Register now for our next 2025 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series event on Saturday, July 19th in Phoenix! Join us for information sharing and networking for professionals, families, self advocates or anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025
⌚ 9AM - 3PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix
👉 Informative & Interactive Sessions
👉 Continental Breakfast, Hot Lunch Buffet, All Day Beverages & Snack Breaks
👉 Continuing Education Certificates
👉 Sponsor& Exhibitor Resource Fair
👉 Complimentary Parking
👉 Affordable Pricing- Thanks to Generous Sponsors!
💲 $30 for AAC Members // $60 for Non-Members
💲 Scholarships Available at
https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/
▶️ Register now at
https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6207603
▶️ Learn more at
https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE!
Jon Meyers, Executive Director, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Demystify fact from fiction with accurate information on disability related legislative issues and learn how they impact the DDD community. This session will touch on changes to state DDD services including the Parents as Paid Providers program along with federal Medicaid changes and what to watch at both the state and federal levels.
CANNIBIS AND THE SPECTRUM
William Troutt, NMD, Trulieve
Considerations of utilizing cannabis as a therapy for individuals on the spectrum. Dr Troutt will discuss risks and benefits, constituents of the cannabis plant, THC, CBD and others, Dosage strategies, modalities of use, how the cannabis plant interfaces with our bodies and realistic expectations. Questions and interaction will be encouraged during this presentation.
COMPASSION RECHARGE: STRESS RELIEF FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN
Dolores Tampos-Oksman, CAS, M.Ed., Love, Heal, Believe, LLC.
Caring for a child with autism is a profound journey of love and dedication—but it can also be overwhelming, leading to exhaustion, stress, and burnout. This empowering talk shares practical, science-backed stress reduction techniques to restore balance, boost resilience, and recharge your emotional well-being. You'll discover how to care for yourself without guilt while providing your child's love and support through mindfulness, self-compassion, and boundary-setting strategies. Key Benefits: Reduce stress & prevent burnout, Let go of guilt & embrace self-compassion, Develop emotional resilience – Handle challenges with more patience, and confidence, Restore energy & joy in caregiving.
TEEN TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: WHAT TO KNOW FOR TRANSITION PLANNING
Victoria Ikerd-Schreiter, Esq.
The law requires that students receiving special education be provided services to help them make a successful transition from high school to life post high school. This session will review the laws regarding this critical transition period, the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) process, the difference between a DIPLOMA and a CERTIFICATE, and types of assessments for establishing goals in the areas of Post-Secondary Education, Vocational Training, Integrated Employment, and Independent Living.
CONFIDENT VOICES: EMPOWERING PARENTS TO ADVOCATE LIKE PROS AT IEP MEETINGS
Hope Kirsch, Esq., Lori Kirsch-Goodwin, Esq., Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch, PLLC, Education Attorneys
Join us for an empowering and informative session led by two nationally recognized special education attorneys who represent students and their families. This session equips parents and guardians with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies needed to effectively advocate for their child during IEP meetings—without the need to hire an advocate or attorney. Through real-world examples and clear explanations of legal rights, participants will learn how to: Understand the IEP process and key legal protections; Prepare for meetings with confidence and clarity; Ask the right questions and speak up effectively; Handle disagreements and navigate common challenges; Build strong, collaborative relationships with school teams.
GUARDIANSHIP: PROCESS, TIMING & WHAT TO EXPECT
Matthew Gobbato, Esq., Sara Lignoski, Paisley McCullen, Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC
An attorney and two legal assistants from Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC will present on the process, paperwork and timing for being appointed as a guardian (or limited guardian). Understanding the process will take the mystery out of guardianship. The legal assistants are the first point of contact to clients and the court in this process. Learn what to expect, start to finish.
GIVING THE DIGNITY OF RISK
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, ASA, Scenic View Academy
It is completely understandable for parents and professionals to want to protect vulnerable Autistics. We see the obvious challenges and worry about their ability to safely navigate the world of adulthood. But that same urge to protect can sometimes go to extremes that actually end up disabling those individuals and robbing them of the opportunities and autonomy that could have led to greater resiliency, success, and quality of life. Join Jared Stewart, Autistic BCBA, to gain valuable insight into how to achieve the critical balance between our responsibility to care and the universal human right to make personal choices.
CREATING A LIFE CARE PLAN FOR YOUR LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Karen Starbowski, MassMutual SpecialCare
Creating a future that provides for both your own financial needs and those of a dependent with special needs can feel overwhelming. This workshop will discuss four focus areas that should be considered with integrated planning, and a recommended timeline to avoid any disruption in the care of a loved one with special needs.
▶️ Register now at
https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6207603
▶️ Learn more at
https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
💲 Family Scholarships Available at
https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨:
Mercy Care - Series Sponsor
All Abilities Ministry - Scholarship Sponsor
Autism Academy for Education & Development - Scholarship Sponsor
Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. - Scholarship Sponsor
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center - Scholarship Sponsor
Trulieve - Scholarship Sponsor
Also check out other Workshops in Phoenix, Meetups in Phoenix, Business events in Phoenix.
