Autism Conference 2026 “Sharing Knowledge, Inspiring Action” in Normal
A conference on autism inclusion, neurodiversity in the workplace and more for parents, caregivers and teachers
The Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports Project (A+), the Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA), Autism McLean and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will host the Autism Conference 2026 “Sharing Knowledge, Inspiring Action” on April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Bone Student Center on the Illinois State University campus.
The conference brings together educators, families, caregivers and professionals for a day of meaningful learning and connection.
Keynote speaker Kate Swenson is a bestselling author and creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice. Beyond her writing, Kate co-founded The More Than Project, a nonprofit providing free mental health counseling to caregivers. She will discuss the family lived experience, professional practice, parenting, autism, and the importance of inclusive, supportive communities.
Other learning opportunities will include:
- Lived experience and parent panels
- Repeated breakout sessions
- A mini-workshop on “Today’s ABA” presented by Dr. Adithyan Rajaraman, PhD, BCBA-D of FTF Behavioral Consulting
- Dedicated time to visit exhibitors
- Networking and connecting across perspectives and stages of the autism journey
The cost is $75 per person.
Registration includes a full breakfast buffet, lunch buffet and parking validation.
See the Autism Conference 2026 website for more details on the keynote speaker and breakout sessions.
Register for the Autism Conference 2026 and/or the pre-conference event.
If you need additional accommodations, please email acharmo1@ilstu.edu.
For questions about registration, contact autismplus@ilstu.edu.
A pre-conference event “Increasing Safety, Dignity, and Joy Across the Day: Universal Protocols” will also be on April 28 from 8 to 4 p.m. The event is free to anyone purchasing a ticket to the The Autism Conference.