parent track

May 15, 2026

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Event Information

This year, AutCon is introducing a dedicated Parent Track—an opportunity for caregivers to connect, learn, and feel supported within a single, focused day of programming. Designed to fit into the broader conference experience, these sessions offer practical insights, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations tailored specifically for parents of children on the autism spectrum.

AutCon Parent Track will take place on the ScenicView Academy campus in Provo, Utah.

Friday, May 15 

10 AM-5 PM

- Check-In

- Concurrent Sessions

- Lunch

- Concurrent Sessions

- Snacks & Activities

10:30-11:00 AM

11:00-12:00 PM

12:00-12:45 PM

1:00-4:30 PM

4:30-5:00 PM

Concurrent session details

11:00-12:00 PM - SESSION 1

  • Room 310 - Giving the Dignity of Risk, Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

    • It is completely understandable for parents and professionals to want to protect vulnerable individuals with disabilities such as autism. 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, the 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.

12:00-1:00 PM - LUNCH

1:00-2:00 PM - SESSION 2

  • Room 310 - Disability & Special Needs Planning Made Easy, Andre Sam

    • Join us for an informative and educational workshop for family members with loved ones of all ages with Autism or any other cognitive or physical delays, disabilities or special needs. The topics covered in this workshop include Guardianship vs Alternatives to Guardianship, Wills, Family Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, SSI, SSA, Social Security Disability, Medicaid, Medicare, ABLE Accounts, Budget Planning and Planning for their transition to the next stage of their lives. This workshop will explain why these planning aspects are important to address and how they complement each other in a plan designed to protect yourself, your family and/or your loved one’s current and future quality of life and care.

2:15-3:15 PM - SESSION 3

  • Room 310 - Your Evolving Role as a Parent: A Panel Discussion, Karen Fairchild, MSW, LCSW

    • This session will feature a panel of parents of autistic adults. By the time your autistic child becomes an adult, you, as a parent, have had a wide array of experiences. You have undoubtedly had many challenges and many successes. You have likely felt helpless at times and empowered at other times. You have experienced repeated cycles of burnout and rejuvenation in your efforts.

    • As a panel we will address some of the following questions:

      • How has your parenting changed since your child became an adult?

      • What have been the challenges?

      • What have been the surprises?

      • What has worked well to maintain a healthy relationship with your adult child?

      • How have you maintained your own relationship with your partner?

      • What are you most pleased with/satisfied by /proud of as their parent?

    • We hope to leave time for some of YOUR questions as well.

3:30-4:30 PM - SESSION 4

  • Room 310 - Refilling the Cup: Sustainable Self-Care for Autism Parents, Damon Bryan, LMFT

    • Parenting a child on the autism spectrum can be deeply rewarding—but it can also be overwhelming. This session explores the emotional, mental, and physical toll of caregiving, helping parents recognize and understand burnout in themselves. Through discussion and reflection, participants will gain insight into the challenges they face and the importance of honoring their own needs alongside their child’s, fostering greater awareness and self-compassion.

4:30-5:00 PM - PARENT MEET & GREET

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