Details speakers schedule sponsors LODGING REGISTER

Autism Social & Mental Health Conference

Caring . Connection . Community

Friday, February 20, 2026

SPIEC: Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center

8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123

2026 Conference registration opens November 1st.
In person and virtual attendance will be available.

2026 Conference Details

Save the Date! Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in San Diego.

Autism Society San Diego is pleased to announce our 3rd annual conference with experts from around the country speaking.

Topics will include:

Keynote presentation by Dr. Amy Van Hecke of Marquette University: It's Never too Late - Autistic Friendships, Mental Health, and Brain Development Across the Lifespan
Grief and Loss in ASD/IDD
Autism in Women
Navigating Relationships with an ASD Family Member
Let’s Get Social! Social Skills Programs & Opportunities for ASD Individuals

Resource Fair with over 20 local vendors.

Autism Spa where attendees may take a break and receive a mini therapeutic service such as massage, art therapy, sound therapy and more.

Conference registration opens November 1st. In person and virtual attendance will be available.

Watch 2025 Presentations

Virtual Attendance Registration - Paid Virtual Attendance Registration - SDRC Funded

Overview

The Autism Society San Diego invites you to join parents, ASD individuals and professionals at the state of the art Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center in San Diego to learn about the social and mental health needs of autistic children and adults, effective treatments and where to find resources. Whether you are new to the journey or have years of experience, you will walk away from the conference with information and resources to improve the quality of life for your loved ones, your clients and for yourselves.

Gain new information, strategies, and resources to help maximize how to effectively improve their quality of life at the conference.

SPANISH TRANSLATION IS AVAILABLE - THANK YOU TO THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL CENTER

Get San Diego Regional Center funding using the steps below:

Ask your service coordinator to add this event to your IPP
Vendor Code is PY3056
Ensure that you receive confirmation that it has been approved
You will need to provide proof of funding approval to be able to register
You MUST also register at our conference site beginning on November 1st, in addition to getting San Diego Regional Center funding approval
Email amy@autismsocietysandiego.org with any questions

Speakers and Presenters Include:

Licensed Therapists

Licensed Psychologists
Counselors
Community Professionals
Service Providers

The Conference Fee Includes:

Conference Swag Bag
Access to Resource Fair
Lunch
Complimentary Coffee and Snacks
Parking
Special Book Signing Event during the lunch break with keynote speaker, Kate Swenson, Author of Forever Boy: A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy.

Cost:

$100 ASD Individuals
$200 General Registration

Keynote Speaker: Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson is the creator of the blog and Facebook page Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of Forever Boy: A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy.

She speaks regularly about autism, parenting and motherhood, and is a contributor to Today Parents, the Today show, Her View from Home and the Love What Matters blog. Her mission is to create a safe space for families of children and teens with special needs to come together and laugh, cry and support each other. She lives in Minnesota with her family of six. Her oldest son, Cooper, has severe non-verbal autism.

2026 Speakers

2024 Neurodiverse Panelists

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2025 Schedule

8am-9am - Registration and Check In, Resource Fair open

9am-10am - KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KATE SWENSON

Kate Swenson is a mother, author and speaker who shares her journey family's journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. With over 1 million followers on social media, Kate strives to inspire and educate those who want to learn more and be part of the community of support for our autistic loved ones. With her popular blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with Autism. Now, Kate shares her inspiring story in Forever Boy, a powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love. Learn more here: https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/ and find her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice

10am-10:30am - Networking/Resource Fair

10:30am-12pm - AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

GENDER & SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN AUTISM - What is the connection?
PROFOUND AUTISM & THE MOVE TOWARD CLARITY

12pm-1:30pm - Lunch/Networking/Resource Fair/Book signing

Box lunch and beverages for all attendees included.
Spectrum Social Meet and Greet Lunch: A hosted, exclusive event for ASD adults in attendance.
Book Signing: With keynote speaker, Kate Swenson her book- “Forever Boy”

1:30pm-3pm PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

AUTISM PARENTS CAN NEVER DIE!
DEMAND AVOIDANCE-IS IT AUTISM, ADHD, ODD OR PDA?

8:00am - 1:00pm Resource Fair

Comprised of local agencies & companies who provide social & mental health services for autistic children, adults & their families.
We will have a “sensory” room in Room 234 that will be available all day for autistic attendees who need a break throughout the day
We are pleased to announce that Regional Center funding is available and more information will be available soon.