Friday Schedule

10:00-10:30   CHECK-IN 

• Stop at the information desk upon arrival to pick up your event T-shirt, meal tickets and individualized name badge (your name badge will also let others know the level of social interaction you are comfortable with). 

• Take a look around, get to know the building. We want you to feel comfortable here.

10:30-10:45

MPR 126 FRIDAY MORNING POWER UP - AutCon Staff

Sessions

10:45-11:45 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1

MPR  126 Staying Safe on Social Media - Xinru Page, Ph.D (She/Her) and Katie Kablacka, Ph.D candidate (She/Her), Brigham Young University 

Social media can bring many benefits, but can also be a way for unsafe people to connect with you.In this session  we will teach you how to recognize fake profiles on social media so that you can reject those friend requests. This is a part of our Social Media and Safety course that we teach at ScenicView. If you are interested in these and other course materials, please email us at byu.stapl.research@gmail.com

Room 170 An Introduction to the Queer Community, Sarah Heuser CSW (she/her), The ScenicView Clinic (AutCon Founder)

The language surrounding LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, two spirit, and more) identities can be very confusing, especially for those who are just being introduced to the community. Many people express a fear of talking about people in a way that is “wrong” when they only want to be respectful. This is the session for them. Others may be questioning their own identity and may be interested in hearing how others identify. This session is for them too. The format of this session is an informative presentation with time for questions and answers at the end. If this session were a movie it would be rated PG-13. There will be content of a mature nature (references to sex and death), but nothing explicit. Please note that entire books have been written on the language of queer identities, and there are still disagreements in the community about what some terms mean. Our session cannot and will not be comprehensive of these issues, but we will do our best.

Room 241 The Struggle is Real: Autistic Parents of Autistic Kids - Michelle Davis (she/Them), Advocates For Kids (AFK) Consulting

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.

Room 245 Getting Your Ideas Heard - Kyra DeSantos (she/her)

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?

Room 275 Educational Empowerment Panel, UVU Passages Students

This panel will feature students from Utah Valley University (UVU) who are on the Autism Spectrum, sharing their unique college experiences. Our panelists will discuss:: their academic and social experiences at UVU; resources and services that have helped them succeed and thrive, including academic accommodations, counseling, and peer support programs; as well as how they have navigated social interactions and formed meaningful friendships during their college journey;  This panel aims to foster understanding, and highlight the strengths and contributions of Autistic Students within the UVU community.

Room 280 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. 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). 

LUNCH 12-1 PM

Head outside to the food truck of your choice. Your first time through is free with your lunch ticket. Any additional trips are at your expense. Feel free to eat, relax, socialize, or enjoy the lawn games provided.

1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2

MPR  126 Why Does Food Gotta Be So Hard? - Josh Olivas (he/him), ScenicView Academy (AutCon Founder)

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.

Room 170 How to Have a Social Life Without Having Friends, Melisa Nellesen Autism Center at UVU

We aren't saying you don't need friends, but we are going to really question what it means when you say, "I want to be more social" or "I want to have a better social life". Making friends is awesome and complicated. Keeping friends - even more awesome and even more complicated. Together, we will explore the possibilities of having a social life that extends beyond just 'making friends' and determine what it is that is going to fill that social hole in your life. It very well might be friendships, and we will talk about and support that, and who knows, maybe you'll walk away with some new ideas too.

 Room 241 Understanding Government Programs & Benefits - Andre Sam (He/Him), The Disability & Special Needs Project

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.

Room 245 “I Have a Job, Now What?” - Travis Jensen (he/him)

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.

Room 275 College, Community, and Beyond - Jacob Dominguez, Fish Vosnos, Alyssa Collier, Levi Fuaga & Felicity Bennett. Moderated by Doc Clegg,  Autism Incorporated at UVU

Room 280 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. 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).

Room 310 Mindfulness Session - Shauna Flash Yoga

Need a stress reliever? In this session we will slow down, tune in, and learn simple yet powerful ways to reconnect with the present moment. Mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about paying attention, on purpose, with kindness

2:15-3:15 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3

MPR  126 Getting Meta About Motivation - Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, ASA (He/Him) ScenicView Academy (AutCon Founder)

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!

Room 170 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.

Room 241 Budgeting & Financial Planning - Andre Sam (He/Him), 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.

Room 245 Inside the Neurodivergent Brain: Understanding & Reducing Anxiety for a Calmer, More Confident Life - Brandon Kingston, Bright Minds Neurodevelopment

 Dive into the inner workings of the neurodivergent brain and uncover the key factors behind anxiety in individuals with autism. This presentation will break down the neurological roots of anxiety, explain why traditional approaches often fall short, and provide science-backed strategies to help create a sense of calm and confidence. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional, you'll walk away with practical tools to support emotional regulation and long-term well-being. 

Room 275 Juggling it all Panel - Doc Clegg, Tina Jones, 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

Room 280 Pulling, Picking, and Stimming: What's the Connection? - Sarah Heuser, CSW (She/Her) and Katrina Williams, LCSW (She/Her), 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.

Room 310 Mindfulness Session - Shauna Flash Yoga

Need a stress reliever? In this session we will slow down, tune in, and learn simple yet powerful ways to reconnect with the present moment. Mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind—it’s about paying attention, on purpose, with kindness.

3:30-4:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 4

MPR 126 Earthwings Bird Show! 

Get up close and personal with crows, hawks and owls as you learn about these unique and special animals. Bring your curiosity and your camera as attendees will be able to meet the birds at the conclusion of the program!

Room 241 Guardianship & Alternatives to Guardianship - Andre Sam (He/Him), The Disability & Special Needs Project

What happens when I turn 18 or my loved one turns 18 and 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.

Room 245 Getting Your Ideas Heard - Kyra DeSantos (she/her)

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?

Room 280 Pulling, Picking, and Stimming: What's the Connection? - Sarah Heuser, CSW (She/Her) and Katrina Williams, LCSW (She/Her), 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.

4:30-5:00 TAKE A BREAK!

Whew! Today has been a lot! But there’s more fun to be had. Take the next 30 minutes to regroup. Find a quiet room, a soft chair, the sensory room, or head outside for a walk around campus. The mountains, the river, the trees, the fresh air - they don’t call it “ScenicView” Academy for nothing! Come back at 5 pm with a recharged social battery for snacks and fun!