2026 Philadelphia Autism Project Conference

Vision

Provide a forum to discuss best practices, tools and resources to support individuals on the spectrum, families, and communities. Strengthen support networks through information sharing and engagement with the wider Philadelphia community.

Audience

Autistic individuals, family members and caregivers, professionals, providers (such as social workers), educators, community members, employers, and anyone who wants to learn more about supporting autistic individuals and the larger community.

Educational Objectives

• List concepts, tools, and resources in supporting autistic individuals and/or their networks to plan for the future.
• Discuss 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.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS

The Philadelphia Autism Project is seeking speakers for our 2026 conference! We welcome all levels of support needs and communication styles, including those who use AAC or other assistive technology.

Session topics may include:

• Autism in the workplace
• AuDHD: The overlap of ADHD and autism
• Centering voices and experiences of people of color
• Transition across the lifespan
• Aligning perspectives on independence
• Advocacy and autism
• Have an idea outside of the listed topics? We still encourage you to submit a proposal for consideration.

What we’re looking for:

• Lived Experience: Autistic individuals and family members
• Interactive formats (panels, discussions, workshops)
• Diverse voices across race, ethnicity, age, and support needs

Due to the high volume of submissions received and a limited number of conference sessions, we will be closing the Speaker Interest Form on Friday, June 19^th. We encourage anyone who is still interested in being considered to submit their information before that time. We sincerely appreciate the interest in contributing to this year’s conference and look forward to reviewing all submissions! Selected speakers will be contacted in August to discuss next steps and confirm participation.

Please note: We offer compensation to all conference speakers. The exact amount may vary depending on factors such as the conference budget, session format, and other planning considerations. If you have specific compensation requirements, please include that information in the Speaker Interest Form.

ASL interpretation, captioning, and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

We want everyone to feel comfortable, prepared, and welcomed at the conference. The below What to Expect document and Venue Map provides information about the conference space, accessibility, sensory environment, and other details to help you know what to expect and plan for your day.

Resources

A variety of resource tables are available throughout the conference. We are grateful to the participating organizations for sharing their time, expertise, and resources with our community. Please see below for a complete list of resource tables.

• A.J. Drexel Autism Institute (AJDAI)/PhillyAP/ASERT
• All of You Therapy
• CHOP Center for Autism Research
• Cora Services – Family Navigation Services
• Department of Behavioral and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)
• Elwyn Family Resource Center
• Institute on Disabilities at Temple University (TechOWL)
• Liberty Resources
• NeurAbilities
• Neurodiversity Employment Network
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
• Philadelphia Family Voices
• PPL LLC
• Project Elijah Empowering Autism (PEEA)
• Speaking for Ourselves
• Spectrum Philadelphia
• The Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia
• The Pathway School
• Vision for Equality
• Voting Machine – Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Blustein

Powerpoint Presentations

The Google Drive linked below will be updated with PDF versions of the conference presentations as they become available.

Continuing Education Credits

Please note that you do not need to attend every session to earn continuing education credits – you will receive credit for each session you participate in. If you are interested in continuing education credits, we will email you a validation form to complete after the conference. Continuing education credits are being co-sponsored by Drexel University’s Division of Behavioral Healthcare Education.

LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT (PA SBSWE Licensed Social Workers in Pennsylvania)

Drexel University College of Medicine is a preapproved provider of continuing education for Social Workers and Clinical Social Workers. This program is being offered for up to 3.5 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 3.5 hours of credit for attending this program.

(Note for Act 48 credit applicants: On the validation form, please note that the Professional ID# is required.)

Parking & Transportation

When possible, we encourage guests to use public transportation. We also understand that driving may be the best/only option for some attendees.

Directions and general parking information for the Academy of Natural Sciences are available on the Academy’s visitor information page.

Reserved Parking

We have reserved 100 parking spaces for conference guests at the outdoor parking lot located below. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

1919 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Learn more about the parking lot: Parkway Corporation – 1919 Arch Street

The parking lot is a short distance from the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Traveling to the Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Please allow a few extra minutes to park and travel to the Academy before conference registration.

Instructions for Payment

You will enter your vehicle plate number at the machine, select Philadelphia Autism Project on the screen, and enter the code PAP26.

We are grateful to our Conference Planning Committee and Partners for their time, energy, and invaluable contributions.

Office of Councilmember Mike Driscoll

Department of Behavioral and Intellectual disAbility Services (DHBIDS) and Community Behavioral Health (CBH)

School District of Philadelphia

Emma Billingsley

Margie Caputo

Conner Carlton

Dylan Cooper

Jen Fischer

Tom Forkin

Pax Jimeson

Denea Marable

Mary Beth Morgan

Valarie Oulds

Tom Quinn

Laurie Sanders

Robert Schmus

Cecelia Thompson

Harley Pisano

Rebecca Trotta

Eric Williams

Photo & Media Notice
A photographer will be present during the 11th Annual Philadelphia Autism Project Conference. By attending the conference, you acknowledge that photographs and video may be taken during the event. Images captured by or shared with the Philadelphia Autism Project (including those submitted via email or social media) may be used in print, digital, and social media communications to promote Philadelphia Autism Project events, programs, and initiatives and to raise awareness of autism.