This conference provides education and professional development for individuals who support people with autism, including educators, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, medical professionals, behavior analysts, employment specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, service coordinators, and advocates.
Focused on discovery and learning, the conference is committed to providing comprehensive, up-to-date, research-informed approaches to assessment, intervention, and supports across the lifespan. Attendees can engage with vendor and agency booths, explore a student and trainee research poster session, and learn from nationally recognized researchers, self-advocates, and practitioners in the field of autism.
Conference Learning Objectives
- Increase understanding of the roles and practices of other disciplines involved in supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration to promote positive outcomes across settings.
- Apply current best practices and identify opportunities to change and improve professional practice.
- Increase knowledge of evidence-based assessments and best practices for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Highlight lived experiences and perspectives shared by autistic individuals.
- Describe recent advances in the etiology of autism.
- Describe recent advances in therapies, supports, and services for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
Conference Facilities
All conference events including the parent/caregiver conference, Ask the Experts, and 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
Best Western Plus – The Charles Hotel ($105/night)
Tru by Hilton St. Charles/St. Louis ($179/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
Annie Williams, BS