# Event Details - **Event Name**: Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World - **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 09:30 am – Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 11:30 am - **Event Description**: For educators and professionals who work with children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).About this EventThis training for educators and professionals offers a neurodiversity‑affirming, sensory‑informed, and anti‑racist approach to understanding autism. Participants will explore how sensory processing, regulation, communication, and lived experience shape behavior and engagement, while learning identity‑affirming strategies that move beyond compliance models to support genuine connection and inclusion.Key learning objectives:• Understand autistic experiences through a strengths‑based, sensory‑aware lens • Learn strategies for fostering authentic connection and accessible participation • Understand approaches that honor identity, reduce bias, and promote inclusive practicesAbout the presenters:AnjaLi Carrasco Koester, OTD, OTR/L earned her BS in Psychology from Wesleyan University and later completed her MS in Occupational Therapy at Tufts University and her Doctorate at the University of Southern California. Her work focuses on sensory integration for children with hearing loss and cochlear implants. AnjaLi teaches the Ayres Sensory Integration approach both in the U.S. and internationally and is committed to sharing best practices and research. She enjoys working with children with Tourette’s syndrome, providing Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics, and is passionate about offering identity‑affirming, inclusive services. To learn more Dr. AnjaLi, read her full bio here.Michaelann Gabriele, OTD, OTR/L, SWC earned her BA in Linguistics from Georgetown University and later completed her MA and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. Before entering the field, she spent nearly five years teaching English in Italy. She is certified in sensory integration and Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing, specializing in supporting children and families in clinic and school settings. Michaelann has over a decade of experience collaborating with California organizations on policy and advocacy to improve service access and has developed expertise in pediatric OT documentation. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy and a member of the Sensory Processing and Autism Network at USC.About Center for Developing Kids (CDK)CDK is a pediatric therapy clinic that provides occupational, physical, speech therapy, and nutrition services for children from birth through mid teens. Our therapists have advanced training in pediatrics and provide intervention for diagnoses and disorders including but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Prematurity, High Risk Infants, Developmental Delay, Neuromuscular Disorder, Sensory Integrative Dysfunction, Feeding/Oral Motor Difficulty, Speech and Language Delay, Genetic Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, Disorders of Social Interaction and Communication. To learn more, click here.Intended Audience This training is intended for educators, professionals, and public health staff who work with children of children with special health care needs.Event DetailsThis is an in-person workshop.RSVP is required.Childcare is not provided.This training is offered with support from the Pasadena Public Health Department’s Cal-InSPIRE Program and led by Center for Developing Kids (CDK). The Cal-InSPIRE Program is funded by California Department of Public Health Innovation grant for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).For questions or concerns about the workshops, contact Miranda Diaz at (626) 744-6149 or MiDiaz@CityOfPasadena.netFor accessibility information and requests, contact (626) 744-7311 or CSC@CityOfPasadena.net. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/pasadena/free-workshop-affirming-autism-in-a-changing-world/100001992083792248 - **Event Categories**: fitness, Workshops, health-wellness, Kids - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 2 hours - Location: Jefferson Branch Library Children and Teen Services--Pasadena Public Library - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Pasadena - **state**: CA - **country**: United States - **location**: Jefferson Branch Library Children and Teen Services--Pasadena Public Library - **lat**: 34.1540621 - **long**: -118.1190995 - **full address**: Jefferson Branch Library Children and Teen Services--Pasadena Public Library, 1500 East Villa Street, Pasadena, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/186020cb5081fe498c6631407ff90996c87b2d247f75e4a8c660a21411351bb1-rimg-w1200-h600-dc002166-gmir.jpg?v=1781788568 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World being held? - **A:** Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World takes place on Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 09:30 am to Tue, 30 Jun, 2026 at 11:30 am at Jefferson Branch Library Children and Teen Services--Pasadena Public Library, 1500 East Villa Street, Pasadena, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World? - **A:** Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World is organized by Pasadena Public Health Department: Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Programs. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Free Workshop: Affirming Autism in a Changing World is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Pasadena, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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