This conference aims to educate and provide professional development for professionals who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including educators, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, medical professionals, applied behavior analysts, employment specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, service coordinators, and advocates.
The conference strives to provide an atmosphere of hope and discovery, and upholds a commitment to sharing comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of assessment and intervention strategies supported by research. The conference includes vendor and agency booths, a student/trainee research poster session, and sessions presented by regionally and nationally recognized researchers, self advocates, and practitioners in the field of autism.
Conference Learning Objectives
- Describe recent advances in the causes of autism and other developmental disorders.
- Showcase personal stories and experiences told by autistic individuals.
- Describe recent advances in therapies and support for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
- Show an increase in knowledge about specific assessments and best practices for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Demonstrate a change in the use of current best practices or an intent to change practice.
- Increase knowledge about the practices of other disciplines involved in the care of individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
- Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and practices that promote positive outcomes.
Conference Facilities
All conference events including the parent/caregiver conference, Ask the Experts, and student poster session will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri. Click here to download a copy of the conference center map.
St. Charles Convention Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
St. Charles, Missouri, 63303
Guests who need overnight accommodations can reserve a room at the conference hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton, which is conveniently connected to the Convention Center.
Embassy Suites – St. Charles
Two Convention Center Blvd.
St. Charles, Missouri 63303
Phone: 636-946-5544
Reservations must be made directly with Embassy Suites. The Thompson Center has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted conference rate but these rooms are expected to sell out. We recommend making reservations as soon as possible.
Additional Accommodations
Ameristar Casino Resort St. Charles (average $192/night)
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis/Charles (average $179/night)
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Charles Old Town Area (average $135/night)
Tru by Hilton St. Charles/St. Louis (average 164/night)
Conference Committee
Cortney Fish, MSW, BCBA, LBA, Conference Coordinator
Cameron Burton, BHS
Jennifer Hawley
Marie Heuer, MBA
Emily Morrison, MA
Louis Nevins
Abby Powell, MBA
Brett Slaughter, BJ