Thursday's Schedule

Stop at the information desk upon arrival to pick up your event T-shirt, meal tickets and individualized name badge (your name badge will let others know the level of social interaction you prefer).
Stop by the resource fair and see what services are available in the community specifically for autistic adults.
Take a look around, get to know the building. We want you to feel comfortable here.

RESOURCE FAIR

Located on the main floor, are booths from local organizations that provide services to adults with autism. Stop by and see what they can do for you. Resource organizations follow badge rules.

10:00-10:45 CHECK-IN & RESOURCE FAIR

keynote Address

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.

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.

Sessions 1-4:30 PM

1:00-2:00 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1

MPR 126 Giving and Receiving Psychologically Safe Feedback - Brett Barker (he/him), VP Learning & Development,Inclusive Agile

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.

Room 170 The 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.

Room 245 How to Talk to Family and Friends About your Identity - Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, PhD LMFT (she/her), Flourish Therapy

This session will focus on Cass's stages of identity development and how young people can share what is happening with their identity with people they care about.

Room 275 A Panel For the Newly Diagnosed - Sarah Heuser, David “Divey” Ivey, Kyra DeSantos, Levi Fuaga

If you’re over the age of 30, chances are you didn’t receive an autism diagnosis until you were well into adulthood. Many adults, including celebrities like Director Tim Burton, Pop Singer Sia, Soccer Player Lionel Messi, were not diagnosed until later in life. Getting a diagnosis as an adult has its advantages and disadvantages. It can also be very disorienting. This panel is for those who are new to the diagnosis and are looking for knowledge, empathy, direction, or just someone to ask questions. Welcome to the neurodivergent family!

Room 280 Social Trauma and Relationship Repair - Amy Amy Corry, CSW, (they, them, theirs), ScenicView Clinic

Sick of being banned from another Discord server without knowing why? Tired of friendships falling apart because of simple misunderstandings? Let's talk about the trauma of social differences and how to repair relationship rifts!

2:15-3:15 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2

MPR 126 Autism and Employment Success - Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, ASA (He/Him), ScenicView Academy (AutCon Founder)

Research suggests that only 1 in 3 adults on the Autism Spectrum are employed. Most of us who are employed only work part time, and most are under-employed given their skills and intelligence. And yet, research also suggests that employment improves all of the core challenges of Autism. In a world where employment is the single biggest aspect of identity and the single biggest measure of adult success, what are the key preparations, behaviors, and systems that can empower us to get and keep a job?

Room 170 NETWORKING: What is it and How Do I Do It? - Kari Bushman, MACL (she/her), 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!

Room 245 Intersection of Autism and Gender Identity - Alexandra Acor, Utah Parent Center (She/her) and JulieHanna, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (she/her)

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

Room 275 Queer Panel - Doc Clegg, Josie Oswald, Fish Vosnos, Tina Jones. Moderated by Sarah Heuser CSW (she/her), The ScenicView Clinic (AutCon Founder)

Research shows a strong correlation between the autism spectrum and being on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Join our panelists as they discuss topics like finding a date, discussing autism with a partner, finding their communities, and other intersections of being on multiple spectrums. This panel is intended to be a resource and support for those who are members of the queer community. If you are just curious to “learn about” the queer community, may we recommend tomorrow’s presentation “An Introduction to the Queer Community.”

Room 280 Therapy: Waste of Time or A Life Changer? -Barry Fell, LCSW (He/Him), Telos

Over the past two decades, mental health awareness has emerged from obscurity and become a significant part of public discourse. As a result, therapy has become mainstream; it is not uncommon to hear friends and family discussing their weekly therapy sessions. For some, therapy has even become a part of a lifestyle. In this session, the value of therapy is discussed, helping participants understand what makes it a worthwhile pursuit and how it can be a life-changing experience. Additionally, it will discuss how therapy can sometimes be a waste of time and provide guidance on how you, the consumer, can avoid having a negative experience. For those who approach therapy with apprehension and wonder if it can work for them, this session will offer the confidence needed to make an informed decision.

2:15-3:15 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3

Room 170 Audition Prep Essentials - Katie Plott (She/Her)

Hey theater kids! Want to up your audition game? Katie will cover the audition basics that make a big difference—headshots and resumes that work, slating with confidence, and picking the right monologue or song to show you off!

Room 245 Intersection of Autism and Gender Identity - Alexandra Acor, Utah Parent Center (She/her) and Julie Hanna, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (she/her)

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

Room 275 Autistic Professionals Panel - Brett Barker, Kyra DeSantos, Travis Jensen,

The path to a fulfilling career isn’t always clear. What works for our peers may not work for us. Do you know the steps to get where you want to go? This panel of autistic professionals will share their path to get where they are and answer your questions regarding creating a career path that works for you.

Room 280 Social Trauma and Relationship Repair - Amy Corry, CSW, (they/them/theirs), ScenicView Clinic

Sick of being banned from another Discord server without knowing why? Tired of friendships falling apart because of simple misunderstandings? Let's talk about the trauma of social differences and how to repair relationship rifts!

3:30-4:30 CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3