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When:Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Coffee & Connections with Refreshments at 8:30 a.m for in-person attendees (details below)
Where:
In Person – At the Waisman Center – Wiley Conference Center, Second Floor, North Tower
Virtual – Register to obtain the Zoom webinar code
Link to Register: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brV39Z4TnYRAR38
About:
Learn about the latest advances in autism research and services and hear from a panel of experts — individuals with autism and family members.
9:00-9:05am: Welcome
9:05-9:30am:
Navigating the Maze: A Framework for Making Informed Intervention Decisions
Kathleen Kanter, MD, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, Waisman Center Clinics, Assistant Professor, Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine, & Department of Pediatrics
Lily Wagner, PhD, BCBA, Director, Waisman Center Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic
Choosing the right supports for your autistic child can feel overwhelming. This presentation provides caregivers with a framework for making informed decisions about interventions. We will demystify what it means for an intervention to be “evidence-based” and share practical tips for spotting high-quality research. You will learn how to align research evidence with your family’s unique priorities, define meaningful goals for your child, and carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any approach.
9:30-9:50am
Addressing the Needs for Adults with Autism: New Program Launches in 2026
Madeline Barger, LMFT, BCBA, CST, Waisman Adult Autism Program Manager
The Waisman Center’s UCEDD is launching a new Adult Autism Program. The goal of the program is not only to offer group, individual, and family services, but to also support family navigation in Wisconsin, and to build state- wide capacity for trainees and providers learning about autism in adulthood, and related mental health, and quality of life supports.
9:50-10:30am
Ask the Experts: An Open Coversation about Autism
Maria Stanley, MD, Medical Director, Waisman Center Clinics
Leann DaWalt, PhD, Director, UCEDD
Maureen Durkin, PhD, DrPH, Professor, Public Health and Population Sciences
Brittany Travers, PhD, Associate Professor, Kinesiology
This interactive panel brings together leading autism experts for an open, audience‑driven conversation about autism. Come ask questions about autism across the lifespan, including diagnosis, prevalence, care, community inclusion, and research. The panel will provide evidence‑based insights, practical strategies, and diverse perspectives to help deepen understanding and foster meaningful dialogue.
10:30-11:30am
PANEL DISCUSSION
A panel of experts that includes individuals with ASD and family members. Moderated by Nancy Alar, Autism Society of Wisconsin.
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Event Venue
1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705-2274, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
