05/28/2026
Register now for our second Building Allies & Advocates! 2026 Day of Learning Series - July 18, 2026! Join us for information sharing and networking for professionals, families, self advocates or anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
⌚ 8AM - 3PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix
EACH DAY OF LEARNING INCLUDES:
👉 10 Informative Sessions with Expert Speakers
👉 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/melzhcd0mtjnjl/
▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6709073
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
STARTING STRONG: AUTISM SUPPORT FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Heather Hall, M.Ed.
The first 30 days can make or break the school year for students with autism. During this critical time, routines, expectations, and emotional safety are established, yet many educators and families are left guessing how to best support the transition. This session provides practical, research-based strategies to help students start strong across both home and school environments. Participants will learn how to reduce anxiety, build predictable routines, and support independence using structured teaching, visual supports, and a behavior-as-communication approach. Leave with simple, actionable tools you can use immediately to create a confident, successful start to the year.
CANNIBIS AND THE SPECTRUM
William Troutt, NMD, Trulieve
Considerations of utilizing cannabis as a therapy for individuals on the spectrum. Dr Troutt will discuss risks and benefits, constituents of the cannabis plant, THC, CBD and others, Dosage strategies, modalities of use, how the cannabis plant interfaces with our bodies and realistic expectations. Questions and interaction will be encouraged during this presentation.
PARENT RIGHTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Hope Kirsch, Esq., Lori Kirsch-Goodwin, Esq., Kirsch, Goodwin-Kirsch PLLC
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Two special education attorneys will explain parent and guardian rights under the IDEA in clear, practical terms you can actually use. We’ll walk you through the Procedural Safeguards Notice in plain language, highlighting what matters most: how to advocate for your child, resolve disagreements, and stay empowered every step of the way. Expect real-life examples, helpful tips, and space for your questions. Whether you’re new to special education or need a refresher, this session will leave you more confident, informed, and ready to partner effectively with your child’s school.
WHOLE FAMILY
Catherine Hallam, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS, Chapter & Page Counseling
This presentation explores a neuro-affirming, whole-family approach to autism support that goes beyond behavior management to emphasize regulation, connection, and practical parent partnership. Participants will learn how behavior can be understood as communication, how caregivers can support nervous system regulation at home, and how professionals can collaborate with families using strengths-based, relational strategies. The session offers concrete tools to help parents, providers, and advocates better support autistic individuals while strengthening family functioning and long-term well-being.
PUTTING FAMILIES FIRST: ETHICAL PRACTICES FOR AUTISM SERVICES
Aaron Blocher-Rubin, PhD, BCBA, Nia Uhlenhake, CFSP, AZA United
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in autism service providers in Arizona, especially ABA therapy companies. This rapid expansion has increased access to care for many families, but a wide range of ethical concerns has also become more common. This presentation will help parents understand the most common “red flags” and “green flags” to look for when evaluating options for high-quality service providers. Participants will receive an “Ethical Services Checklist” with questions to ask providers that serve your child to better understand what types of service models best align with your values and goals.
GUARDIANSHIP & ALTERNATIVES
Matthew Gobbato, Esq., Chase Phillips, Esq., Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile PLLC
Learn about the legal process of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship such as the power of attorney documents and supported decision making. Guardianship is a court proceeding to appoint someone to make health, housing, and education decisions for someone who needs help managing those decisions.
AUTISM & THE HIGH FUNCTIONING PROFILE
Haley Masterson, MD, Cortica
Build a clear understanding of how autism can present in individuals with average to above-average cognitive and language skills, and how this impacts identification, support, and care planning. Q&A is welcome throughout the luncheon!
ALLIES AGAINST EXPLOITATION-HOW TO PROTECT AND PREVENT TRAFFICKING
Howard Zlamal, M.Ed, Arizona LEND
This presentation is about community safety and emergency preparedness. Come learn the signs of human trafficking and why people with disabilities and caregivers are so vulnerable to this danger. How can Arizona lead the way for other states against human trafficking and promoting community safety? Come and see! The information you learn from this poster today could save a life tomorrow.
TOP FINANCIAL MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR DEPENDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Karen Starbowski, CLU ChSNC, MassMutual SpecialCare
Not planning at all for the future is the biggest mistake a family can make, especially when it can impact a loved one with special needs. But there are also some common mistakes that can be avoided. We’ll review some common planning situations with the understanding that the actual plan created for an individual with special needs will be unique to their needs and lifestyle. Avoiding these common situations can provide a significant impact on the life of a loved one with special needs today and well into their future.
FROM PHILOSOPHY TO RESULTS: ADVANCING EMPLOYMENT FIRST IN ARIZONA
Gina Griffiths, MSW, Lisa Ayo, Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Join us to explore how the Arizona Employment First Initiative is turning principles into action to improve competitive integrated employment outcomes for people with disabilities. While Employment First has long been embraced as a philosophy, meaningful change requires coordinated systems alignment, consistent messaging, evidence-based practices, and intentional community engagement. This session will highlight Arizona’s cross-agency strategies to strengthen collaboration, expand work-based learning, align policy, and elevate expectations statewide. Participants will gain insight into how systems change, stakeholder collaboration, and commitment to evidence-based practices can transform employment outcomes. Whether you are a policymaker, provider, educator, or advocate, you will leave with practical strategies to advance Employment First in your own community.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE, HOW TO FIND YOUR TRIBE & REDUCE ISOLATION
Michele Thorne, M.S., Care 4 the Caregivers
Caregiving can feel like an isolating experience, but regardless of your child's diagnosis, it is important to remember that you are not alone on this journey. During this presentation, you will find commonalities with other caregivers, realize how your journey and experience can be a light for others, and build relationships with parents walking a similar journey.
▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6709073
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
💲 Family Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/melzhcd0mtjnjl/
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨:
Autism Academy for Education & Development - Series Sponsor
Mercy Care - Series Sponsor
Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, PLLC - Series Sponsor
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) - Scholarship Sponsor
Cortica - Lunch & Learn Sponsor
