5 Excellent Autism Conferences in 2019-2020
- National Autism Conference
- Converge Summit
- National Autism Society Annual Conference
- POAC
- Profectum
As research and new therapy practices for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continue to grow, so does the need for continuing education for educators and counselors. Greater understanding in the medical and educational communities has created new opportunities for helping students with ASD adjust to academic, social and domestic life. While there are dozens of conferences on relevant subject matter each year, there are at least a few that professionals should consider attending at least once.
Related resource: Top 25 Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Online
1. National Autism Conference
The National Autism Conference focuses on evidence-based information, so it’s specifically geared towards educators and counselors. This event revolves around the examination of emerging findings as well as analysis and implications of ongoing research. Even though some of the subject matter is technical or detailed, attendees include parents as well as teachers, language therapists and other professionals. The 2019 conference will be hosted in State College, Pennsylvania from August 5 to August 8.
Featured Programs
2. Converge Summit
The National Converge Autism Summit for 2020 will take place on April 23 and 24 in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to a featured keynote speaker, the event also includes a variety of other opportunities for autism educators. Presentations are delivered from a diverse collection of active professionals, including occupational therapists, special educators, and speech pathologists, according to Converge Autism.
3. National Autism Society Annual Conference
July 11, 2019, marked the end of the 51st annual conference hosted by the Autism Society of America. While the next event won’t occur until the summer of 2020, this high-profile event has a decades-old reputation. Past themes include self-empowerment, innovation in autism management and improving quality of life. The conference also includes sessions revolving around policy related to people with ASD, including local and national issues.
4. POAC
Hosted by POAC Autism Services, this niche-oriented conference is currently scheduled for December 6, 2019. This year’s topic specifically addresses sexuality and relationship education for students with autism disorders. Topics focus on helping educators guide children away from victimization and help them develop a healthy social life. The conference will also address some of the causes of inappropriate expressions of sexuality and how to manage them.
5. Profectum
The Profectum Foundation, based in New Jersey, was founded to establish communities and further efforts to aid people diagnosed with autism. The foundation holds regional conferences throughout the United States each year, many of which have specific themes or perspectives. Their Raising the Bar event scheduled for November 2019 is centered around innovation and out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to academic education for children with ASDs.
These events offer a great opportunity to learn about new concepts and practices, as well as connect with other people who have an active interest in the subject. Professional development is an occupational requirement for many positions related to education or therapy for children. However, all counselors and educators should consider the potential benefits of attending a few professional conferences even if they don’t have to.