Individuals with disability are often left out of sexual education conversations and teachings. This is problematic, as disabled individuals experience higher rates of victimization and abuse. Join Dr. Peter Gerhardt as he shares a lifespan perspective on how to approach sexuality and autism.

Autistic adults face unique barriers when seeking employment. There are complex components to navigate for the individual with autism in search of sustained employment, their potential and ongoing employers, and the parents and professionals supporting employment pursuits and attainment. Come participate in a panel discussion to hear from autistic individuals and employment experts on the current state of autism employment, gain insights into what is currently working, and discuss ways to improve outcomes for the future.

Students with disabilities, including autism, face many challenges in transitioning to adulthood after they exit the school system. Much research has been done to identify services and experiences that will support a successful postsecondary transition for students with disabilities. In this session, we will discuss the top predictors of postschool success as well as postsecondary transition resources available in Utah. This session will offer information and insight relevant to professionals and families alike.

People on the autism spectrum are highly likely to experience suicidal thoughts and are at an increased risk of dying by suicide. In this Charlie Garlick memorial session, Dr. Kirby will provide an overview of current research evidence on suicide risk in the autistic community and insights learned from autistic people and mental health providers she has interviewed as part of an ongoing research study. Her research is conducted in partnership with autistic community members, working together toward suicide prevention for the autistic community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited face-to-face instruction for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased the utilization of telehealth service delivery by clinicians and researchers. Because children with ASD have varying levels of ability to attend to instruction delivered via telehealth, it is important to research, develop, and use effective teaching strategies that will lead to generative learning in this new instruction format. This presentation will discuss current research on telehealth instruction, including overviews of two of the most effective teaching methods: matrix training and instructional feedback.

Marette draws from personal experiences caring for several family members who are on the spectrum and combines it with her clinical knowledge in compassion fatigue to present some real tips for recharging when experiencing burnout and caregiver fatigue.

Autistic young adults attend college and receive post-secondary degrees at much lower rates then their neurotypical peers. However, there are students currently attending local universities with established graduation goals and plans in process now. Come listen to autistic students who have found ways to navigate the numerous complications they face in a college setting and discover what has helped them succeed.

Promoting independence is incredibly important. When individuals have more independence, they are generally able to access more desirable things in their environment. This session will discuss various strategies for promoting independence within individuals with ASD, including creating activity schedules to promote independent self-care and play skills and using scripts and icons to encourage communication during play and other activities.

The number and variety of ABA service providers is growing in our state. It can be difficult to identify a provider who will be a good match for a particular consumer. This session will review key indicators of quality services and how to identify a behavior analyst who is a good match for your needs. Topics will include program types, staffing structures, scope of competence vs. scope of competence vs. scope of practice, social validity and ethical guidelines.

An autism diagnosis is a family affair and impacts the dynamics of each family in unique ways over time. Due to the lifelong nature and complexity of the diagnosis, parents may indicate high rates of stress associated with expenses, marital complications, mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression, and other components of life. While this can seem daunting, connecting with other parents who share similar experiences can reduce stress. Come listen to parents share stories from their family experiences and ways they have adapted and captured the joy and understanding autism can afford in family life.

We will discuss the importance of relationships, how relationships are formed and maintained, and specific recommendations for how to help individuals with autism learn about and establish connections. This session will emphasize the vital role of individual preference, comfort, and consent when working in this area and explore resources that families and professionals can use when teaching individuals with autism how to recognize reciprocity awareness in relationships. Questions and discussion will be welcome and encouraged.

When a person feels they have a place where they belong, both the individual and their community benefit. Research indicates that, when people exist within a community of belonging, communities experience higher rates of sustained employment, healthier individuals and families, and increased security. While autism can be isolating for individuals with autism and their families, there are ways we can work together to establish belonging and connection throughout the community. Join Jennifer and Laurie as they share available resources for belonging in various community systems and ways we can all work better to ensure that those around us are known and welcome.

Many autistic individuals and families express feelings of social isolation in a variety of experiences and life events. There are countless gaps and barriers in services and supports associated with an autism diagnosis, which can place unnecessary stress on autistic people and their families as they navigate day-to-day living. Whether these gaps stem from lack of awareness, misunderstandings, or problematic core systemic processes, there are ways to bridge these gaps now and improve the quality of life for those in the autism community. Please join this important discussion as local panelists share examples of how they have addressed some of these gaps personally and professionally in recent years.

You are not alone. Come learn with other families about thoughts, strategies, and resources that can guide your child and your family through the next steps after a new diagnosis.

Join autistic composer-lyricist Spicer W. Carr as he discusses his memories and experiences growing up on the spectrum and performs songs from his new semi-autobiographical musical "The Rocking Boy". After the presentation, stay for a Q&A session where Spicer will answer questions ranging from living with autism, his career, and his artistic process. Please note, "The Rocking Boy" will receive a development production this coming June at UVU, co-produced by the Theatre for Youth and Education Center and the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism. More information on this production will be given at this presentation.

Individuals with autism and related disabilities often have deficits in their verbal repertoires, which can impact their language and communication skills. Although traditional methods for increasing verbal behavior and other language skills have been effective, a common barrier when targeting language skills is that such responses often lack variability and generativity. One strategy that has been effective for facilitating the development of generative language is by incorporating teaching methods that allow for emergent responses to be emitted. The overarching aim of the session is to provide an overview of strategies that can be used to increase generative language skills by programming for emergent responses. The session will discuss the several methods and procedures that can be used to facilitate the emergence of generative language. Furthermore, discussion will also be allocated to outcomes resulting from the incorporation of such procedures. Implications and clinical consideration relating to the application of these methods will be discussed.