
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.
Available Dates | February 27, 2026 |
Location | Bryant Conference Center 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 |
Lodging | Hotel Capstone |
Keynote Speakers | Coming Soon! |
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
Pre-conference information for 2026 coming soon! The information below reflects the 2025 event.
This introductory workshop will help practitioners better understand how to identify and assess autism across the lifespan using a comprehensive approach, including an overview of standardized instruments that can facilitate evaluations in community settings. We will review best-practice guidelines for autism assessments, including issues related to appropriate- and inappropriate- application of standardized diagnostic instruments in community settings. This will include an overview of the course of autism across the lifespan, specifically how the presentation of autism differs beyond childhood and common co-occurring conditions and diagnostic differentials for youth and adults on the spectrum. Translating assessment findings into recommendations for intervention using a strengths-based framework, including the range of challenges and achievements for individuals on the spectrum, will also be reviewed.
Registration Fee
The registration fee for the pre-conference is $60.00 per person. The fee includes CEUs and beverages.
Elisabeth Sheridan, PhD
Presenter
Elisabeth Sheridan Bio
Elisabeth Sheridan, PhD is the Director of the Clinical Core at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and an Associate Professor at Drexel University. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals with a range of developmental, learning, social-emotional, and behavioral differences, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She is engaged in clinical, research, and training initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.
Dr. Sheridan’s research interests include the dissemination and implementation of best practices for autistic people in community settings. She is a Co-Principal Investigator of the Dissemination and Outreach Core for Drexel’s NIH Autism Center of Excellence Center grant: “Public Health and Autism Science Advancing Equitable Strategies across the Life Course (PHASES).” PHASES employs a public health research framework to examine health determinants, health services delivery and health inequity- especially in under-represented diverse populations – and the impact of these forces on autistic people’s health outcomes.
Dr. Sheridan is also dedicated to training other clinicians and researchers. She is a certified trainer in several evidence-based tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. She has advanced training in many intervention modalities, including RUBI Parent Coaching, Facing Your Fears, PEERS, and the Secret Agent Society. Dr. Sheridan also has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Structured Teaching (TEACCH). She is a strong advocate for autistic individuals and their families. She is dedicated to tailoring intervention and training efforts to incorporate an individuals’ specific strengths and values, with the goal of providing services and supports that will optimize quality of life and promote acceptance.
Workshop CE Approval
The pre-conference 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:
- Continuing Medical Education: pending 2.75 hours
- Alabama Board of Nursing: approved 3.8 contact hours
- Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners: approved 2.75 contact hours
- National Board of Certified Counselors (ACEP# 7285): approved 2.75 contact hours
Agenda
Agenda information for 2026 coming soon!The information below reflects the 2025 event.
Previous Year's Agenda
Time | Session |
---|---|
7:00 am – 8:00 am | Registration and Breakfast |
8:00 am – 8:15 am | Convene Sarah O’Kelley, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, UAB Department of Psychology; Director, Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at UAB Civitan International Research Center – Sparks Clinics Anna McConnell, LCSW, MPH State Autism Coordinator, Alabama State Department of Mental Health |
8:15 am – 9:30 am | Supporting Emotion Regulation in Young Autistic Children Using Cognitive Behavioral Strategies Angela Scarpa-Friedman, Ph.D. Professor & Chair of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research, Virginia Tech University |
9:30 am – 9:45 am | Break and Exhibits/Research Posters |
9:45 am – 11:00 am | Supporting Communication in Toddlers with Autism: From Early Intervention to Effective Intervention Megan Roberts, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Professor & Associate Chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University |
11:00 am – 11:15 am | Break and Exhibits/Research Posters |
11:15 am – 12:30 pm | Supporting the Inclusion of Autistic Children in Schools and Communities Laci Watkins, Ph.D., BCBA Texas A&M University |
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch CARES Award Presentation AAPN Scholarship Award Winner Presentation |
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS | |
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Expanding Treatment Options for Food Selectivity in Autistic Youth Emily Kuschner, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania |
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: Embracing the Nuance Yev Veverka, Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor & Director of Training & Consultation, UW Autism Center, University of Washington |
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Talking the Talk About Autism: Telling Your Story and Navigating Disclosure Situations Haley L. Moss, Esq *All attendees who identify as self-advocates are welcome to attend; No professional approvals offered. |
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm | Break and Exhibits |
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm | Granting Access: Dismantling Ableism and Embracing Autistic Identity Haley L. Moss, Esq |
4:30 pm | Evaluations, Professional Approvals, Sign-in Sheets and Adjournment |
Learning Objectives from the 24th Annual Autism Conference
Supporting Emotion Regulation in Young Autistic Children Using Cognitive Behavioral Strategies
Angela Scarpa, Ph.D.
- Define emotion regulation and describe challenges experienced by young autistic children.
- List three reasons emotion regulation may be difficult for young autistic children.
- Describe four cognitive behavioral tools to support emotion regulation in young autistic children.
Supporting Communication in Toddlers with Autism: From Early Intervention to Effective Intervention
Megan Roberts, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
- Identify critical elements of early intervention for autistic toddlers.
- Describe ways to engage caregivers in early intervention.
- Describe methods for talking to caregivers about autism.
Supporting the Inclusion of Autistic Children in Schools and Communities
Laci Watkins, Ph.D., BCBA
- Review current best practices for inclusive education.
- Identify effective strategies to support autistic students in inclusive settings.
- Discuss the importance of interaction and play between children with and without autism.
Expanding Treatment Options for Food Selectivity in Autistic Youth
Emily Kuschner, Ph.D.
- Provide an overview of feeding and eating concerns in autistic youth.
- Review available treatments (and treatment gaps) for feeding and eating concerns in autistic youth.
- Explain cognitive behavioral treatment for food selectivity in school-age autistic youth.
- Discuss the utility of considering a personalized, stepped care approach to treatment development, adaptation, and optimization in this area.
Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: Embracing the Nuance
Yev Veverka, Ph.D
- Develop a broader awareness of the scope and purpose of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including what it is and what it is not.
- Understand the importance of context and how cultural, environmental, and individual factors influence the application and outcomes of ABA.
- Recognize the value of embracing nuance in conversations about ABA to foster more thoughtful, informed, and client-centered practices.
Granting Access: Dismantling Ableism and Embracing Autistic Identity
Haley Moss
1. Identify what ableism is, as well as 3 types of ableism.
2. Create a sense of identity, community, and care through access and breaking down barriers.
3. Challenge our own experiences with ableism and stereotyping on the basis of disability.

Keynote Speakers
Speaker information for 2026 coming soon!
The information below reflects the 2025 event.
Emily Kuschner, PhD

Emily Kuschner Bio
Dr. Kuschner is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Scientist and Licensed Psychologist at The Children’s of Hospital Philadelphia in the Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Radiology. Dr. Kuschner’s research focuses on using personalized interventions to support unmet needs for autistic youth. Her work identifies critical gaps in available supports and aims to develop or adapt treatments in two key areas: (1) Personalized Stepped Care for Food Selectivity in Autistic Youth (2) Inclusive Neuroimaging in Autism.
Haley L. Moss, Esq

Haley L. Moss Bio
Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace, and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals” (2021) “The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook” (2021), and “Talking the Talk About Autism: How To Share and Tell Your Story” (2024). Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.
Megan Roberts, PhD, CCC-SLP

Megan Roberts Bio
Megan Roberts, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a professor in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her work focuses on improving access to effective early intervention for toddlers with developmental delays (e.g., autism, hearing loss). This clinically-based line of research examines new ways of identifying autism and different variations of caregiver-mediated communication interventions tailored specifically for different populations of children. Her research has been funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the Institute of Education Sciences.
Angela Scarpa-Friedman, PhD

Angela Scarpa-Friedman Bio
Dr. Scarpa received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California in 1993. She is currently a Professor of Psychology at Virginia Tech, Founder and Director of the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy for children, families, and adults. Her general interest is in child and adolescent mental health, with over 30 years of experience in the study of developmental psychopathology. Currently, her work is focused on children, adolescents, and young adults on the autism spectrum. She is interested in evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming services, improving access to care for underserved populations, and other factors that impact emotions and wellbeing in autistic individuals.
Yev Veverka, PhD, BCBA-D

Yev Veverka Bio
Yev Veverka, PhD, BCBA-D, is the Director of Training and Consultation and Clinical Supervisor at the University of Washington Autism Center. Her research interests are in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders, parent and caregiver coaching, mealtime support and intervention, and the reform of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. With an interdisciplinary team at the UW Haring Center, Dr. Veverka has developed a tiered approach to mealtime supports for early learning settings. They have recently published a book on this topic, Meaningful Mealtimes: Practical Strategies for All Young Eaters. Yev is passionate about the reform of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis to promote equity of service delivery and compassionate care. She strives to disseminate ABA in a way to make it accessible and lead to improvements in quality of life for consumers of the science.
Laci Watkins, PhD, BCBA-D

Laci Watkins Bio
Laci Watkins, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Her research is informed by her prior experience as a special educator and focuses on strategies to support the inclusion of autistic children in schools and communities, social interaction and peer-mediated interventions, social validity of behavioral interventions, improving teacher implementation of evidence-based practices, and statistical analysis of single case experimental design research. Dr. Watkins is also interested in multidisciplinary collaborations in autism research and training, and she is a member of the Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education and the Center on Disability & Development. With her Autism & Inclusion lab group, she and her team are involved in community-based research partnerships seeking to improve outcomes for children with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. Her work has been supported by organizations including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Watkins serves an associate editor of the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities.
24th Annual Alabama Autism Conference Speaker Disclosures
- Laci Watkins, Ph.D.
“Presenter is a paid employee of Texas A&M and will be mentioning their place of employment in their presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.” - Emily Kuschner, Ph.D.
“Presenter is a paid employee of the University of Pennsylvania and will be mentioning their place of employment in their presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.” - Haley Moss
“Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.” - Megan Roberts, Ph.D.
“Presenter is a paid employee of Northwestern University and will be mentioning their place of employment in their presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.” - Angela Scarpa, Ph.D.
“Presenter is a paid employee of Virginia Tech and will be mentioning their place of employment in their presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.” - Yev Veverka, Ph.D.
“Presenter is a paid employee of the University of Washington and will be mentioning their place of employment in their presentation. Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from the University of Alabama. Presenter has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.”
Posters
Poster presentation information for 2026 coming soon! The information below reflects the 2025 event.
2025 Poster Information
We are accepting research proposals for poster presentations at the 24th 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 28, 2025.
Deadline to submit abstracts: January 20, 2025 by 5:00 PM CST
Notification of acceptance is January 31, 2025
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
Hotel | Hotel Capstone 320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-752-3200 |
Cost | $136/night |
Distance from conference | within walking distance from the Bryant Conference Center |
Reservation Deadline | January 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.
Workshop Registration
Registration Rates:
- Early Bird Rate: $149.00 (expires February 7, 2025)
- Standard rate: $199.00 (starting February 8, 2025)
- 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:
- Supports a high school student and one adult to attend the conference.
- 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
Award information for 2026 coming soon!
The information below reflects the 2025 event.
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 1, 2025.
Professional Approvals
CE approvals information for 2026 coming soon! The information below reflects the 2025 event.
The conference on Friday, February 28, 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: 6.25 Hours
- 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: 0.6 ASHA CEUS Various Levels
- Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification: 6.25
- Continuing Medical Education: 6.25 Hours
- 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
Supporter and exhibitor information for 2026 coming soon! The information below reflects the 2025 event.
The 24th 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.
Contributing Supporter $3,500
- One exhibit booth
- Organization recognized in the conference program
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
- Three scholarships / conference passes
- Recognition on social media
- Recognition on website
Scholarship Supporter $1,500
- One exhibit booth
- Organization recognized in the conference program
- Logo in online conference portal
- Three scholarships / conference passes
- Recognition on social media
Exhibit Booth $600
- One exhibit booth
- Organization recognized in the conference program
- Logo in online conference portal
Thank you to our supporters who have committed and contributed thus far to the 2025 Alabama Autism Conference:
- Alabama Institute for Deaf & Blind
- Alabama Autism Providers Network
- Autism Support of Alabama
- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Alabama Family Central
- Autism BrainNet
- UA Center for Youth Development and Intervention
- Centrum ABA
- Children’s of Alabama PATHS
- UA Regional Autism Network
- Glenwood
- Mitchell’s Place
- The Learning Tree
- UA Online
- UA Parenting Assistance Line
- UA Department of Communicative Disorders
- UA Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic
- United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville & TN Valley, Inc.
- VitAL
For questions, please contact tidepartner@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.
