Morgan van Diepen

This session introduces practical, low-effort behavior strategies educators can embed into what they’re already doing each day, without adding extra “one more thing” to their plate. Participants will learn actionable ideas for both classwide and individualized behavior support, and they’ll leave with 10 ready-to-use visual resources (100+ pages of visuals total!) that align with each strategy, plus time during the training to prep materials so implementation can start immediately. Topics include leading inclusive circle time that meets the needs of all learners (with visual lesson plans, AAC inclusion, and behavior support built in), using the power of positivity to strengthen engagement (including a teacher-favorite Bubble Party strategy), and building emotional regulation skills through whole-group and individualized check-in activities with aligning visual resources. Educators will also learn four prevention strategies for reducing challenging behaviors, including lesser-known tools that even experienced teachers will find useful, and a firm, but flexible approach for responding to challenging behavior calmly and confidently. Our goal is that educators will feel inspired with fresh ideas and more confident supporting behavior with clear strategies and visuals they can use right away.

Dr. Layne Pethick

Executive functions are the brain’s air-traffic control system and for autistic learners, that system isn’t missing… it’s working under a heavier neurological load. When working memory, flexibility, inhibition, planning, and emotional regulation are stretched thin, learning gets harder, behavior gets louder, and the brain shifts into survival mode. This session reframes “challenging behavior” as brain-based overload, not defiance, and shows why executive function support is the fastest path to better outcomes. When we reduce cognitive cost, increase predictability, and explicitly build these skills, the autistic brain stays online longer, access to learning expands, and growth becomes possible, not through compliance, but through capacity.

Landon Brown

This course bridges the science of behavior change with the heart of person- and family-centered care to promote meaningful, sustainable progress. It is designed for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to build strong therapeutic alliances that improve consistency, engagement, and long-term outcomes. 

Participants will learn how evidence-based principles of behavior change can be applied in ways that honor family priorities, values, and real-life contexts, strengthening collaboration and follow-through. Drawing on best practices in parent education, the course emphasizes collaboration, solution- focused approaches, and team empowerment to increase buy-in and shared ownership of goals.

Through practical examples and guided reflection, learners will gain tools to support positive change across home and school environments. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply to foster trust, increase clarity, and support lasting progress for children and families.

Christina Hairgrove

Often "hidden" in plain sight, 2e students are frequently mislabeled as "average" or "unmotivated" when they are actually working twice as hard to navigate traditional systems. This session introduces a Neuro-Inclusive Toolkit to move beyond "fixing" deficits. Learn to use deep interests as catalysts for growth, create sensory-friendly environments, and adopt neuro-affirming practices. Join us to bridge the gap between ability and support. Stop forcing students to fit the mold; start building one that fits their brilliance.

Dr. Christina Gushanas & Dr. Brynn Biggs

This session supports districts in designing meaningful, individualized 18+ services for students with autism in the Texas Panhandle. Participants will unpack federal and Texas expectations for 18+ programming and translate them into practical design decisions for teams. Participants will learn a step-by-step approach for building services aligned to transition assessment, IEP goals, and adult-life outcomes. Real-world examples will highlight implementation strategies and solutions to common barriers such as staffing, transportation, and limited community resources. Participants will leave with concrete next steps to strengthen 18+ services in their district or campus.

Dr. Nancy Coffey 

Ever been told to “just be friendly” without anyone explaining what that actually means? This session challenges common myths about social skills and autism and replaces them with realistic, compassionate approaches. Designed for educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families, this workshop explores how to support social growth while honoring communication differences, boundaries, and individual strengths.