Friday Schedule

morning Power up 10:30-10:45

Guide for the Gullible: 10 tips to help autists - Mette Harrison

It can be one of the most frustrating realities of being autistic, that we don’t properly guess at other people’s motives in social situations, and as a result, can be taken advantage of in a variety of ways. By salespeople whose only purpose is to get more sales, regardless of what lies they have to tell or whether or not the people they are selling to have money. But also in personal relationships, we autists can be very bad at understanding the non-verbal communication that seems so obvious to neurotypical people. I will go through ten tips to help deal with these problems.

Latter-Day Spectrums: Autistic Members Panel - Moderated by Sister Katie Steed, Disability Services Manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

*Please note that this session is designed for currently active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.* Participating in a worship community can be very complicated for folks on the Spectrum.  Just showing up and dealing with the social and sensory issues is difficult-- let alone feeling like you really belong.  Sister Katie Steed works with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to address the needs of members with disabilities worldwide.  She has volunteered to moderate a panel of believing Autistics taking questions about how to navigate autism-specific challenges to maximize positive involvement in Latter-Day Saint Church services, ordinances, activities, and callings. Audience questions will be submitted by going to https://app.sli.do/event/xjsn2VJGo3ZpH1abuMFzaw 

Therapy Dogs! - Jax’s Journey

Professional Good Boys. Certified Therapy dogs Jax, Barclay and Chancy. Great for stress relief.

Engineer or Autistic? - Kyra DeSantos, Texas Instruments

Many traits of autism are positive traits for working in the technical and engineering field.  In this session, we’ll explore the interrelation of autism and technical work and discuss how these traits can lead to a successful career.  Kyra will share her experiences working in technical fields as a female autistic.

Giving and Receiving Psychologically Safe Feedback - Brett Barker

This session explores the essentials of feedback within the framework of psychological safety. Learn what psychological safety means, and how to enhance feedback skills for better communication. Gain practical strategies for establishing psychological safety around feedback, ensuring your ability to find value in critical feedback, and how to give feedback to others without putting them on the defensive.

Harnessing AI: Practical Tools for the ASD Community - Samantha Easter

Prepare for a practical session about using AI to enhance life with autism. We’ll skip the complex jargon and focus on how AI can help with daily routines, boost your talents, and improve social interactions. This session is hands-on and designed for people who use technology daily. No advanced tech knowledge required—just a willingness to learn. Expect to leave with straightforward strategies that you can start applying right away.

Panel - Fostering Inclusive Communities: Strategies and Experiences-Autism Incorporated at UVU: Doc Clegg, Robert Rhien, Rachel Leonard, Alexa Earl

The Care of Mystical Creatures- Scales and Tails Utah

This presentation will whisk you away into the mystical and magical realm of wizards and witches. You can expect to handle reptiles and amphibians, with a wizard professor to guide you.

Navigating Autistic Burnout and Meltdowns - Sam Rylund

The presentation will practically address autistic burnouts and meltdowns, helping us understand them as biological reactions to chronic or overwhelming sensory stress. It emphasizes practical strategies for prevention, such as creating sensory-friendly environments and establishing predictable routines. We also address what to do when they come on; strategies that actually work for autistic people, and how to respond to unhelpful neurotypical ideas and advice.

Effective Tools for Same/Mixed Neurotype Couples to Navigate The Autism Triad (Sensory Responsivity, Emotional Contagion, and Communication/Connection) Together - Candice Christiansen, Namaste Center for Healing

If we view Autism as a "Neuro-Culture," we can better understand that those of us who are Autistic often experience sensory sensitivity in our physical environment and feel the emotions (emotional contagion) of those around us. Both of these (sensory sensitivity, emotional contagion) often impact our ability to communicate and connect with our loved ones, especially our partners who are not Autistic. In this presentation, Candice will introduce her concept of Autism as a Neuro-Culture, and her development of The Autism Triad: Sensory Responsivity, Emotional Contagion, Communication and Connection. Using the Autism triad as a guide, she will offer tips and tools for Autistic individuals and same/mixed Neurotype Couples to better understand and relate to one another. 

The Care of Mystical Creatures- Scales and Tails Utah

This presentation will whisk you away into the mystical and magical realm of wizards and witches. You can expect to handle reptiles and amphibians, with a wizard professor to guide you.

Celebrating Self-Determination-Eric Stoker & Courtney Edgington, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council

Come celebrate self-determination with this interactive session! Attendees can talk to the speakers about what barriers they’ve faced in becoming self-determined and how they overcame their obstacles, to learn what they would like in their future, and so much more.

Fencing! - Julie Seal, Valkyrie Fencing Club

In anecdotal accounts, coaches are reporting an increase of individuals on the autism spectrum presenting for fencing instruction. It could be that autistic brains are uniquely well suited for the multitasking, spatial, and patterned nature of fencing. In turn, fencing may offer a rare therapeutic oasis for neurodivergent individuals. Come learn about fencing and gather a few fencing techniques before the LARPing activity tonight.

Giving and Receiving Psychologically Safe Feedback - Brett Barker

This session explores the essentials of feedback within the framework of psychological safety. Learn what psychological safety means, and how to enhance feedback skills for better communication. Gain practical strategies for establishing psychological safety around feedback, ensuring your ability to find value in critical feedback, and how to give feedback to others without putting them on the defensive.

Harnessing AI: Practical Tools for the ASD Community - Samantha Easter

Prepare for a practical session about using AI to enhance life with autism. We’ll skip the complex jargon and focus on how AI can help with daily routines, boost your talents, and improve social interactions. This session is hands-on and designed for people who use technology daily. No advanced tech knowledge required—just a willingness to learn. Expect to leave with straightforward strategies that you can start applying right away.

Autistic Burnout and Meltdowns - Sam Rylund

This presentation will practically address autistic burnouts and meltdowns, helping us understand them as biological reactions to chronic or overwhelming sensory stress. It emphasizes practical strategies for prevention, such as creating sensory-friendly environments and establishing predictable routines. We also address what to do when they come on; strategies that actually work for autistic people, and how to respond to unhelpful neurotypical ideas and advice.

Create Your Own Sword! (for the LARPing activity)

Create Your Own Sensory Bottle

Engineer or Autistic?

Many traits of autism are positive traits for working in the technical and engineering field.  In this session, we’ll explore the interrelation of autism and technical work and discuss how these traits can lead to a successful career.  Kyra will share her experiences working in technical fields as a female autistic.

Juggling It All Panel - Jared Stewart, Sarah Heuser, Josh Olivas

Life would be a lot easier if we only had to focus on one thing. Unfortunately, life demands many things from us (work, school, family responsibilities, daily living tasks, social life, etc). How do you possibly juggle it all? This panel will delve into that very topic with some of our best jugglers.

LARPing with We Geek Together

You’ve learned about fencing, you’ve created your own sword, now you are ready for battle! Join us outside for a guided adventure from the folks at We Geek Together.

Improv Workshop - Improv Broadway!

Improv Broadway is Utah's first full-time comedy school and theater.  You can try your hand at improv, or just sit back and watch the show.

Board Games

Settlers of Catan?  Exploding Kittens?  Know Your Meme?  We’ve got what you like.  Come play!