Belonging and Becoming: Adolescent Identity Formation and Autism

Tue Apr 28 2026 at 03:00 pm to 04:30 pm UTC-07:00

3870 Murphy Canyon Rd suite 150 | San Diego

San Diego CA-START
Publisher/HostSan Diego CA-START
Belonging and Becoming: Adolescent Identity Formation and Autism
Advertisement
Explores identity, belonging, and self-development in autistic adolescents, including culture, stigma, and family dynamics.
About this Event

Belonging and Becoming: Adolescent Identity Formation and Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Wajdi Akef Fakhoury, LMFT | Clinical Director, San Diego START
  • Ingrid Dombrower, MD | Medical Director, San Diego START
  • Kevin Paranal, START Coordinator | San Diego START

What happens when identity itself becomes a source of conflict? This training explores how autistic adolescents navigate identity development across family, culture, and systems of care. Participants will learn -- and share -- practical strategies to support belonging, reduce shame, and respond to identity-related behaviors while respecting family values and cultural context.

Who Should Attend:
This event is ideal for healthcare providers, mental health professionals, educators, social workers, and community members who work with or support adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences and co-occurring mental health vulnerabilities. We encourage participants to come ready to share their insights and learn from one another.

How to Participate:
This CET session will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join in the way that works best for them:

In-Person Participation: Join us at our office located at 3870 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92123.
Virtual Participation: A Zoom link will be provided before the scheduled presentation via the email used at registration.

We welcome your participation in either format and look forward to an engaging and collaborative discussion.

About San Diego START:
San Diego START is committed to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing person-centered, evidence-informed support services. Our CET meetings offer a platform for education, networking, and community collaboration.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

3870 Murphy Canyon Rd suite 150, 3870 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

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

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in San Diego

Scale Up Summit 2026
Tue, 28 Apr at 09:00 am Scale Up Summit 2026

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Q3 2026 NAVWAR QBOB
Tue, 28 Apr at 09:00 am Q3 2026 NAVWAR QBOB

Liberty Station Conference Center

Certified Ethical Hacker \u2013 Practical Ethical Hacker in Poway, CA
Tue, 28 Apr at 09:00 am Certified Ethical Hacker – Practical Ethical Hacker in Poway, CA

16868 Via Del Campo Ct

Suicide Prevention Council  November Meeting - IN PERSON 04\/28\/2026
Tue, 28 Apr at 10:00 am Suicide Prevention Council November Meeting - IN PERSON 04/28/2026

Marina Village Conference Center

Deal or No Deal - House Flipping Pitch Sessions
Tue, 28 Apr at 12:00 pm Deal or No Deal - House Flipping Pitch Sessions

CalHomeCo

San Diego Double Header
Tue, 28 Apr at 02:00 pm San Diego Double Header

Marina Village Conference Center

Wage War
Tue, 28 Apr at 04:00 pm Wage War

The Observatory - North Park

The Toxhards
Tue, 28 Apr at 04:00 pm The Toxhards

Voodoo Room at House of Blues - San Diego

PINK POLISH MEGA HIP HOP COMPETITION  SD PETCO PARK
Tue, 28 Apr at 04:00 pm PINK POLISH MEGA HIP HOP COMPETITION SD PETCO PARK

Gallagher Square

2026 Aztec Baseball vs. Cal State Fullerton
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm 2026 Aztec Baseball vs. Cal State Fullerton

Tony Gwynn Stadium

Maximizing Social Security: In Person @ College-Rolando Library
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm Maximizing Social Security: In Person @ College-Rolando Library

College-Rolando Branch Library

San Diego Joy Jam \u2014 For Biz Owners, Coaches, Speakers & Creatives
Tue, 28 Apr at 06:00 pm San Diego Joy Jam — For Biz Owners, Coaches, Speakers & Creatives

Hera Hub San Diego

San Diego is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore San Diego Events