Applied Behavior Analysis: A Rich History and Promising Future
Bridget Taylor
04/10/2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Psychology Continuing Education Credit

Decades ago, a collection of seminal studies on early intensive behavioral intervention brought about a paradigm shift in the conceptualization and delivery of autism services. That paradigm shift, in turn, transformed the outcomes of countless individuals with autism. As is inevitable, the field of applied behavior analysis and autism intervention has evolved over the years, leading to a wide array of applications to enhance increasingly complex skills that improve the quality of life for individuals and their families. Moreover, applied behavior analysis is increasingly acknowledging and advocating for the pivotal role of relationship variables in fostering compassionate-driven innovations. This presentation will assess the progressive arc of autism intervention, with an eye toward anticipating how the enduring fundamentals of applied behavior analysis provide not only a connection to an esteemed history but also a path forward into a promising future.

Using AAC with Complex Learners: Foundational Knowledge and Intervention
Kate Grandbois
04/10/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

In this presentation we will review foundational knowledge related to AAC, including the costs and benefits of different tools, the importance of communication partner training, and theories to guide intervention. We will also review the importance of collaboration across disciplines, considerations for integrating AAC into behavior plans, a variety of different intervention strategies, and how to choose a strategy well matched to a learner.

Focusing on the Medical Aspects of Behavioral Problems in Non-Verbal Individuals
Timothy Buie
04/10/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Although multiple factors affect behaviors in non-verbal individuals, underlying medical conditions are a major concern. This is especially so with changes in behavior patterns. This session will cover behaviors commonly occurring due to medical issues. We will discuss developing a plan to evaluate behavioral change. Therapies aimed at supplementary support will be discussed.

Water Safety for Profound Autism
Cindy Freedman
Swim Angelfish
04/10/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

In this session, Cindy will share specific, evidence-based strategies for teaching water safety and swimming skills to individuals with profound autism. She will discuss sensory-friendly techniques, adaptive swim instruction, and approaches to ensuring safety in and around the water while addressing the unique challenges this population faces. Attendees will gain practical tools to help reduce drowning risks and create inclusive aquatic experiences for individuals with profound autism.

Advocating for Trauma-informed Care in Applied Behavior Analytic Practice and Research
Adithyan Rajaraman, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
04/10/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.000 BACB ETH,1.0 PSY CE

Although the construct of trauma has largely eluded a thorough behavior analysis, considerations surrounding trauma and trauma-informed care (TIC) have indubitably entered mainstream applied behavior analysis (ABA). In the absence of clear findings and guidance from a TIC research program, conversations surrounding the matter—which have permeated published literature, peer review, everyday practice interactions, and social media—have been polarizing. Some submit that ABA has not done enough to incorporate TIC, while others assert it is entirely unnecessary, perhaps even harmful for the discipline. Yet others remain skeptical to embrace TIC in ABA until more data reveal the utility (or lack thereof) of the framework. This talk is an attempt to bring clarity, vocabulary, and nuance to this timely discussion. I will first define trauma across multiple levels of scientific understanding and provide a defensible behavior-analytic interpretation. Then, I will outline core commitments of a TIC framework and describe how to incorporate them into ABA. Finally, I will articulate and respond to several concerns and questions that have entered the discourse surrounding trauma and TIC. My primary intention is to increase your capacity and willingness to advocate for TIC in ABA in conversations and collaborations with colleagues, caregivers, and clients.

ECHO Autism: Moving Knowledge, Not People
Kristin Sohl
04/10/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
No CEUs
1.0 PSY CE

ECHO Autism: Intense Behavior is the first project of its kind to specifically focus on clinician development, increasing knowledge and self-efficacy in delivering best-practice assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for people with intense behaviors.

A Different Lens: Siblings' Perspectives on Profound Autism
Melissa Olive
Giacomo Vivanti
Jennifer Magleby-Lambert
04/10/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
No CEUs
1.0 PSY CE

Join us for an insightful panel discussion where siblings of individuals with Profound Autism share their experiences and perspectives. Hear about the challenges, triumphs, and enduring bonds that have shaped their lives. From navigating the complexities of healthcare, education, and residential to finding joy in everyday moments, these siblings offer a glimpse into the extraordinary world of Profound Autism. Through their personal stories, panelists will explore:

The unique connection between siblings when one has Profound Autism
The realities of being a sibling caregiver<
The challenges (and importance) of advocacy.
Practical advice from lessons learned along the way.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of profound autism from the perspective of those who know it best.

Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Christopher McDougle, MD
Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital
04/10/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

The goal of this presentation is to discuss the role of pharmacological treatment for behavioral symptoms commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. To date, no medication has been identified to effectively treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Research has demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics effectively treat associated irritability (aggression, self-injury, property destruction, severe tantrums, and mood swings). The atypical antipsychotics are associated with side effects that included sedation, increased appetite/weight gain, metabolic syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, and tardive dyskinesia. Buspirone and mirtazapine are two medications that may be effective for treating anxiety associated with autism spectrum disorder. Buspirone has very few potential side effects; mirtazapine can result in sedation and increased appetite/weight gain. Guanfacine, atomoxetine and at times, psychostimulants can be effective for associated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Guanfacine can be associated with sedation, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, and constipation; atomoxetine is generally well tolerated; psychostimulants can cause behavioral worsening, reduced appetite, insomnia, and tics. Melatonin, trazodone, clonidine, mirtazapine. and other medications can be effective for insomnia, and they are generally well tolerated. Limited research exists on the treatment of depression associated with autism spectrum disorder. Duloxetine and mirtazapine can be effective; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) should generally be avoided due to the risk of behavioral activation. These medications (and others), behavioral target symptoms and potential side effects of medication will be discussed, with an emphasis on results from randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Skill-Based Treatment: A Person-Centered Approach to Challenging Behavior
Jessica Slaton
04/10/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.000 BACB ETH,1.0 PSY CE

This presentation will delve into the principles and practices of Skill-Based Treatment, a person-centered approach to addressing severe challenging behavior. Identifying and teaching essential skills, such as communication, social skills, and self-regulation, can help individuals with complex needs gain independence and access to new environments. Discover practical strategies for implementing Skill-Based Treatment in various settings, including home, school, and community.

Adult Life Panel
Kate Movius
Amy Wood
Judith Ursitti
Dilshad Ali
04/10/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
No CEUs

Join us for a candid discussion with parents who have worked their way through the complex path of transitioning their profoundly autistic children into adulthood.  Each panelist will discuss the unique obstacles faced in their various geographic locations, given their state-specific laws and regulations and the accessibility and quality of adult programs in their regions.  This session offers a valuable opportunity to learn from the collective wisdom of experienced parents and hear their insights into the realities of this journey.

Treatment of Enuresis and Encopresis for Individuals with Profound Autism Spectrum Disorder
Joanna Lomas Mevers
04/10/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

A large percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities are delayed in achieving continence or never achieve it at all. Whereas typically developing children generally achieve continence by 2-4 years of age (Blum, Taubman, & Nemeth, 2003). Incontinence has many negative side effects, such as an increased burden of care for parents, poor hygiene, physical discomfort, lack of independence, and social stigma (Cicero & Pfadt, 2002). In addition, incontinence can lead to exclusion from many settings, such as regular educations classrooms, camps, or extracurricular activities. Despite the social significance and importance of achieving continence there have been few advances beyond the procedures outlined in the study by Azrin and Fox (1971), which presented an early treatment for enuresis. Furthermore, until recently there were no well-established procedures for the treatment of encopresis. The current presentation will focus on simple empirically supported behavioral strategies to help individuals with Profound Autism achieve both urine and bowl continence.

Preparing the Community for an Autism Emergency
Kate Movius
Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D
Bill Cannata
04/10/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
1.0 BACB LRN

Elopement, or leaving supervision without permission, is a dangerous tendency that is common in children on the autism spectrum and too often has life-threatening consequences. Although many of the same approaches to addressing other forms of harmful behavior can be applied to elopement, most require some modifications. In addition, the behavioral treatment literature has tended to focus somewhat narrowly on intervention approaches that can reduce the probability of elopement. This talk will present some of the research on that topic, as well as expand on it to share recent research to improve its practicality for families and their ability to access effective interventions for elopement. (Call)

People with ASD are more likely to have a 911 encounter than a neuro-typical person. The number of responses is increasing nationwide at an alarming rate. These calls can be high risk calls for the responder and a person with ASD. Injuries and in some calls for service, death has resulted due to the lack of understanding about a person with ASD. (Cannata)

Defining Profound Autism: Seeking Clarity to Advance Services and Science
Matthew Siegel
04/10/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
1.0 PSY CE

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of symptoms and signs, but there has been limited research focusing on those who fall under the term Profound Autism (PA), and variability in how researchers approach this group. PA pertains to those requiring lifelong adult support for daily needs, but there is a lack of clarity in how to operationalize a definition using  different measured domains, such as adaptive functioning, IQ, or verbal fluency. The definition of PA initially promulgated by the Lancet Commission had only one required element, level of adult support, but most studies thus far have focused on operationalizing IQ and spoken language as criteria.  We will trace the development of the term and recent work focusing on creating clarity for measurement and support.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Catatonia in Individuals with Profound Autism
James Luccarelli
Joshua Smith
Martine Lamy
04/10/2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

The effectiveness of the lorazepam challenge test in pediatric catatonia
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with changes in behavior and affect. Dr. Luccarelli reports on a study about the effect of the drug lorazepam on the severity of catatonia as measured by the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) in pediatric patients.

Longitudinal Symptom Burden and Pharmacologic Management of Catatonia in Autism with and without Profound Impairment: An Observational Study
Dr. Smith describes his longitudinal observational study of how catatonic symptoms responded to treatment over a three-year period.

How are Meaningful Outcome Measures Developed and Individualized for Profound Autism?
Eric Larsson
Lovaas Institute Midwest
04/10/2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Each person who faces profound challenges is unique, due to their individual patterns of physical and behavioral strengths and weaknesses, as well as the incredible variation in resources available to each person. As much as their loved ones would give anything for the best possible services, the services themselves may be completely unavailable. Or the loved ones may not yet have conceived of a valuable resource. Therefore an intensive person-centered-planning process is warranted, to identify the full range of potential services and envision the best outcomes for each of these services. Some standardized assessments are based upon statistical averages, which by design ignore the unique variations in the profound range. Individualized, objectively-measured goals are most suited to a person’s needs when they are accountable and socially valid. One way to measure criteria for socially valid outcomes is by the person’s and their loved one’s individual perceptions of their optimal quality of life. When doing so, the behavioral objectives may not always be focused on skill development, they may also be focused on maintenance. A meaningful goal will include both a measure of the person’s desired behavior and a specification of the conditions that the person lives in. A provider agency or financial stakeholder can develop an organizational evaluation metric for objectively evaluating the diverse outcomes and the overall success in attaining them.

Federal Efforts to Address Needs Across the Autism Spectrum
Susan Daniels, Ph.D.
04/10/2025 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
No CEUs

In this presentation, Dr. Susan Daniels will discuss current federal efforts related to coordination of federal research and services activities to address the needs of people across the autism spectrum. She will provide updates on the recent activities of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, the latest IACC Strategic Plan, and her work as National Autism Coordinator.  She will highlight key federal programs, initiatives, and activities that serve autistic individuals, including people with intellectual disabilities and complex needs, and their families.

Panel: Legal Considerations Caring for an Adult With Profound Autism
Anne Grenier
Meredith Greene
Joan McGrath
04/10/2025 5:00 PM - 5:50 PM
No CEUs

Limited Guardianships, Conservatorships, and Protective Arrangements: Anne Grenier of Fletcher Tilton will provide an overview of alternatives to guardianship, factors to consider before petitioning for guardianship or conservatorship, and the distinctions between limited and expanded guardianships. She will also cover the roles, responsibilities, and legal duties of guardians and conservators.

Planning for the Future: Wills, Trusts, and Special Needs Considerations: Meredith Greene of Day Pitney will cover essential estate planning tools like wills, revocable trusts, and health care proxies, with a focus on creating special needs trusts to secure the long-term care and support of individuals with profound autism.

Joan McGrath from PLAN of MA & RI will be discussing the options related to the creation of special needs trusts, types of special needs trusts and how to fund those trusts in the support of individuals with profound autism.

Meaningful Outcomes in Profound Autism
Lorri Unumb
04/11/2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
1.0 BACB LRN

Profound autism presents unique challenges for individuals, families, and practitioners. Traditional metrics of success often overlook the nuanced experiences and needs of those affected. In this presentation, we will think differently about meaningful outcomes in profound autism, emphasizing a person- and family-centered approach that prioritizes individual strengths, preferences, and quality of life.

Predicting High-Risk Behaviors in Individuals with Profound Autism Using Sleep and Other Environmental Factors|
Yashar Kiarashi
Johanna Lantz
04/11/2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Sleep problems are common in those with autism spectrum disorder and have a strong impact on daytime behavior and development. Using machine learning, we were able to predict high-risk behaviors from sleep patterns in youth with profound autism. Our extension of this research to include other biological and environmental factors further supports the value of using artificial intelligence approaches for behavior prediction. With further development, this technology could be used to alert caregivers that high-risk behaviors are likely, allowing for implementation of additional preventative measures.

Advocating for Empowerment: Navigating End of Life Care for the Aging Autistic Population
Amanda Duffy, M.Ed., BCBA LBS
Lara Redcay, M.Ed., BCBA
Kristina Gasiewski, MOTR/L, M.Ed., BCBA
04/11/2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

In this presentation, the authors will address the unique challenges and considerations of planning for and providing end-of-life care to the aging autistic community. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates a behavior analytical framework will contribute to proactive, effective and compassionate care. Planning and having conversations with loved ones and/or stakeholders while a person is healthy is more beneficial; however, the immediate pressures of caring for a person with complex needs often allows for limited focus on the future. Additionally, coordinating with outside providers is often a crucial component to advocating for and ensuring the voice of the individual and their loved ones is prioritized. This talk will assist providers and supporters of individuals served in identifying and addressing end-of-life care planning needs to allow for necessary resources to be solely allocated to caring for the individuals in their final days.

Addressing Safety Risks From Ingestion
Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D
Marcus Autism Center; Emory University School of Medicine; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
04/11/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Pica is a dangerous behavior with a strange name that means ingestion of non-food items. Individuals with profound autism are at significant risk from harm resulting from pica because it is one of those behaviors for which a single instance can be fatal. Although certain treatment approaches can be very effective at reducing the probability of pica and decreasing the risk of harm when it does occur, these strategies are unfortunately not widely known or available. This presentation will review the research literature on pica, its likely causes, and the current evidence base for reducing the risk of harm from dangerous ingestions.

Medical Panel
James Bath, MD
Jill Pineda
Melissa Levin
04/11/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Desensitization for Medical Procedures: Improving Access to Medical Care
Dr. Pineda will present on systematic desensitization for medical procedures, an evidence-based method of gradual exposure and practice of medical procedures that can help patients with profound autism improve tolerance and participation in medical care. The presentation topics will include practical strategies to prepare for procedures and suggestions for collaborating with medical providers. Case studies will highlight the utility of this approach.
Supporting and Empowering Autistic Oncology Patients
Melissa Levin will explore the health disparities experienced by cancer patients with developmental disabilities, with a particular focus on autism. She will provide an overview of clinical considerations essential for enhancing access to care for autistic cancer patients. Key topics will include coping strategies, communication techniques, and sensory accommodations utilized by patients with support from their care teams.
Optimizing the Primary Care Visit
Dr. Bath will offer advice on how caregivers of patients with autism can improve interactions with primary care providers and health outcomes for their loved ones.  The presentation will also highlight essential preventative care measures that should be addressed and tracked over a patient's lifetime. Most importantly, ways to encourage medical providers to really see your loved one as a unique individual with individual needs will also be discussed.

The Representation Wars: Media Portrayals, Language Debates, and Advocacy in the Autism Community
Amy Lutz
04/11/2025 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
No CEUs

Questions of representation are central to profound autism advocacy. This talk will engage with multiple meanings of this very fraught term— including how autism is represented in the media, who gets to speak for profoundly autistic individuals who can’t speak for themselves, and even what words are we allowed to use when we talk about this population.

The Three Ds: Divorce, Disease, and Death
Judith Ursitti
Maura Sullivan
Cathy Martinez
Colleen Brennan
Lou Melgarejo
Sabrina Vaughn
04/11/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
No CEUs

Caregiving for people with profound autism brings unique joys and challenges. Layer on other major life events, and the challenges can feel insurmountable. This moderated panel discuss the realities of divorce, disease, and even death, bringing validation, information, and hope to attendees.

Improving Sleep for Profoundly Autistic Learners
Emily Varon, BCBA, ACE Certified
04/11/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

For decades now, sleep problems have been established to effect between approximately 44-83% 1 of the autism population. More recently, Cohen, Simonne, et al. 2 analyzed over 20,000 nights of sleep from 67 individuals with “low functioning” (NB: today classified as Level 3 or Profound) autism to study whether daytime behaviors can be predicted from prior sleep patterns. A statistically significant predictive relationship was obtained for 81% of individuals, with measures of night-to-night variation in sleep timing and duration most relevant for accurate prediction. These results highlight the importance of regular sleep patterns for better daytime functioning in the Profound Autism community. However, absent from research are effective strategies to improve problematic sleep for profoundly autistic learners who may display extreme behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, tantrums, property destruction or other challenging behaviors) throughout the day, at bedtime, and throughout the night. This CEU event aims to dispel myths about the permanence of poor sleep for autistic learners and offer a wide variety of strategies and considerations for improving sleep within the Profound Autism community.

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Meaningful Community Engagement for Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Shanna Bahry, Ph.D., BCBA-D
04/11/2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Meaningful community engagement for autistic adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities considers factors such as environmental preferences (e.g., noise levels, activity levels, lighting), the nature and appeal of activities, the quality of social interactions, the safety skills required, and the individual’s ability to initiate or end participation, as desired. This presentation examines how thoughtful, individualized approaches to community involvement enhance quality of life by promoting social connections, independence, and skill development. Attendees will gain practical strategies to align engagement opportunities with each individual’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals, ensuring transitions into adulthood are both inclusive and meaningful. Evidence-based practices and actionable insights will empower professionals and caregivers to create impactful, person-centered experiences in the community.

Understanding Autism through Bedside to Bedside Translational Neuroimaging
Alexander Cohen
04/11/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1.0 PSY CE

Understanding the brain mechanisms that lead to features of autism with neuroimaging has been an important yet difficult challenge of the past two decades. Recent breakthroughs in understanding how the brain is "wired up" and the ability to study clinical populations with new-onset symptoms after brain injuries, like stroke, have led to new insights into how brain networks drive human behavior. In this talk, Dr. Cohen presents ongoing work from Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital that seeks to understand which brain networks are involved in specific features or symptoms also seen in Autism.

The Importance of Teaching Sex Ed to all Populations
Peter Gerhardt
EPIC School
Jessica Cauchi, Ph.D., BCBA-D., CPBA-AP
04/11/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Historically the importance of providing sexuality education to individuals with disabilities has been underemphasized; those with more profound disabilities have often had this area of education neglected completely. This talk will outline the importance of teaching sex education to those with profound autism. We will discuss considerations for setting goals, including what to prioritize and how to discuss goal setting with caregivers and stakeholders. Finally, strategies for teaching goals and evaluating progress in sexuality education will be presented.

Interprofessional Collaboration to Support Persons with Profound Autism: Examples of Successes and Recommendations for Practitioners
Jennifer Zarcone
Morgan Levy
Willow Hozella, Ph.D., BCBA
Joseph Ricciardi, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Rachel Flaherty
04/11/2025 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

The complex needs of individuals with profound autism often require support from multiple clinical disciplines (Matson & Burns, 2019). While it is common for disciplines to deliver services independently, better outcomes may be achieved when disciplines work collaboratively, with each specialty open to sharing and receiving expertise and guidance from the other (Bowman, et al., 2021; LaFrance et al., 2019). A recent survey found that while individuals from different disciplines strongly desire to work together, they unfortunately report their experiences have been less than satisfactory (Bowman, et a., 2024). This panel presentation will focus on examples of successful collaboration between allied health specialists (speech-language pathology, occupation therapy) and behavior analysts. The aim will be to describe successful collaboration and the specific interpersonal and interprofessional strategies that facilitated effective collaboration, and how to overcome some of its known barriers (LaFrance et al., 2019; Wei et al., 2022). Questions and comments from the audience will be invited throughout.

Panel: Self-injurious behavior: What to expect from assessment, treatment, and a multidisciplinary team approach
Henry Roane
Louis Hagopian
04/11/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Self-injury continues to be one of the most complex and difficult to treat behavioral issues for those with Profound Autism. This session will provide attendees with a overview of the assessment and treatment process for individuals with complex behavioral needs who present with self-injury. Part 1 will focus on what to expect during the initial assessment, emphasizing safety protocols, stakeholder involvement, identifying underlying behavioral functions, and co-occurring psychiatric concerns. Part 2 will delve into treatment planning, including the use of protective measures, development of function-based interventions, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. A moderated Q&A session will follow, allowing for discussion and clarification of key points.

Planning for the Future
Cathy Boyle
Susan Senator, M.A.
04/11/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
No CEUs

Developing a housing strategy (Cathy Boyle): Developing and executing a housing strategy doesn't happen overnight; it's a 5-10 year process that requires cobbling together an array of public benefits and personal resources.You'll need the support of a village to pull it off, because, let's face it, Mom and Dad living forever isn't a plan.

Independence and Adulthood in Profound Autism: Strategies and Insights For a Fulfilling Life (Susan Senator): We all want to see our kids grow up to be independent, thriving adults. This goal is the same for the profoundly autistic. What do independence and fulfillment look like for our adult autistic loved ones? How do we get our heads around it, plan, and feel good about their adult lives, given the challenges and struggles?

Advocating for Change: Parents and Legislators Discuss Effective Strategies for Advocating for Individuals with Profound Autism
Nan Leonard
Judith Ursitti
Maura Sullivan
04/11/2025 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
1.0 BACB LRN

This session brings together parent advocates and legislators to share their experiences and insights on legislative advocacy for individuals with Profound Autism. Panelists will discuss practical ways to communicate with policymakers, navigate the legislative process, and work together to create meaningful change. Whether you're a parent, professional, or advocate, this session will provide straightforward tools and guidance to help you advocate effectively for better policies and resources for individuals with Profound Autism and their families.

Navigating Feeding Issues for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Valerie Volkert
04/11/2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

Feeding problems are highly prevalent in children on the autism spectrum, and food selectivity is the most common concern for these children. This often includes preference for starches, snacks, fats, and processed foods and the rejection of vegetables and fruits. Although many autistic children with feeding problems do not have issues maintaining their weight, if left untreated, they are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and their diets could lead to poor health problems (e.g., obesity, diabetes). This often results in high caregiver stress. This presentation will provide an overview (a) of the clinical presentation of feeding difficulties in autistic children and the potential causes of food selectivity and (b) general treatment approaches to address food selectivity.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn! Using AAC to Enhance Communication for Adults with IDD
Laura Nagy, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist
Lindsay Harre, M.S., CCC-SLP, Lead Speech Language Pathologist
04/11/2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1.0 BACB LRN,1.0 PSY CE

An estimated 5 million people in the U.S. have complex communication needs (CCN) and may benefit from AAC. This number includes many of the 2.1 million adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Many of these individuals have no prior AAC experience, but they can still meaningfully increase their functional communication skills in adulthood. This presentation explores two case studies of individuals with IDD who began using AAC as adults. These cases demonstrate methods to identify adults who could benefit from AAC, feature match an appropriate system, and overcome common barriers when seeking AAC for adults with IDD. This presentation aims to empower SLPs to implement AAC for adults and highlight the value of SLP services beyond age 22.

Bridging the Divide across the Autism Spectrum
Kaelynn Partlow
04/11/2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
No CEUs

The world of social media has unfortunately created a chasm in the autism community, creating conflict between language-abled autistic adults and parents of the profound population. I will address my efforts to bridge that gap in my role as an autistic ABA therapist with social media influencer status. We will discuss options for increasing understanding within the autism community, hopefully enhancing supports across the spectrum.