45th TEACCH Autism Program Conference (Hybrid)

Event Details

Description

The 45th TEACCH Autism Program Conference, "Thriving with Autism: Strengthening Neuroaffirming Practices,” brings together educators, clinicians, researchers, autistic advocates, and families to explore approaches that honor neurodiversity and promote authentic wellbeing. This conference centers lived experience, evidence-informed strategies, and collaborative solutions that empower autistic individuals to thrive in every environment — from classrooms and clinics to workplaces and communities.

The following topics and speakers will be featured at this year's conference: 

• Operationalizing Neurodiversity: Understanding the Implications of the Movement on Service-Provision
  • Ari Ne'eman, Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Health Policy and Management

• Supporting Neurodiversity in Early Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions
  • Aubyn C. Stahmer, PhD, BCBA, University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

• Structured TEACCHing as Neuroaffirming Practice: Designing Classrooms for Autonomy and Engagement
  • Jenny Eigenrauch, MSRA, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program

• Perspectives on Neuroaffirming Care from Autistic Individuals and Their Family Members
  • Co-Moderated by: 
    • Christina Corsello Orahovats, PhD, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program
    • Cameron Hollister, MSW, BS, University of North Carolina, TEACCH Autism Program

• Adult Autism Assessment: Understanding Strengths and Needs to Promote Thriving
  • Vanessa H. Bal, PhD, Rutgers University, GSAPP 

• Addressing Profound Needs and Affirming Human Rights in Autism Across the Lifespan
  • Giacomo Vivanti, PhD, Dalhousie University and IWK Health Centre, Department of Pediatrics 

• Improving Healthcare for Autistic Adults: Insights from Research and Practice
  • Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH, Portland State University, School of Social Work, and Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Medicine

Learning Objectives

At the completion of the conference, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the importance of neuroaffirming, strengths-based practices for autistic individuals and their families.
• Describe the foundational principles of neuroaffirming, strengths-based care across medical and mental health settings, spanning early childhood through adulthood.
• Identify practical strategies for integrating neuroaffirming, strengths-based approaches within educational environments.
• Apply best practices in adult diagnostic assessments that prioritize and highlight individual strengths.

Dates & Times

Location

UNC Friday Conference Center
100 Friday Center Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1020
USA

Virtual Attendance

Virtual and in-person attendance options will be available. For those joining virtually, a Zoom webinar option is available. Virtual registrants will receive an event meeting link and additional instructions one week prior to the event. The conference will not be recorded for on-demand viewing.

Target Audience

The target audience includes a range of professionals involved in the clinical care and education of autistic individuals across the lifespan, researchers in the field of autism, and autistic individuals and their family members.

Registration Deadline

In-Person Attendance: Sunday, October 11, 2026

Ordering Continuing Education Credits

Eastern Area Health Education Center (EAHEC) will offer continuing education credits (CEs) to those who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Important Notice: Ordering CEs is a two-step process. Participants must complete registration on BOTH the TEACCH website and on the EAHEC website. If you need continuing education credits, visit the CE tab, for detailed instructions.