Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Keynote Dr. Richard Solomon: Born to PLAY

^{In this playful talk, ‘Dr. Rick’ reviews recent research on the biological basis of playfulness and explores 5 practical lessons to be learned from play science about human development}

^{especially as it applies to children with autism. ‘We take play seriously!’}

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Break

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Mastering Effective Responses to Parent Fears of Early Childhood Special Ed with Scott Mesh, PhD

^{Discover effective ways to address parents’ top 10 concerns about special needs, including fears about labels and special education. Gain insights into using supportive language}

^{and strategies to align professionals with parents in supporting their children’s development and accessing necessary services}

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Shhh!! Conversations without Words – The Importance of Gestural Communication with Cindy Harrison, M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO SLP

^{This workshop explores gestural communication’s role in speech and language development, offering practical strategies for parents and clinicians. Learn to recognize 5 communication}

^{precursors and how to support gestural communication development.}

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch

12:30 PM – 12:40 PM | Welcome Back

12:40 PM – 1:40 PM | Parent/Family Panel

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM | Keynote Dr. Emile Gouws, Board President ICDL: Finding My Voice from Three Different Perspectives

^{This presentation delves into the multifaceted identity development of an autistic adult, highlighting the crucial need for a strong and consistent support system. Insight will be shared}

^{on navigating roles as a Ph.D. candidate, spouse, and autism advocate, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive communities and supportive networks for individuals}

^{and parents alike.}

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Break

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Coaching Caregivers: The Why and How! With M’Lisa Shelden | PT, PhD

^{This presentation introduces the use of coaching to enhance the capacity of parents, teachers, and caregivers in promoting child learning within daily routines. Dr. Shelden will discuss}

^{evidence-based coaching practices and strategies applicable to early childhood intervention practitioners. Objectives include understanding coaching’s rationale, contextual}

^{importance, and key characteristics.}

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Breakout Session-Character Development & Representation in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood with Chris Loggins 

^{Supervising Producer Christopher Loggins offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, focusing on the introduction of Max, a new}

^{character joining the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Learn about the meticulous development of Max, an autistic character, and his portrayal in the series. Plus, get a sneak peek of an}

^{upcoming episode starring Max!}

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Breakout Session – Navigating the Unseen Path & Following the Child’s Lead in Motor Apraxia with Virginia Spielmann, PhD

^{Embark on a journey into the world of motor apraxia and its impact on non-speaking and unreliably speaking autistics. Discover strategies to navigate obstacles and embrace}

^{understanding. Explore topics like motor inhibition, impulsivity, and loops, gaining insights into presuming competence and bridging the brain-body disconnect. Join us in fostering a}

^{supportive environment where every step forward is guided by empathy, patience, and progress.}

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Closing Remarks