Thursday Schedule
keynote Address
Dr. ingrid Boveda
Dr. Ingrid Boveda received her Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Utah, and specializes in assessment and diagnoses in clinically complex cases, particularly those involving neurodevelopmental differences. She is the founding psychologist at The Hive Psychological Services, a premier and neurodivergent-informed psychological testing practice, as well as the Co-Founder of COGenuity, which provides qEEG and neurofeedback services nationally.
"Dr. B" as she is often called, identifies as neurodivergent, and much of her work is rooted in helping clients and their families better understand their unique profile of strengths and struggles, understanding that some of these struggles need to be contextualized in societal norms of normality.
Dr. B personally understands what it feels like when all the pieces do not connect despite trying one's best. She is intent on shifting society's paradigm of how we help neurodivergent individuals, and is passionate about working with families and educating providers, educators, and support persons towards these efforts.
Sessions
Autism and Employment: Getting and Keeping a Job on the Spectrum -Jared Stewart, ScenicView Academy (AutCon Founder)
Studies show that only 1 in 3 of those of us on the Spectrum have a job, and only about 1 in 5 of us hold down a "normal" job. And yet, there is nothing inherent in autism that should make it so difficult to find and keep employment-- especially when our strengths are taken into consideration! Come discuss facts, tips, and practical systems for interviewing, disclosure, and navigating the all-important (but often unwritten) social rules of the workplace.
How to Get The Most Out of Therapy - Sarah Heuser, CSW (AutCon Founder)
Have you ever been told that you need to go to therapy? Are you in therapy right now? Therapy is a personal matter, so it's hard to know if you are “doing it right.” Sarah is an autistic therapist who works with autistic clients, and this open discussion will give helpful tips and answer any questions you may have about the therapy process, and how to get the best possible results.
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.
Intersection of Autism and Gender Identity - Alexandria Acor & Julie Hanna, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
This session explores the intersection of autism and gender identity, highlighting its critical importance in comprehensive sexual education. Led by sexuality trainers Alexandria Acor and Julie Hanna from the TETONS project, the presentation will focus on how addressing gender expression fosters consent culture, inclusivity, respect, and empathy. Acor and Hanna will also discuss the significance of healthy relationships and abuse prevention, equipping participants with tools to recognize and navigate interpersonal dynamics. Through their work in advocacy and education, they promote inclusive sexual education tailored to the needs of the autistic community. Participants will gain valuable knowledge to empower individuals, fostering awareness and acceptance to enhance overall well-being and self-advocacy.
Networking: What Is It, and How Do I Do It? - Kari Bushman, ScenicView Academy (AutCon Founder)
They say networking is important for your career, but for those of us who aren’t fans of “people-ing”, the thought of professional networking is stressful, if not terrifying! In this session, Kari will break down why networking is important — and more importantly, how to approach networking with confidence and authenticity. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle, find new career opportunities, or simply learn how to start conversations with anyone, this session will equip you with tools and scripts to build business relationships. Plus you can practice your newfound skills at tonight's Game Changer Event or Table Talk Event.
evening Activities 5:00 - 8:00
Game Changer: Neurodivergent Networking Event - Inclusive Agile
Game Changer is a unique networking event featuring interactive games designed to bring together hiring managers and those in tech or other fields, with special deference to neurodivergent minds, to more easily interact and meet one another. This event is for anyone (neurodivergent or not), and is designed to ease the social challenges of networking to enhance opportunities for all! The Game Changer event is free with your AutCon Ticket, but you do need to register. If you would like to attend the Game Changer event only, tickets are $25.
Table Talk Sessions 1 & 2
Session 1 5:00- 6:30 pm
Session 2 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.
Just Dance!
You’ve been sitting a lot today, now it’s time to get up and groove! Good music, great people, and zero pressure to know what you’re doing—just come have fun! Whether you’re a dance floor pro or a certified wallflower, this night is for YOU! Everyone is welcome.
Basics of Songwriting: An Analytical Approach - Josh Palmer (He/Him), ScenicView Academy
Writing music can seem like an enormous obstacle for those new to the process. This presentation aims to break that obstacle into little pieces and examine them one at a time. We will look at different aspects of lyrics, melody, chords and overall vibe; then put the pieces together to make our own song. This presentation is intended for those with basic music theory knowledge (i.e. notes, chords, and rhythm), but will have something to offer to everyone.