2021 Philadelphia Autism Project Conference: Rethinking, Reimagining, Resilience

In the past year and a half, we have been forced to rethink what is important, what isn’t, and to reconsider how we typically do things.

How have we adapted to these changes and uncertainty? How do we plan to adapt as changes come? Recognizing the strength that is within each of us and our communities, what are the ways that we can take care of ourselves and support one another?

While the Annual Philadelphia Autism Project Conference has always been an exciting space and time for all of us to convene, discuss, and share challenges and ideas, we have certainly taken a pause this year to reflect. Our communities have been impacted by COVID-19 and have experienced local and international social issues including systemic injustice and racial violence. When we speak of resilience, we are not only talking about the strength, faith, flexibility, urgency, and vulnerability that you have shown through these uncertain times. We are also talking about systemic and environmental changes that need to happen to further strengthen and support positive outcomes. We invite you to tell us – what are the grains of truth and lessons that you have learned, in coming through these challenging times? What does resilience mean to you?

In planning this conference, we have kept in mind the varied needs reported by community members and have strived to include relevant topics throughout each session. We hope that you will leave this conference with helpful information and resources to support yourself and others, and connect with the broader Philadelphia Autism community.

The Philadelphia Autism Project Conference is a three-day event bringing together members of the Philadelphia community to share and highlight information and resources, learn about community initiatives, and discuss experiences in supporting autistic individuals. Our Keynote Speakers will be opening each conference day by challenging people to reframe how they view autism. Below is additional information:

• Sessions are 1.5 hours long and will be held over three days.
• Tracks include Justice, Behavioral Health, and Systems Updates
• Topics relevant throughout the lifespan and cover intersectional identities, family systems, IBHS updates, co-occurring conditions, waiver changes, justice updates, and more
• Translation and interpretation services are available upon request. Please indicate in the online registration form if you need these services or call 215-571-3209 or 215-571-3152.

Target audience (e.g. psychologists; psychiatrists, marriage and family)

Autistic individuals, family members, community members, providers, educators, clinicians, social workers, transition coordinators, employment-focused providers, researchers, community organizations, policy specialists, and anyone who wants to learn more about supporting autistic individuals.

Educational Objectives

• Utilize concepts, tools, and resources to support autistic individuals, their family members, and the larger community.
• Summarize the latest research and/or best practices in supporting individuals across the life span.
• Recommend additional content areas to explore for session speakers and conference planners.

Use the left and right arrows to navigate through the storyboards. Clicking on an image will open it in another window and allow you to zoom in.

Please note that you do not need to attend all sessions to receive credits for the sessions. You will receive credit for each session that you attend. If you have indicated an interest in continuing education credits during the registration process, we will follow up after the conference ends with the validation form for you to complete. If you are interested but did not indicate it in the registration form, you can also email us after the conference and we will provide you with the validation form for completion.

LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT (PA SBSWE Licensed Social Workers in Pennsylvania): Drexel University College of Medicine is a pre-approved provider of continuing education for Social Workers and Clinical Social Workers. This program is being offered for up to 13.5 hours of continuing education.

PA Educators Act 48: Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer continuing education credits under Act 48 guidelines. Drexel University College of Medicine, Behavioral Healthcare Education adheres to Act 48 Continuing Education Guidelines. PA educators will receive a maximum of 13.5 hours of credit for attending this program.

Note: On the validation form please note that the Professional ID# is required.

We are thankful for support from our partners:

• Office of Councilmember-At-Large Derek Green
• Department of Behavioral and Intellectual disAbility Services (DHBIDS) and Community Behavioral Health (CBH)
• School District of Philadelphia
• The Philadelphia Autism Project Conference Planning Committee

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Philadelphia Autism Project:

Phone: (215) 571-3209 or (215) 571-3152

Email: phillyap@drexel.edu

To promote an effective and efficient conference that is respectful of the groupwide learning environment, the Philadelphia Autism Project asks all attendees to follow the terms of use outlined below while attending the Philadelphia Autism Project Conference.

• No foul language – Participants are asked to refrain from using foul, hurtful, or incendiary language.
• No sharing of inappropriate content – Please do not provide links to outside sites that lead to inappropriate sources or misleading/off-topic materials.
• No “Doxing” – Participants may not share the personal information of other participants or unaffiliated parties including but not limited to the participant’s full name, address, workplace, phone number, or email address without the express consent of that participant or person.
• No harassment – Participants are asked to respect the experiences of other participants and presenters by refraining from all forms of verbal harassment and disruptive behavior.
• No Spamming – Participants cannot flood chats and forums with repetitive or unrelated content.

The terms of use are presented to maintain online etiquette out of respect for fellow conference goers and presenters alike. Participants who violate the terms of use may be removed from the conference or have other participation capabilities shut off at the conference management’s discretion.