Name: Empowering Future Success! 2025 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series - October 18, 2025
Start: 2025-10-18T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-10-18T15:00:00-07:00
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center

Register now for our next 2025 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series event on Saturday, October 18th in Phoenix! Join us for information sharing and networking for professionals, families, self advocates or anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⌚ 9AM - 3PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix
👉 Informative & Interactive Sessions
👉 Continental Breakfast, Hot Lunch Buffet, All Day Beverages & Snack Breaks
👉 Continuing Education Certificates
👉 Sponsor& Exhibitor Resource Fair
👉 Complimentary Parking
👉 Affordable Pricing- Thanks to Generous Sponsors!
💲 $30 for AAC Members // $60 for Non-Members
💲 Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/
▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6306470
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/

𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH AND AUTISM, A PSYCHIATRIC PERSPECTIVE
Arielle Rubin, MD
This presentation will focus on guiding parents through navigating occurring mental health issues and autism, including anxiety, ADHD, OCD and self injurious behaviors. We will talk through why these behaviors happen from a brain-based biology as well as psychological and social factors, and will review what are appropriate treatments and therapies.

IT STARTS WITH US: KIDS IN A TECH WORLD
Katey McPherson, M.Ed., Bark for Schools
This session will focus on how to build skills and empowerment as students use both school and their own technological devices and strategies to prevent and mitigate harm to them. Students on the spectrum can at times be vulnerable to scams, extortion, and other types of bullying and harmful behavior.

NAVIGATING DDD's HCBS SERVICES: A FAMILY’S GUIDE TO SUCCESS
Katie Hurstwicker, MSSE, LCSW, Arizona Lionhearts
This comprehensive workshop presentation equips Arizona families with essential knowledge and strategies to maximize their Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HCBS services. The material covers essential aspects of DDD's HCBS services such as the role of Support Coordinators, effective service planning, and practical strategies for recruiting qualified caregivers. Additionally, this workshop provides families with actionable tips, best practices, and step-by-step processes for building a strong support team, assessing for habilitation, attendant care and respite services, resolving service disagreements, and ensuring optimal care for their loved ones.

TURNING 18: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Matthew Gobbato, Esq., Mushkatel, Gobbato and Kile, PLLC
It is hard to think ahead of what happens when your loved one turns 18 and is now an adult, legally. We will discuss issues to think about: do I need to file for guardianship or is there is less restrictive option; applying for SSI; and time to get my own estate planning in order.

ASK THE EDUCATOR: AN INTERACTIVE Q & A
Shannon Mitchell, M.Ed., Autism Academy for Education & Development
A valuable opportunity designed for parents, support staff, and related professionals to directly interact with educators of students with autism and related neurodiverse conditions. This session will provide insights on aspects of special education and a wide range of audience requested topics including classroom management, curriculum, student assessments, educational technologies, social-emotional development, strategies for supporting learning at home….and more! Come prepared with questions and leave with answers!

SUCCESS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ASD
Roxanna Dewey, M.Ed., Glendale Community College
This session will cover tips, tools, and strategies to support student success in college and beyond. Leave with valuable resources you can use now.

LUNCH & LEARN SPECIAL SESSION--ANIMAL ASSISTED LEARNING
All in the Family, LLC
Animal-assisted learning acknowledges the value of the human-animal bond in overall wellness. Consistent interaction with animals has been known to lower stress and increase health and social-inducing hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. Working with animals also provide opportunities to develop relationship-building skills such as empathy, patience, present-moment focus, trust, touch, respect, responsibility and boundary-setting. We will be discussing past successes in our program as well as potential uses for this therapeutic tool on an individualized or group level.

UNDERSTANDING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM’S ROLE IN AUTISM AND ANXIETY
Lianna Purjes, M.Ed, MSW, LCSW, Fuzzy Socks Therapy
What looks like anxiety or “behavior” in individuals with Autism is often a nervous system in distress. In this informative session, we’ll explore how sensory overload, demand avoidance, and emotional outbursts are rooted in nervous system responses—not defiance. You’ll learn how to recognize stress signs early, support regulation, and create environments that help Autistic kids and adults feel safe and understood.

EMPOWERING FUTURES: BUILDING LIFE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
Heather Hall, M.Ed., Lauren Bedsole, M.Ed., ASU
This session explores the critical role of life skills instruction for students with autism from K–12 through adulthood. Attendees will gain practical, evidence-based strategies to promote independence, self-determination, and real-world readiness. Using a strengths-based, person-centered approach, the presentation emphasizes how early and consistent life skills education leads to meaningful outcomes. Educators and support staff will leave with actionable tools to support student success both in school and beyond.

POSSIBILITY IN PROGRESS: MY REAL LIFE JOURNEY WITH INDEPENDENT LIVING & EMPLOYMENT
Lindsey Eaton, Self Advocate
In this session, I’ll share my lived experience navigating the transition into independent living and the workforce as an autistic adult. From learning how to balance responsibilities at home to finding purpose and confidence in employment, I’ll offer personal insight into what’s helped me grow—and what continues to challenge me. This presentation is a hopeful and honest reflection on what it means to build a life of independence, while highlighting the supports and mindsets that truly make a difference. Whether you’re a service provider, family member, or fellow self-advocate, you’ll walk away with fresh perspective and renewed belief in the power of possibility.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS
Michele Thorne, Care 4 The Caregivers
Care 4 the Caregivers conducted an evidence-based research study to measure how the Thriving Together program improved the quality of life of caregivers, and results were astounding. Not only did this program improve the quality of life of caregivers, it also strengthened the parent/child relationship, and improved the independence and quality of life of their child. Come and learn about this groundbreaking program and see how you can participate in the next cohort.

▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6306470
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
💲 Family Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨:
Mercy Care - Series Sponsor
All Abilities Ministry - Scholarship Sponsor
Autism Academy for Education & Development - Scholarship Sponsor
Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. - Scholarship Sponsor
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center - Scholarship Sponsor
Trulieve - Scholarship Sponsor
All in the Family, LLC - Lunch & Learn Sponsor