Friday Schedule
Sessions
Getting Meta About Motivation - Jared Stewart, ScenicView Academy
As Autistic adults, we often have significant difficulties with getting ourselves to actually DO the things we know we need to do-- and sometimes even to get ourselves to do the things we know we WANT to do. But although we tend to have significant challenges with motivation, we tend to have significant STRENGTHS with Systems—and motivation is just another system. Come get very nerdy about the researched elements of motivation, learn how to break down WHY humans do what they do, and explore ways to apply the meta-principles that underlie motivation to empower yourself to achieve more of your goals!
Getting Your Ideas Heard - Kyra DeSantos, Texas Instruments
Do you see things that could be done better? Do you have ideas that people don’t seem to listen to? I’ll teach you how I convinced a large tech company to change the way they viewed colorblindness using the scientific method that ended up driving changes to the benefits program and how information was shared. This came from my single minded interest in improving this situation. I’m sure none of you know what a single minded interest can feel like?
The Struggle is Real: Autistic Parents of Autistic Kids - Michelle Davis
Every age has its challenges. These can be even harder when not only does your child struggle with day-to-day tasks but so do you. Come find your village. Learn about common struggles, manage expectations, and ask questions about tips and tricks for raising your autistic child while managing your own autistic traits.
Pulling, Picking, and Stimming: What's the Connection? - Sarah Heuser and Katrina Williams, The ScenicView Clinic
This presentation explores the overlap between Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting and the natural need for emotional regulation, especially in neurodiverse individuals. This session takes a judgment-free approach, recognizing all behaviors as neutral coping strategies while acknowledging that some individuals may seek alternatives for their own well-being. Attendees will gain insight into why these behaviors occur, how they relate to stimming, and practical options for those who wish to shift to different self-regulation techniques—on their own terms, not due to external pressure.
Inside the Neurodivergent Brain: Understanding & Reducing Anxiety for a Calmer, More Confident Life - Brandon Kingston, Bright Minds Neurodevelopment
Brandon Kingston is a specialist in functional neurology and brain health, dedicated to helping individuals overcome neurological challenges by addressing root causes. With expertise in primitive reflex integration, ADHD, trauma recovery, and cognitive development, Brandon specializes in making complex brain science easy to understand. Through his work with Bright Minds Neurodevelopment, he empowers families and individuals with the tools they need to improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Guardianship & Alternatives to Guardianship - Andre Sam, The Disability & Special Needs Project
Description: What happens when I turn 18 or my loved one turns 18 or have some difficulties with making medical, personnel, or financial decisions on my own? How do I determine if guardianship is an appropriate option? In this session, we will discuss this popular planning topic and how the role of Guardianship and alternatives to Guardianship will integrate with other financial and legal planning tools that will affect your decision making ability, legal authority and the future planning while clearing up misconceptions and stigmas. Learn the important details you need to know.
Understanding Government Programs & Benefits - Andre Sam, The Disability & Special Needs Project
Description: What is SSI? Is it the same as Social Security Disability or is it different? How do I know I am eligible or if my child or loved one is eligible for SSI or other Social Security benefits? What is Medicaid and what is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare? In this session, we will discuss these sometimes confusing and frustrating planning topics. We will discuss and provide more clarity on the different types of social security cash benefits and medical benefits, how Medicaid is different from Medicare, how these cash and medical benefits will integrate with other financial and legal planning tools that will affect your future planning for yourself or your loved one. Learn the important details you need to know.
Budgeting & Financial Planning - Andre Sam, The Disability & Special Needs Project
Description: How do I go about spending and saving my money? Where do I spend money and where do I save money? I have government benefits, how does my money affect those benefits? What are these ABLE Accounts I have heard about? How will these new ABLE Savings Accounts affect me or my loved one? How do these ABLE Savings Accounts compare to Special Needs Trusts? In this session, we will discuss these popular planning topics and others and how these matters will affect your future planning for yourself or your loved one. Learn the important details you need to know.
Speed Dating: Autistic and Inclusive (Queer-Focused, All Welcome), UVU Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism
Dating can be stressful and time-consuming. Today we are going to speed up the process with Speed Dating. The purpose of this is not to find someone to spend the rest of your life with (if that is what you are looking for) or to start a serious relationship. If that does happen, great! However, that is not the intention. The purpose of this Speed Dating is to:
Practice talking, flirting, finding common interests, and being open with your date.
Become more confident in your dating self.
Have the opportunity to go on a bunch of super short dates so you can better define what it is that you are looking for.
And lastly, have a good time and meet new people.
Anyone of any preference is invited to attend either or both of the Straight and Queer Sessions.
“I Have a Job, Now What?” - Travis Johnson
Working in a neurotypical environment is a big challenge. While accommodations are important for us, there are also things we can do to improve our chances of success in that environment. Come learn some of the ways you can improve your work experience by improving how you interact with others you work with. In the process, we will learn more about the unwritten job requirements that tend to cause us problems and touch on other topics like career progression and the dreaded interview.
Unapologetic Autism - Navigating the Healthcare System and Asking for Accommodations with Confidence - Sam Rylund, GumTree Therapy
Neurodivergent people often feel dismissed or invalidated during healthcare experiences. Even in accommodation settings we can feel unable or unallowed to advocate for ourselves or ask for changes that can make their lives easier. This presentation addresses Sam will also discuss the social model of disability (disabilities are not a failure of the person, but a failure of the context to accommodate how the person naturally operates).
Why Does Food Gotta Be So Hard? - Josh Olivas, ScenicView Academy
Food is hard. It’s coarse, rough, and irritating, and it can get everywhere... There are so many gross textures and difficult feelings, and the world seems obsessed with making sure we feel bad about it! So how do we make food work for us? How do we explore while remaining safe? How do we help those around us understand what it feels like? Join us as we discuss some logical approaches to a frustrating topic.
evening Activities 5:00 - 8:00
Table Talk Sessions 3 & 4
Session 3 5:00- 6:30 pm
Session 4 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Featured in season 2 of the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum," Table Talk is a premier social opportunity for young adults on the spectrum looking to make meaningful friendships, relationships, and possibly find love. Participants mix, mingle, and move table to table in a speed dating atmosphere. These sessions will be hosted by Gina Kavali, the founder of "Life With the Spectrum," and co-creator of Table Talk. Session space is limited. Registration is required.