their practice in lived experience, educators hoping to create more supportive learning environments, fellow autistic adults finding solidarity and shared language, and community leaders and funders who want to ensure their decisions are informed by those most impacted. Panelists will discuss: How sensory sensitivities and differences affect communication, regulation, and participation The often-invisible challenges of motor planning (praxis) and how they influence daily functioning What support looks like when it honors autonomy rather than demanding compliance Moments of misunderstanding—and what helped bridge the gap What families, professionals, and systems can do differently to create belonging and access Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the autistic community, practical insights for more respectful engagement, and a renewed commitment to centering autistic voices in all spaces that affect their lives. Objectives Participants will describe relevant ethical issues related to providing neurodiversity-affirming autism supports in homes, schools, therapy clinics and workplaces.

The "Every Voice Matters" Panel Time 2:45-4:00 PM Presenter/Facilitator Dr. Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR Back to Course List < Back About the Clinical Intensive Day 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. Objectives: 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. Panelists TBD

< Back Wishlist Empowering families, one gift at a time. Explore our wish list! The spirit of giving is alive, and you have the power to brighten someone's day in the most meaningful way. We invite you to join us in making a difference by selecting a gift from our carefully curated Amazon Wish List. Every item on this list holds the potential to bring joy and comfort to the lives of those we serve at Autism Community Network. From educational tools that spark curiosity to sensory items that soothe, your thoughtful gesture can create a positive impact that lasts far beyond the moment. How to contribute: Visit our Amazon Wish List Choose an item that resonates with you. Complete your purchase, and it will be sent directly to us. Experience the joy of knowing you've made a positive difference! Your gift, no matter how small, has the potential to make a big impact. Let's get started

< 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

< Back Gabriel Gonzalez, OTD, OTR/L Bilingual Occupational Therapist Dr. Gabriel González obtained his Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He has experience working with families in hospital and clinical settings. Gabriel's desire to help underserved families led him to complete an internship at Autism Community Network, where he conducted research with Latino families and was hired as the first bilingual occupational therapist. Gabriel's dedication to helping families aims to build trust and empowerment with the families we serve. During his free time, he enjoys working out, trying new food spots, learning new skills, participating in outdoor activities, or traveling back home to visit family and friends. gabriel@acn-sa.org 210-435-1000

< 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 Alma Patricia del Angel, MD Chief Medical Officer & Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician Dr. A Patricia Del Angel graduated from medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas. She did her pediatric residency training at Lincoln Hospital and Mental Health Center/New York Medical College, where she also served as chief resident. In addition, she completed a fellowship in child development-behavioral pediatrics at King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, and received her specialist certification in infant mental health from the Early Childhood Center at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. Dr. Del Angel has most recently served as a pediatrician at People’s Clinic in Austin and as a developmental-behavioral specialist in the pediatric residency program at UTMB Austin. Previously, Dr. Del Angel was the clinical director of the Southwest Area Children’s Hub in Los Angeles for thirteen years. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Del Angel is the proud aunt to two neurodivergent children. ap.delangel@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000