Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Annual Alabama Autism Conference

Annual Alabama Autism Conference

25th Annual Alabama Autism Conference

February 27, 2026

Attend in Person or Online!

Conference Overview

Each February, the Alabama Autism Conference presents the latest research regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of the Alabama Autism Conference is to build upon the vision of creating better services for individuals affected by ASD by educating our medical professionals, service providers, parents, and teachers, in addition to developing relationships across the state.

DatesPre-Conference Workshop: February 26, 2026
Main Conference: February 27, 2026
LocationBryant Conference Center
240 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
LodgingHotel Capstone

Who Should Attend

This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to learn, connect, and make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare professional, advocate, or an individual on the spectrum, you’ll find valuable insights, supportive community, and practical strategies to take home.


Pre-Conference Workshop

Pre-conference information for 2026 coming soon!

Main Conference Agenda

February 27, 2026
TimeSession
7:00 am – 8:00 amRegistration and Breakfast
8:00 am – 8:15 amConvene

Sarah O’Kelley, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Psychology; Director, Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at UAB Civitan International Research Center – Sparks Clinics
8:15 am – 9:30 amSifting Through the Noise: Understanding and Advocating for Science in ASD

Alycia Halladay, Ph.D.
9:30 am – 9:45 amBreak and Exhibits/Research Posters
9:45 am – 11:00 amTopic TBA

Roma Vasa, M.D., Kennedy Krieger Institute
11:00 am – 11:15 amBreak and Exhibits/Research Posters
11:15 am – 12:30 pmTopic TBA

Cas Breaux, BCBA-D, LBA

Assistant Professor, Center for Behavior Analysis

University of West Florida
12:30 pm – 1:30 pmLunch

CARES Award Presentation

AAPN Scholarship Award Winner Presentation
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
1:30 pm – 2:45 pmTopic TBA

Heather Jones, Ed.D., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
1:30 pm – 2:45 pmTBA
1:30 pm – 2:45 pmSelf-Advocacy in Action: Owning Your Voice

Kelvin Smith, Ph.D., Autism Academic Coach, KLSpeaks, LLC



*All attendees who identify as self-advocates are welcome to attend; No professional approvals offered.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pmBreak and Exhibits
3:15 pm – 4:30 pmFrom Pre-School to PhD: Mother and Son Navigating Autism as a Team

Kelvin Smith, Ph.D. and LaRita Smith, LBSW, KLSpeaks, LLC
4:30 pmEvaluations, Professional Approvals, Sign-in Sheets and Adjournment

2026 Conference Speakers

Cas Breaux, BCBA-D, LBA

Cas Breaux headshot
Cas Breaux Bio

Cas Breaux has a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership and policy analysis (expected Summer 2024), a Master of Arts degree in psychology, a Master of Science degree in special education, and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and a licensed behavior therapist in both NY and Louisiana. Cas is an assistant professor at the Center for Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida and is the primary content creator for ABA Knowledge Builder, the assent-based and neurodiversity-informed test prep and competency solution offered by CentralReach. Cas has been working in the behavior field for more than 15 years, most notably in the NYC public schools, in private clinics, and as a private practice owner.

Since 2013, Cas has taught more than 60 semesters of graduate-level ABA content. Cas’s goal is to help the field of applied behavior analysis become more assent-based and neurodiversity-informed.

Alycia Halladay, PhD

Alycia Halladay headshot
Alycia Halladay Bio

Alycia oversees the scientific activities, grants, and initiatives of ASF. She also produces a weekly podcast aimed specifically at explaining scientific information to the public. Prior to joining ASF in 2014, she served as the Senior Director of Clinical and Environmental Sciences at Autism Speaks. She has authored over two dozen peer reviewed papers in science journals. Alycia also serves on the Board of Directors for the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation and on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. She received a Ph.D. in biopsychology from Rutgers in 2001 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in 2004 and is on the editorial board of Neurotoxicology and Frontiers in Pediatrics.  She still holds a faculty appointment at Rutgers. She also has 15 year old twin daughters, one of whom has ASD.

Heather Jones, EdD, BCBA, LBA

Heather Jones Bio

coming soon!

Kelvin Smith, PhD

Kelvin and LaRita Smith photo
Kelvin Smith Bio

Dr. Kelvin Smith is an autism self-advocate who received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University and a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Georgia Tech. As an autistic adult, Kelvin offers a combination of academic, lived experience, and specialized insight rarely found together. He enjoys providing academic coaching to first year college students on the autism spectrum and he likes to live a simple life reading almanacs, textbooks, video games, bridge, trivia, and game shows. Kelvin is currently a Senior Data Scientist at an ad tech company.

LaRita Smith, LBSW

Kelvin and LaRita Smith photo
LaRita Smith Bio

LaRita Smith is the proud mom of Dr. Kelvin Howard Smith, who was diagnosed at age 10 with Asperger's Syndrome. As a parent autism advocate, she empowers, educates and inspires individuals and families on the autism spectrum. She is the founder of KLSpeaks offering Spectrum Voices-a mother and son team presenting inspirational talks by sharing authentic perspectives and lived experiences. Her son Kelvin offers academic coaching- dedicated to helping first-year college students on the autism spectrum build academic and executive functioning skills. LaRita attended Jacksonville State University and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Corrections and served as a licensed social worker for over 20 years.

Roma Vasa, MD

Roma Vasa headshot
Roma Vasa Bio

Dr. Roma Vasa is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a professor of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Vasa holds several positions at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is the director of psychiatric services at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD). She is also the director of the Developmental Neuropsychiatry Scholars Program, and the director of faculty development in Child Psychiatry. Dr. Vasa is the co-chair of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Autism and Intellectual Disability Committee. Dr. Vasa completed her undergraduate training at Colby College and received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1991. She completed an internal medicine fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and her adult and child psychiatry training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Vasa is board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.

25th Annual Alabama Autism Conference Speaker Disclosures

    coming soon!

    Conference Poster Presentations

    2026 Poster Information

    We are accepting research proposals for poster presentations at the 25th Annual Alabama Autism Conference.

    We encourage proposals for any trainee/student, faculty, or professional research related to current and emerging issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our goal is to continue to facilitate collaborative research related to ASD throughout Alabama and neighboring states. Posters will be displayed throughout the day of the conference scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026.

    Deadline to submit abstracts: January 15, 2026 by 5:00 PM CST

    Notification of acceptance is January 30, 2026

    Conference Location and Lodging

    The Alabama Autism Conference is held annually at Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

    A discounted room block has been reserved for conference attendees at the Hotel Capstone, conveniently located directly next door to Bryant Conference Center.

    Hotel Accommodations

    HotelHotel Capstone
    320 Paul W Bryant Dr,
    Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    205-752-3200
    Cost$136/night
    Reservation DeadlineJanuary 27, 2026

    Make your hotel reservation online:

    Only the dates and room types contracted are available at the contracted rate — rooms requested outside of your block dates or different room types are based on availability and at the prevailing rate.

    Book your room by phone:

    The agent will send you a confirmation email and will also be able to provide the confirmation number over the phone. A payment method is required to make a reservation.


    Main Conference Registration

    Registration Rates:

    • Early Bird Rate: $149.00 (expires February 6, 2026)
    • Standard rate: $199.00 (starting February 7, 2026)
    • Three or more from the same company: $135.00 (please call registration services at 205-348-3000 to receive this rate and register three or more individuals at the same time)
    • UA Employee rate: $105.00 (call 205-348-3000 to redeem)
    • Student rate: $75.00 *Includes invitation to trainee networking lunch!

    *If you are paying with a purchase order, please call 205-348-3000 to register

    Special Accommodations Requests

    Note: The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu. A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

    Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

    A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.

    Cancellation Policy

    A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of the program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee.  Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.


    Scholarships

    Autism Support of Alabama Scholarship

    Scholarships are available through the Autism Support of Alabama (ASA).  Scholarships cover conference registration fees only. Applications are given priority based on based on previous scholarship awards. The conference is designed to transfer the very latest research regarding diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provides an overview of common challenges in working with individuals with ASD.

    Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
    Notification of Award: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

    AAPN Emerging Leaders in Autism Scholarship

    The Alabama Autism Providers Network (AAPN) is requesting applications from future leaders in ASD research, service, and/or education in Alabama to attend the Alabama Autism Conference on February 27, 2026.

    The Emerging Youth Leader Award has 2 categories:

    1. Supports a high school student and one adult to attend the conference.
    2. Supports an undergraduate student to attend the conference.

    *Awardees will be paired with a leadership mentor throughout the conference.

    Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
    Notification of Award: January 26, 2026

    CARES Award

    Each year, the Alabama Autism Conference awards the CARES Award. CARES stands for Commitment to Autism Research, Education, and Service. We accept nominations for an individual who shows dedication and commitment to Autism research, Autism education, or Autism service. We also recognize an organization that meets these criteria.

    Deadline to submit your nomination is February 2, 2026.

    Professional Approvals

    The conference on Friday, February 27, is planned to meet the various requirements for professional development from the following organizations. As these continuing education (CE) applications are approved, we will update this page to reflect the number of approved CE hours available:

    • Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: pending
    • Alabama Board of Nursing: 7.5 Hours
    • Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy: 6.25 Hours
    • Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners: 6.25 Hours
    • Alabama Psychological Association: pre-approvals on hold until further notice
    • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: pending
    • Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification: pending
    • Continuing Medical Education: pending
    • National Board of Certified Counselors: 6.25 Hours
    • Alabama State Department of Education Office of Professional Development & Learning: 6.25 Hours

    The University of Alabama has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider,
    ACEP No. 3000. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The University of Alabama is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


    The University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Alabama School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of (pending) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    Supporter and Exhibitor Opportunities

    The 25th Annual Alabama Autism Conference connects your business with an engaged audience interested in learning & developing their tool box. Share your resources, products and dynamic ideas with teachers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, doctors and parents! You’ll have the opportunity to introduce new products and give demonstrations. Choose a level below to reach this targeted audience.

    Title Supporter $5,000
    • One exhibit booth in prime location, second booth optional
    • Organization recognized in the conference program
    • Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
    • Five scholarships / conference passes (please provide names of recipients at time of registration)
    • Recognition on social media
    • Recognition on website
    • Company name included in conference communication and email
    • Post conference attendee contact list
    • Recognition and signage during lunch and refreshment breaks
    • 1 tote bag insert
    • 3-5 minutes at the podium during program
    Contributing Supporter $3,500
    • One exhibit booth (two booth staff members)
    • Organization recognized in the conference program
    • Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
    • Three scholarships / conference passes (please provide names of recipients at time of registration)
    • Recognition on social media
    • Recognition on website
    • Company name included in conference communication and email
    Scholarship Supporter $1,500
    • One exhibit booth (one booth staff member)
    • Organization recognized in the conference program
    • Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
    • Three scholarships / conference passes (please provide names of recipients at time of registration)
    • Recognition on social media
    Exhibit Booth $600
    • One exhibit booth (one booth staff member)
    • Organization recognized in the conference program
    • Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal

    For questions, please contact professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.

    The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is approved by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) to sponsor continuing education credits for counselors. Sponsor number 00060639.

    *Satisfactory completion of this course includes attendance and completion of learner assessment.


    Questions about the event?

    Contact Emily Townsend for more information.