19th Annual Autism Institute Conference

The 2026 Conference will feature over 25 presentation strands focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in more than 25 one-and-a-half-hour workshops led by highly respected professionals in the field of autism.

Workshops will highlight research-based best practices for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and are designed for a diverse audience, including practicing professionals, pre-service educators and related service providers, and family members.

This event is free of charge and offers ACT 48 credits. Please remember to bring your ID number for credit acknowledgment. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided, and a Kids Club will be available for families.

Attendees will select one presentation to attend during each session.

Below is the conference schedule where you can learn more about our presenters and their sessions.

WELCOME: 8:45 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. - Dr. Deborah Schadler, Director, Autism Institute at Gwynedd Mercy University

SESSION I: 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

Alesha Seternus (Active Day) -

• Title: “Advocacy That Evolves: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Autism Beyond Childhood”
• Description: As awareness, diagnosis, and early intervention for autism continue to grow, many adolescents and adults on the spectrum are left asking, “What’s next for me?” This presentation explores how advocacy must evolve beyond childhood to support individuals with autism across the lifespan. Attendees will learn practical strategies for empowering self-advocacy, navigating adult services, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection, purpose, and community engagement. Through a person-centered lens, this session highlights how families, professionals, and communities can become stronger advocates—ensuring individuals with autism are supported, respected, and empowered at every stage of life.

Elizabeth Serpentine and Amanda Cipollo (PaTTAN)-

• Title: “Supporting Language and Communication for Students with Autism Level 1”
• Description: Students with autism at level 1 experience “hidden” challenges in communication and language that impact their participation and engagement in the general education setting. This session explores the impact of receptive, expressive, and pragmatic/social language deficits for these students and focuses on strategies for all educators (and families!) can be used to support these students across school settings.

Joseph Sulpizio (Cuddy Law Firm) -

• Title: “Navigating the Special Education System: The Evaluation and IEP Process”
• Description: Joseph Sulpizio, special education attorney from the Cuddy Law Firm, will provide an overview of the legal rights of children with special education needs and a Local Educational Agencies’ (LEA) (i.e., school district or charter school) obligation to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This presentation will focus on the rights of students going through the special education process for the first time, such as students transferring to a school-aged program or those not previously identified as students in need of special education services. Some discussion topics will include the LEA’s “child find” obligations, the special education evaluation process, and what one should expect at the individualized education program (IEP) meeting.

Frode W. Kjersem, COO, and Rachel Honore, Co- Founder of Pletly (The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund) -

• Title: “Transforming Classrooms, Care Coordination, and Lives Through Empathy-Driven Collaboration”
• Description: Innovation in education is often framed around new tools or systems—but real transformation happens when students, families, and educators shape solutions together. In this session, Frode W. Kjersem, COO and Co-Founder of Pletly, and Rachel Honore, parent advocate and founder of Literacy and More, discuss how empathy-centered collaboration is redefining what’s possible in special education. Drawing from lived experience, school partnerships, and emerging practice, they’ll explore how technology can strengthen home–school communication, empower neurodiverse learners, and equip educators to personalize support with greater confidence and clarity. Attendees will gain practical insights on designing programs and innovations that honor each learner’s voice, reduce friction in care coordination, and build the trust that makes meaningful progress possible.

Asher Nassivera and Maya Scott (The Next Step Program) -

• Title: “Cultivating Meaningful Volunteer Partnerships as a Pathway to Employment”
• Description: The Next Step Programs will highlight their successes regarding how they have cultivated meaningful volunteer partnerships in the community through CPS and IHCS programming as a pathway to competitive integrated employment for those with IDD.

Joanne De Simone, M.S, Special Education. Author, Fall and Recovery: Raising Children with Disabilities through Lessons Learned in Dance.-

• Title: “Advocacy Strategies Learned from Both Sides of the Table”
• Description: As a former special educator and parent of two children with disabilities, including one with autism, Joanne uses her experiences on both sides of the table to better advocate for her children and beyond. As a parent advocate for the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey, she seeks to bridge the divide that can exist between parents and educators. An award-winning author, Joanne shares strategies that will help parents and teachers communicate more effectively. This workshop welcomes an open discussion format and will give all IEP team members a blueprint for turning conflict into collaboration, resulting in positive outcomes for all students.

Mike Mercandante (Modern Driver Institute) -

• Title: “The Road to Independence: Is Your Autistic Child Ready to Drive?"
• Description: Will my child be able to drive on their own? What extra challenges am I likely to face teaching them? Get the answers to the questions you may be asking. Presented by Michael Mercadante, MS, owner and instructor of Modern Driver Institute, the only driving school on the East Coast dedicated to neurodivergent students. Michael has 7 years of professional experience in traffic safety research, a Master's degree in Educational Psychology and 15 years teaching kids just like yours to drive safely and survive the road.

Jennifer Murphy and Rachael Masters (Bucks County Intermediate Unit) -

• Title: Participation, Progress, and Power: AAC That Works.
• Description: Participation, Progress, and Power: AAC That Works is a practical, evidence-based presentation designed for all IEP team members. Participants will explore how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports meaningful classroom participation, measurable IEP progress, and student agency across the school day. The session moves beyond devices to focus on effective modeling, access, and inclusive practices that make AAC functional, sustainable, and impactful in real educational settings.

SESSION 2: 10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M

Caitlin Fling (Kaleidoscope Coping, LLC) -

• Title: “From Support to Self-Advocacy: A Child Life Approach to Lifelong Healthcare”
• Description: This session looks at how child life principles such as preparation, emotional safety, choice, and developmentally appropriate communication, can help children with developmental disabilities or autism feel seen, supported, and understood in healthcare settings. Together, we’ll explore how these same strategies can strengthen advocacy in pediatric care while gently building the skills needed for a smoother transition to adult healthcare.

Amber Gentile -

• Title: "Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Awareness, Inclusion, and Responsive Teaching."
• Description: This session explores the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for inclusive classroom practice. Participants will build awareness of how neurodiversity influences the learning process and examine how instructional practices, classroom environments, and teacher responses can either support or hinder student engagement and learning. Through practical examples and evidence-based strategies, the session highlights responsive teaching approaches that promote equity, belonging, and academic success for all learners. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to strengthen inclusive practices across diverse educational settings.

Shariffah Azzaam, M.Ed, BCBA -

• Shariffah Azzaam is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Special Educator with over twenty years of experience. Born and educated in Philadelphia, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University, a master’s in Special Education from Arcadia University, and a post-master’s certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. Currently, Shariffah serves on the Kelly Anne Dolan Foundation board, is the Director of Clinical and Family Services at Rethink, and is a Director of Behavioral Supports at Alternatives Inc. She is also the Founder and Director of Community Behavior Analytics. Specializing in Organizational Inclusive Practices, Positive Communication, and Person-Centered Treatments for Autism, Shariffah is deeply committed to public service and leveraging her expertise to make a meaningful impact in the world.
• Title: “Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Families” (45 minutes)
• Description: To develop a comprehensive emergency plan for homes with individuals who have developmental disabilities and/or autism. This session will cover the identification of resources, the incorporation of unconventional tactics, and the rationale behind these measures. During this session, we'll delve into creating a comprehensive emergency plan tailored for homes with individuals who have developmental disabilities or autism. This interactive session aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge to develop a customized emergency plan, highlighting the importance of specialized communication strategies, evacuation routes, and safe spaces. We'll explore essential resources, introduce unconventional yet necessary tactics, and explain their significance in ensuring the safety and comfort of your loved ones during emergencies.

• Title: “Transitioning Services from Childhood to Adulthood” (45 minutes)
• Description: Navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a complex journey, particularly when it comes to accessing essential services. This session focuses on transitioning services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering comprehensive insights into critical topics such as financial planning, housing options, guardianship, assent, consent, and relationships. Participants will gain practical strategies to support individuals and families through this life stage. During this session, we will explore actionable steps for effective planning, discuss legal and financial considerations, and provide guidance on fostering independence and healthy relationships. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or service provider, this session intends to help facilitate a smooth transition into adulthood.

Tammy Bertel, Ed. D., Educational Consultant, PaTTAN -

• Title: “Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Educators: Practical Guidance to Streamline Your Workload”
• Description: Join us for an exploratory session designed to equip teachers at all levels and from all classrooms with practical, time-saving AI tools. We will focus on current, high-value resources to help you streamline your workload, from planning and content creation to differentiation, allowing you to maximize your teaching resources. This engaging session is built around conversations and hands-on activities to provide clear guidance and confidence in integrating AI as your ultimate, evolving teaching assistant. Bring a device to practice those skills.

Yvonne Howard and Jennifer O’Donnell. -

• Title: “Whole-Person Communication: Multimodal Language Support from Childhood Through Young Adulthood”
• Description: This session examines how clinicians, educators, and families can support meaningful communication across developmental stages using holistic, individualized, and multimodal approaches. Emphasis is placed on supporting early communication, language expansion, and pragmatic (social) communication from early childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood. This session recognizes that communication preferences, strengths, and needs evolve over time and highlights the importance of adapting supports accordingly. Participants will explore how diverse communication modalities, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), gestures, visual supports, and spoken language, can be combined with responsive communication partner strategies to promote functional communication across environments. Presenters will highlight neurodiversity-affirming practices and real-world strategies that support authentic participation in academic, social, vocational, and community contexts.

Rita Barretta, BCBA, LBS, and Samantha Barretta, BCBA, LBS -

• Title: “Behavior Science for the Whole Family: How ABA Can Support Autistic Individuals and Their Families”
• Description: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often discussed as an intervention for autistic individuals, yet its principles can also be used to support the entire family system. In this session, sisters Rita and Samantha Barretta share their unique perspectives as both Board Certified Behavior Analysts and siblings of an autistic adult with profound support needs. Drawing from lived experience, clinical practice, and behavior science, they explore how ABA principles can be applied compassionately to support autistic individuals while also addressing the needs of parents, siblings, and caregivers across home, school, and community settings. Through personal reflection, evidence-based discussion, and practical examples, this presentation highlights common family experiences, addresses misconceptions about ABA, and illustrates what trauma-informed, socially valid, and person-centered practice looks like in real life. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of modern ABA, practical strategies for supporting autistic individuals and their families with dignity, and tools for evaluating the quality and impact of behavioral supports within family systems. This 90-minute session is appropriate for parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and students interested in ethical, compassionate, and family-centered autism services.

Cheryl Halferty-Mark (The Timothy School) -

• Title: “Meaningful Participation in the Early Stages of Transition Planning”
• Description: The Timothy School team shares innovative ideas and strategies for getting young teens involved in their transition planning. From meaningful IEP participation to valuable on-campus job opportunities, the team will share their student-tested, integrative approach and positive outcomes.

Bev Weinberg and Tyler Kammerle (Integrate for Good) -

• Title: “Education as a Health Strategy: Advancing Social Determinants of Health Through Inclusion”
• Description: In this session, Dr. Bev Weinberg, Founder and Executive Director of Integrate for Good, will share how IFG’s new programs on Ursinus College’s campus are expanding access to education while directly strengthening key social determinants of health. Through inclusive, college-based learning experiences, young adults build social connection, purpose, confidence, executive functioning skills, and pathways to employment—factors proven to reduce isolation and support long-term well-being. Through stories, outcomes, and partnership models, attendees will learn how reimagining where learning happens can lead to healthier, more connected lives and stronger communities.

Meg Kotes and Ali Burdick (Sebastian Riding Associates) -

• Title: “Benefits of Horse Human Interactions"

Kerri Ford and Shannon Propati (CHOP Hospital School Program) -

• Title: "The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Hospital School Program: Individualized support for children with Autism."
• Description: This presentation explores how the CHOP Hospital School Program adapts instruction to meet the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a medical setting. Attendees will gain insight into how educators individualize curriculum, modify learning environments, and collaborate with medical teams and families to support continuity of learning during hospitalization. Through practical examples, we will walk through the strategies used to promote engagement, regulation, and academic progress for every patient.

SESSION 3: 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Michelle Simms -

• Title: “Learning Without Barriers in an AI World: Designing Inclusive Escape Rooms and Ethical EdTech Activities”
• Description: As AI-infused tools become increasingly common in education, thoughtful and inclusive design is essential. This session examines how AI-infused, low-cost or free edtech tools can be leveraged to create inclusive, meaningful learning experiences. Participants will explore how Thinglink and Canva can anchor educational escape rooms aligned with UDL principles, Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy, and Connectivism. Edtech tools such as Padlet, Google NotebookLM, Google Napkin, StoryJumper, Pixton, and several others will be discussed as supports for engagement, personalization, and AI literacy. The session emphasizes practical strategies that empower educators to design learning experiences that are accessible, ethical, and relevant for all learners.

Kathy and Ryan Hooven -

• Title: “Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals in the Community and the Workplace.”
• Description: Neuro-diversity, including autism and other neurological differences, is being diagnosed in increasing numbers. As children with neuro-diversities age into adulthood, more than half remain unemployed. In this session, we will explore understanding and accommodating autism and other neuro-diversities in the workforce and the community in order to increase opportunities for meaningful employment.

Ben and Sandy Hartranft (Benergy1) -

• Title: "We're all in this Together - One Family's Journey Through Autism"

Dr. Tammy Thompson-Cooke and Dr. Tammy Bertel (PaTTAN)-

• Title: Supporting Language and Communication for Students with Autism Levels 2 and 3
• Description: Students with autism at Levels 2 and 3 often experience significant challenges in communication and language that impact their participation and engagement across environments. This session explores the four primary purposes of communication—requesting, rejecting, social interaction, and sharing information—and highlights the diverse modalities students may use to meet these needs. Participants will examine receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language characteristics and learn how these skills vary across autism levels. The session will also focus on practical strategies to foster communication across home, school, and community settings, emphasizing the role of assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and accessible educational materials in promoting meaningful, individualized communication for all learners.

Zoe Darazsdi (Founder of Infinity Neurodivergent Care) -

• Title: “Understanding and Advocating Against Anti-Autistic Bias”
• Description: This workshop explores how anti-autistic bias shows up, often unintentionally, in everyday interactions, institutional practices, and cultural assumptions—and how it impacts autistic people in education, healthcare, workplaces, and communities. Participants will learn to identify the common stereotypes that contribute to anti-autistic bias and recognize how they can impact autistic people in individual and systemic ways. Taught by an autistic self-advocate and licensed professional counselor, this neurodiversity-affirming workshop centers practical, real-life examples from autistic people. Through discussion, reflective activities, and practical examples, participants will learn to recognize bias in language, policies, and behavior, and develop concrete strategies for creating more inclusive, respectful, and accessible environments. This workshop is appropriate for members of the autistic community, educators, clinicians, employers, service providers, and anyone seeking to better support autistic people.

Lyndsey Stratton -

• Title: Faculty Development as a Neurodiversity Intervention: Embedding Neurodivergent Joy into Educational Frameworks, Adaptive Learning Models, and Institutional Design
• Description: This session aims to introduce research-driven tools including, but not limited to, curriculum audits, Canvas LMS usage matrices, observation assessments, and onboarding frameworks to operationalize neuroinclusive teaching. These tools are meant to assist in reducing cognitive load, increase predictability, and normalize inclusive design. Faculty development can become a mechanism for cultivating emotionally safe, intellectually vibrant classrooms through usage of tools such as these. Participants will explore how these faculty development pathways can support neurodivergent learners, who often navigate high cognitive load, inconsistent expectations, and limited institutional support. This session highlights the transparency needed to transform institutional culture from one of reactive accommodation to one of anticipatory inclusion.

Zach Hulings -

• Title: "Leading Your Journey To Higher Education: Transitioning to Higher Education as a student with a disability."

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gwynedd Mercy University, 1325 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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