

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Families First: Union County Autism Conference
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 28 Feb, 2026 at 08:30 am – Sat, 28 Feb, 2026 at 01:30 pm
- **Event Description**: Join us in Union County for Families First, a fun autism event full of support and resources!About this EventFamilies First: Union County Autism ConferenceJoin us in person for the Families First event, focused on bringing together the autism community in Union County. Connect with families, experts, and support networks while exploring helpful resources and insights. Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or just hang out with others who get it, this conference has something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a welcoming and supportive environment!Agenda?: 08:30 AMRegistration Opens?: 09:00 AMWelcomeHost: Dr. Stacy Farr?: 09:05 AMIntroduction of Keynote SpeakerHost: Elizabeth Ireton?: 09:10 AMKeynote SpeakerHost: Tanner Smith?: 10:15 AMConcurrent Session #1?: 10:55 AMConcurrent Session #2?: 11:30 AMLunch?: 11:55 AMIntroduction of Keynote SpeakerHost: Elizabeth Ireton?: 12:00 PMKeynote SpeakerHost: Luz Marie Montanez?: 12:30 PMQ&amp;A Parent PanelHost: Parents ?: 01:15 PMClosing Remarks &amp; Door PrizesHost: Nicole ThomasConcurrent SessionsSupporting Meaningful Life OutcomesHost: Angela McGintyInfo: Targeted Audience (General): The OIDD Transition Coordinator will provide a brief introduction to the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD), including eligibility criteria and the range of services available. We will also explain how OIDD collaborates with various community agencies to support individuals in achieving their goals to have the most meaningful life outcomes. In addition, we will share a variety of resources that may be helpful for families, educators, and services providers.Play with a PurposeHost: Chelsi KellyInfo: Targeted Audience (Families of Children Birth to Elementary): Play is more than just fun-it's a foundation for learning. In this session, parents will learn how structured and unstructured play experiences can help build language, social, and sensory skills. Participants will leave with ideas and resources to bring purposeful play into daily life.Paving the Path ForwardHost: Jessica TurnerInfo: Targeted Audience (Families of Children Ages 13-21 years old): Learn how to make the high school transition a time of growth and opportunity. This session will highlight key steps in transition planning, graduation pathways, and how to align services to support each student's unique post-secondary goals. Parents will gain insight into school-based supports, community resources, and strategies to foster independence, confidence, and readiness for life after high school-whether that includes college, employment, or other meaningful pursuits. The Preschool ProcessHost: Catherine ChildersInfo: Targeted Audience: (Families of Children Birth-3 years old): Learn what to expect as your child transitions from early intervention to preschool special education under IDEA. This session explains the evaluation process, eligibility criteria, and how families can work with the school team to ensure a smooth start to preschool services.Sensory SmartHost: Brooke WhiteInfo: Targeted Audience (General): Explore how sensory experiences shape a child's emotions, attention, and behavior. This session offers insights into recognizing sensory triggers and developing individualized strategies that help children with Autism feel calm, safe, and ready to learn. From Connection to CommunicationHost: Shannon GonzalezInfo: Targeted Audience (General): This interactive session is designed for parents and teachers working with students with profound disabilities. We will explore foundational communication concepts and practical strategies to support and enhance communication for individuals with significant communication challenges. Participants will gain insight into various communication methods, including alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and learn how to create more meaningful and effective interactions tailored to each student's unique needs. Staying Safe TogetherHost: DJ LongInfo: Targeted Audience (General): This session will help parents learn practical, realistic strategies for keeping children with autism safe during emergencies-whether at home, school, or in the community. We will discuss common safety challenges, ways to prepare your child for fire drills and unexpected situations, how to create personalized safety plans, and tools to support communication during high-stress moments.Empowering Every ChildHost: Erika JensenInfo: Targeted Audience (General): This session will provide an overview of Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health's specialized programs tailored to meet the unique and complex needs of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. It will highlight our evidence-based treatment model, interdisciplinary team approach, and the supportive environment that empowers each child to achieve their fullest potential.Preparing for Life After High SchoolHost: Mica DuncanInfo: Targeted Audience (Families of Children 13-21 years old): Learn how South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation helps students with disabilities explore careers, build job skills, and plan for life after graduation. This session will give parents a simple overview of services, eligibility, and how VR partners with schools to support successful transition into adulthood. Refueling the CaregiverHost: Christina CodyInfo: Targeted Audience (General): Parents of children with autism often put everyone else first. This session focuses on how to build healthy boundaries, manage stress, and create small but meaningful self-care routines that fit real life. Participants will leave feeling supported, encouraged, and better equipped to care for themselves and their families.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/union/families-first-union-county-autism-conference/100001980555887976
- **Event Categories**: business, conferences, health-wellness, kids
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://consumer.pxf.io/c/1339408/3151484/39691?partnerpropertyid=1191892&MediaPartnerPropertyId=1191892&svlink=14105511&level=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Ffamilies-first-union-county-autism-conference-tickets-1980555887976
- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD

## Event venue details

- **city**: Union
- **state**: SC
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 1163 Lakeside Dr
- **lat**: 34.7492476
- **long**: -81.6035773
- **full address**: 1163 Lakeside Dr, 1163 Lakeside Drive, Union, United States

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 10
- **organizer**: Union County First Steps (https://allevents.in/org/union-county-first-steps/27439017)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/279ace709d2035bea1f49d4e9f3c5397da8fefd9069e405024effef56d04104b-rimg-w1024-h1024-dcf8f6e5-gmir.jpg?v=1770267665
- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/61711c52aed1145684dcb2e04f64f0d5a339b54e3d09b9c0697aaf27e20884dc-rimg-w400-h400-dcf7f6e5-gmir.jpg?v=1770267664

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Sat, 28 Feb, 2026 at 08:30 am
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** 1163 Lakeside Dr, 1163 Lakeside Drive, Union, United States
- **Q**: What is the ticket price?
  - **A:** starting from 0 up to 0 USD
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** Union County First Steps
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** business, conferences, health-wellness, kids
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about Families First: Union County Autism Conference ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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