Upcoming 2025 Dates:

January 25 | July 19 | October 18

Location: 

Desert Willow Conference Center

4340 E Cotton Center Blvd
Phoenix, AZ

• Informative & Interactive Sessions

• Continental Breakfast, Hot Lunch Buffet,

  All Day Beverages & Snack Breaks

• Continuing Education Certificates

• Sponsor & Exhibitor Resource Fair

• Complimentary Parking

• Affordable Pricing- Thanks to Generous Sponsors!

NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH AND AUTISM, A PSYCHIATRIC PERSPECTIVE

Arielle Rubin, MD

This presentation will focus on guiding parents through navigating occurring mental health issues and autism, including anxiety, ADHD, OCD and self injurious behaviors. We will talk through why these behaviors happen from a brain-based biology as well as psychological and social factors, and will review what are appropriate treatments and therapies.

IT STARTS WITH US: KIDS IN A TECH WORLD

Katey McPherson, M.Ed., Bark for Schools

This session will focus on how to build skills and empowerment as students use both school and their own technological devices and strategies to prevent and mitigate harm to them. Students on the spectrum can at times be vulnerable to scams, extortion, and other types of bullying and harmful behavior.

 NAVIGATING DDD's HCBS SERVICES: A FAMILY’S GUIDE TO SUCCESS

Katie Hurstwicker, MSSE, LCSW, Arizona Lionhearts

This comprehensive workshop presentation equips Arizona families with essential knowledge and strategies to maximize their Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HCBS services. The material covers essential aspects of DDD's HCBS services such as the role of Support Coordinators, effective service planning, and practical strategies for recruiting qualified caregivers. Additionally, this workshop provides families with actionable tips, best practices, and step-by-step processes for building a strong support team, assessing for habilitation, attendant care and respite services, resolving service disagreements, and ensuring optimal care for their loved ones.

TURNING 18: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Matthew Gobbato, Esq., Mushkatel, Gobbato and Kile, PLLC

It is hard to think ahead of what happens when your loved one turns 18 and is now an adult, legally. We will discuss issues to think about: do I need to file for guardianship or is there is less restrictive option; applying for SSI; and time to get my own estate planning in order.

 ASK THE EDUCATOR: AN INTERACTIVE Q & A

Shannon Mitchell, M.Ed., Autism Academy for Education & Development

A valuable opportunity designed for parents, support staff, and related professionals to directly interact with educators of students with autism and related neurodiverse conditions. This session will provide insights on aspects of special education and a wide range of audience requested topics including classroom management, curriculum, student assessments, educational technologies, social-emotional development, strategies for supporting learning at home….and more! Come prepared with questions and leave with answers!

SUCCESS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ASD

Roxanna Dewey, M.Ed., Glendale Community College

This session will cover tips, tools, and strategies to support student success in college and beyond. Leave with valuable resources you can use now.

LUNCH

LUNCH & LEARN SPECIAL SESSION--ANIMAL ASSISTED LEARNING

All in the Family, LLC

Animal-assisted learning acknowledges the value of the human-animal bond in overall wellness. Consistent interaction with animals has been known to lower stress and increase health and social-inducing hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. Working with animals also provide opportunities to develop relationship-building skills such as empathy, patience, present-moment focus, trust, touch, respect, responsibility and boundary-setting. We will be discussing past successes in our program as well as potential uses for this therapeutic tool on an individualized or group level.

UNDERSTANDING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM’S ROLE IN AUTISM AND ANXIETY

Lianna Purjes, M.Ed, MSW, LCSW, Fuzzy Socks Therapy

What looks like anxiety or “behavior” in individuals with Autism is often a nervous system in distress. In this informative session, we’ll explore how sensory overload, demand avoidance, and emotional outbursts are rooted in nervous system responses—not defiance. You’ll learn how to recognize stress signs early, support regulation, and create environments that help Autistic kids and adults feel safe and understood.

EMPOWERING FUTURES: BUILDING LIFE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
Heather Hall, M.Ed., Lauren Bedsole, M.Ed., ASU

This session explores the critical role of life skills instruction for students with autism from K–12 through adulthood. Attendees will gain practical, evidence-based strategies to promote independence, self-determination, and real-world readiness. Using a strengths-based, person-centered approach, the presentation emphasizes how early and consistent life skills education leads to meaningful outcomes. Educators and support staff will leave with actionable tools to support student success both in school and beyond.

POSSIBILITY IN PROGRESS: MY REAL LIFE JOURNEY WITH INDEPENDENT LIVING & EMPLOYMENT
Lindsey Eaton, Self Advocate

In this session, I’ll share my lived experience navigating the transition into independent living and the workforce as an autistic adult. From learning how to balance responsibilities at home to finding purpose and confidence in employment, I’ll offer personal insight into what’s helped me grow—and what continues to challenge me. This presentation is a hopeful and honest reflection on what it means to build a life of independence, while highlighting the supports and mindsets that truly make a difference. Whether you’re a service provider, family member, or fellow self-advocate, you’ll walk away with fresh perspective and renewed belief in the power of possibility.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS

Michele Thorne, Care 4 The Caregivers

Care 4 the Caregivers conducted an evidence-based research study to measure how the Thriving Together program improved the quality of life of caregivers, and results were astounding. Not only did this program improve the quality of life of caregivers, it also strengthened the parent/child relationship, and improved the independence and quality of life of their child. Come and learn about this groundbreaking program and see how you can participate in the next cohort.

END

Arizona Autism Coalition

Members

Non-Members

All Abilities Ministry 

All In The Family LLC

Arizona Lionhearts

Children's Specialized ABA

Cynthia Macluskie Insurance Solutions

Essential Piece Enterprises 

Exceptional HEROES™

Mercy Care

Mushkatel Gobbato & Kile, PLLC

NorthBridge

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

Success on the Spectrum Mesa

Sweetwater Care

Trulieve

• Series Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for one year.  
• Logo on event tote bag given to attendees at all 3 events.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage for all 3 events.
• Opportunity to Present at one of the 3 events (if desired).
• (3) Exclusive FB posts with tag/link to your page and/or website.
• (2) Complimentary Tickets for each Day of Learning event-6 total tickets.
• Exhibitor Table for each Day of Learning event with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff at each event.

• Scholarship Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for one year.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage for all 3 events.
• (1) Exclusive FB post with tag/link to your page and/or website.
• Exhibitor Table on (1) event day of choice with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Option to add Exhibitor table on other event days at reduced rate of $100.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff.

• Lunch & Learn Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for chosen event day.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage.
• Opportunity to present special info session featuring topic of your choice and/or highlighting your company’s mission,product or services.
• Exhibitor Table on event day with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff.
• Complimentary admission for (1) Presenter.

• Exhibitor Table on event day with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Lunch for (2) Exhibitor Staff.

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