Since 2011, the UVU Autism Conference has brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, students, researchers, and community members to learn, collaborate, and advance autism awareness, support, and advocacy. Explore each year's conference to discover past themes, keynote speakers, schedules, and presenters.
The 2027 UVU Autism Conference centered on the theme Autism and Advocacy, highlighting the importance of empowering autistic individuals, strengthening self-advocacy, and advancing meaningful change across education, employment, healthcare, and the community. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions, the conference brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, students, researchers, and community members to share best practices, inspire collaboration, and promote lasting advocacy efforts.
The 2026 UVU Autism Conference centered on the theme Autism and Mental Health, exploring the connection between mental health and autism across the lifespan. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions, the conference brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, students, and community members to better understand co-occurring mental health conditions, share evidence-based practices, and promote holistic support for autistic individuals.
The 2025 UVU Autism Conference featured the theme Protective Factors, highlighting the relationships, supports, and community connections that help autistic individuals thrive. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions, attendees explored evidence-based strategies that strengthen resilience, promote well-being, and foster meaningful connections across the lifespan.
The 2024 UVU Autism Conference centered on the theme Quality of Life, exploring ways to support autistic individuals in leading meaningful, fulfilling lives. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions, attendees shared practical strategies that promote well-being, independence, and lifelong success.
The 2023 UVU Autism Conference embraced the theme Bridging Gaps, Improving Lives, focusing on strengthening connections between research, education, services, and the autism community. The conference brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, students, and community members to share practical strategies and improve outcomes for autistic individuals across the lifespan.
The 2022 UVU Autism Conference featured the theme Cultivating Competencies Across the Community, emphasizing the development of knowledge, skills, and partnerships that support autistic individuals across all stages of life. Through presentations and workshops, attendees shared best practices, strengthened collaboration, and built a more informed community.
Following the postponement of the 2020 conference, the 2021 UVU Autism Conference returned with the theme Seeking Connection, Building Community. The conference brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, students, and community members to reconnect, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships through learning, collaboration, and advocacy.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 UVU Autism Conference was postponed until 2021. While the conference did not take place that year, planning continued for its return and the continuation of its mission to educate, connect, and support the autism community.
The 2019 UVU Autism Conference embraced the theme The Lived Experience, recognizing the importance of learning from the voices and perspectives of autistic individuals. The conference fostered meaningful dialogue through presentations, personal stories, and collaborative discussions that strengthened understanding across the autism community.
The 2018 UVU Autism Conference introduced the theme Hope & Inclusion Through Best Practices, highlighting evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes for autistic individuals. The conference brought together educators, professionals, self-advocates, families, and community members to exchange knowledge, share practical approaches, and strengthen support across the autism community.
The 2017 UVU Conference on Autism welcomed Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Ron Suskind as its keynote speaker. Through his family's story in Life, Animated, the conference highlighted innovative approaches to communication while continuing its mission of education, collaboration, and community engagement.
The 2016 UVU Conference on Autism featured nationally recognized leaders in the autism community, including keynote speaker Kristine Barnett and plenary speakers Dr. Stephen Shore and Dr. Sally Ozonoff. Together, they shared research, personal experiences, and practical approaches that continue to influence autism support and understanding.
The 2015 UVU Conference on Autism brought together educators, professionals, families, students, and community members to share knowledge and best practices. Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Gerhardt highlighted strategies for supporting adolescents and adults with autism across educational, employment, residential, and community settings.
Lorem The 2014 UVU Conference on Autism continued the tradition of bringing together families, educators, professionals, students, and community members for a day of learning and collaboration. The conference featured bestselling author David Finch, who shared his personal experiences living with Autism.
The 2013 UVU Conference on Autism continued its mission of providing education and collaboration through keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, and expert-led discussions. The conference welcomed nationally recognized autism expert Dr. Teresa Cardon as the opening keynote speaker.
The 2012 UVU Conference on Autism expanded the conference's reach by bringing together families, educators, professionals, students, and community members for a full day of learning, collaboration, and discussions on autism and autism-related topics.
The inaugural 2011 Mental Health Symposium: Focus on Autism marked the beginning of Utah Valley University's autism conference tradition. The symposium brought together educators, professionals, students, families, and community members to increase awareness, encourage collaboration, and promote a greater understanding of autism.
