The Learn Play Thrive Continuing Education Summit

Put Your Neurodiversity-Affirming Values into Action

This self-paced, transformative CE summit takes place on demand from January 10 to February 21st, 2024.

Learn strategies to align your work with your values AND meet your people: thousands of other OTs, SLPs, social workers, and school psychologists who are looking to embrace authentic, neurodiversity-affirming practice.

This summit features fifteen practice-changing talks from a neurodiverse panel who have spent their careers learning deeply on topics that cut to the core of what it means to be affirming. Each talk is 90 minutes and packed with both paradigm-shifts and concrete takeaways for your work. Starting January 6th, you’ll have six weeks to watch as many of the talks as you wish on-demand, getting CE credits along the way. We plan to register for ASHA, AOTA, ASWB, and NASP CEUs.  

If you know this summit is for you, grab your spot during early bird enrollment! The first 300 tickets are discounted. You belong here.

Two light toned hands are typing on a computer. There is a cactus next to the computer on a brown desk.

Continuing Education
from Learn Play Thrive

Investment

The first 300 registrants pay only $299 for this 22.5 contact hour summit. Full price will be $349.

Access

Starting January 10th, you’ll have access to all 15 ninety minute talks. You can watch them on-demand at any time during those six weeks and receive credit for any and all talks you watch. You’ll also have the opportunity to send questions to each summit instructor and watch a recorded Q&A where they help you overcome any barriers to apply your learning to your work.

Continuing Education

This summit consists of 15 ninety minute courses registered for .15 AOTA CEUS and .15 ASHA CEUs for each course (total of 22.5 contact hours). You will receive a certificate of completion for each talk you complete, after completing a short quiz. We plan to apply for NASP CEUs. We also plan to apply for ASWB CEUS for all talks except emergent literacy. There is no price difference for social workers, students, or non-professionals registering for the summit. Watching the recorded Q&A sessions is encouraged but does not count towards continuing education hours. 

FAQs

Information about completion requirements, accommodations, and more can be found in the FAQs.

The 2024 Learn Play Thrive Summit

Speakers & Presentations

We’ve gathered a neurodiverse panel who have dedicated their careers to understanding the deepest needs of our Autistic clients and sharing it with others. Their talks will transform how you think about supporting your neurodivergent clients and fill your toolbox to the brim with concrete strategies you can use right away in your work. Our hope is that this summit will help align your practice with your deepest values and renew your enthusiasm for supporting your Autistic clients in a truly affirming way. 

Lydia X. Z. Brown

Beyond Treatment and Service Provision: Disability Justice for Our Futures and Our Freedom

Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D.
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Lydia X. Z. Brown
Lydia X. Z. Brown

Beyond Treatment and Service Provision: Disability Justice for Our Futures and Our Freedom

Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D.
Racism and ableism are inextricably bound together. They inevitably show up in our worldviews, shaping how we do our work and how we understand it. In this talk, Lydia X. Z. Brown helps us understand the disability justice framework, vision, and praxis so that our work can begin to truly align with and reflect our values.
Objective One
Analyze the relationship between systemic discrimination and disability, identifying at least three ways this impacts disabled students.
Objective Two
Generate two strategies that strategically challenge ableism in your workplace or your client’s life.
Objective Three
Create a support plan using at least two Disability Justice-informed strategies.

About the Speaker, Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D.

Lydia X. Z. Brown (they/them) is the Director of Public Policy at the National Disability Institute, which works to advance economic opportunity and freedom for people with disabilities. Lydia is also the founding Executive Director of the Autistic People of Color Fund, which advocates for disability, racial, and economic justice with a focus on building generative economies and just transition while providing mutual aid, peer support, and community-funded reparations. They bring nearly 15 years of experience as a committed advocate, community organizer, and policy expert at the nexus of disability rights and disability justice. Lydia has spoken, facilitated, and consulted internationally and throughout the U.S. on a range of topics related to disability rights and disability justice, especially at the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and has published in numerous scholarly and community publications. Their work addresses the deep interconnections between ableism and other forms of systemic discrimination, marginalization, and oppression, and has often focused on interpersonal, state, and corporate violence, deprivation, and exploitation targeting disabled people at the margins of the margins.

Lydia teaches at Georgetown University, holding faculty appointments in Disability Studies, Women’s & Gender Studies, and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship Program at the Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. They also teach for American University’s Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies in the American Studies program. Lydia currently serves as Co-President of the Disability Rights Bar Association, member of the National Executive Committee of the National Lawyers Guild, and founding board member of the Alliance for Self-Direction and Disability Rights. They are a Senior Advisor to the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and Disability Rights Special Advisor for the American Bar Association’s Section on Civil Rights & Social Justice. Lydia also serves as an advisor for the Transgender Law Center’s Disability Project, the Nonbinary & Intersex Recognition Project, and Disability Rights Maryland’s PAIMI (Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Program.

Previously, Lydia served as Policy Counsel for the Privacy & Data Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, where they focused on disability rights and algorithmic fairness and justice. Lydia’s work investigated algorithmic harm and injustice in public benefits determinations, hiring algorithms, and algorithmic surveillance that disproportionately impact disabled people, particularly multiply-marginalized disabled people. Lydia also previously served as Director of Policy, Advocacy, & External Affairs at the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, where they led AWN’s work in advancing gender justice, racial justice, and disability justice in the neurodiversity and disability rights movements. Lydia has also worked on disability rights and algorithmic fairness at Georgetown Law’s Institute for Tech Law and Policy, served as Justice Catalyst Fellow at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law where they advocated for disabled students’ civil rights in schools, served as Chairperson of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, and taught as an adjunct professor of disability policy and social movements at Tufts University.

Among others, Lydia has received honors from the Obama White House, the Society for Disability Studies, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the National Disability Mentoring Coalition, and the Disability Policy Consortium. In 2015, Pacific Standard named Lydia to its list of Top 30 Thinkers in the Social Sciences Under 30, and Mic named Lydia to its inaugural list of 50 impactful leaders, cultural influencers, and breakthrough innovators for the next generation. In 2018, NBC named Lydia to its list of Asian Pacific American breakthrough leaders, and Amplifier featured them in the We The Future campaign honoring youth activism. In 2020, Gold House Foundation named Lydia to its A100 list of America’s most impactful Asians, and in 2021, they were recognized by Public Knowledge’s 20/20 Visionary Awards as a future leader who will drive tech policy in the public interest for the next 20 years, named to them.’s Now List of LGBTQ+ Visionaries working to better our community during a uniquely challenging era, and honored by NowThis Next as a change-maker of the world for Disability Rights. Lydia appears in the HBO documentary Persona: The Dark Side of Personality Tests and the forthcoming independent documentaries I Identify As Me and My Disability Roadmap.

Lydia holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic from Georgetown University, and a J.D. with joint concentrations in Criminal Law and Justice and in International Law and Human Rights from Northeastern University School of Law.

 

FINANCIAL: Lydia receives a salary from Georgetown University, including the federally-funded University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Lydia is the Director of Public Policy at the National Disability Institute and Executive Director for the Autistic People of Color Fund and receives compensation for their work. Lydia is also the Senior Advisor to the Autistic Women and Non-binary Network and receives compensation. Lydia serves as an advisor for the Transgender Law Center’s Disability Project and receives a stipend. Lydia is the owner/principal of an independent consulting firm, Mycelia Groundwork, LLC and receives compensation for their work. Lydia receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Lydia is an unpaid vice chair of the Disability Rights Bar Association. Lydia is a member of the National Executive Committee of the National Lawyers Guild and a founding board member of the Alliance for Self-Direction and Disability Rights. Lydia is an unpaid Disability Rights Special Advisor for the American Bar Association. Lydia is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic, as well as being a caregiver/support person to other Autistic people.
Matt Lowry, LPP

Understanding the Autistic Neurotype: A Deep-Dive from an Autistic Psychologist

Matt Lowry, LPP
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Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt Lowry, LPP

Understanding the Autistic Neurotype: A Deep-Dive from an Autistic Psychologist

Matt Lowry, LPP
It’s pretty tough to practice in a strengths-based way when we’ve never truly learned about the Autistic neurotype. In this talk, Autistic psychologist Matt Lowry draws from lived experience and research to dive into how Autistic people experience the world, and what every person supporting Autistic folks should know. If you’re new to neurodiversity – or want to deepen your understanding – start the summit here with this talk.
Objective One
Critique previously held beliefs about autism and Autistic people based on the lived experiences of Autistic adults and the double empathy problem research.
Objective Two
Apply an understanding of Autistic neurology to evaluations, therapy sessions, and educational settings with Autistic clients.
Objective Three
Generate therapy strategies that support authentic Autistic expression while working towards session goals.

About the Speaker, Matt Lowry, LPP

Matt Lowry, (he/him) LPP is a licensed psychological practitioner who provides diagnostics and therapy to Autistic people using an Autistic-affirming framework. Matt has studied autism and Autistic people for over two decades, and is himself an Autistic person. Matt works to educate people about Autistic traits and Autistic Culture though professional trainings, professional consultations, and his podcast, The Autistic Culture Podcast. From this strengths-based perspective, Matt helps Autistic people create a life that is compatible with their Autistic neurology, and helps Autistic people find pride in their Autistic culture. Matt has previously worked in a school-based setting, in inpatient settings, and in community mental health.

FINANCIAL: Matt is the owner of Child & Adolescent Psychological Evaluations, LLC and receives compensation for his work. He does trainings and consultations with Maisie Soetantyo and school districts and receives compensation for his work. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Matt is Autistic and has friends, family members, and colleges who are Autistic. Matt runs the Autistic Culture Podcast and the Autistic Connection Facebook group. Matt serves as a council member for the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism.
Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
KIm Clairy, MSOT, OTR/L

What is My Body Telling Me and Why Does It Matter?: Interoception as the Foundation for Understanding and Communicating How You Uniquely Feel

Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
Kim Clairy, MSOT, OTR/L
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Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
KIm Clairy, MSOT, OTR/L
Kim Clairy, MSOT, OTR/L
2023-06-30 12:00:00

What is My Body Telling Me and Why Does It Matter?: Interoception as the Foundation for Understanding and Communicating How You Uniquely Feel

So often we try to teach our Autistic clients about emotions by starting with facial expressions. But for our clients who have trouble tapping into how they feel inside of their bodies, this doesn’t truly support them. In this talk, OT Kelly Mahler and Autistic OT Kim Clairy help us apply an interoception lens to support our clients to learn about and advocate for their own authentic inner needs and experiences.
Objective One
Generate a description of interoception, the 8th sense that can be used with clients and/or their families.
Objective Two
Analyze the connection between interoception and understanding/communicating how you feel.
Objective Three
Plan at least one strategy that providers can use to support the interoception growth in clients of all ages.

About the Speaker, Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L

Kelly Mahler (she/her), OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom’s Choice Gold Medal. She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College as well as at Misericordia University. Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism.

FINANCIAL: Kelly is the owner of Mahler OT services and receives compensation for speaking services and for the sales of her self-published resources. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NONFINANCIAL: Kelly has friends, family members, and colleagues who are Autistic.

About the Speaker, Kim Clairy, MSOT, OTR/L

Kim Clairy (she/her), MSOT, OTR/L, is an autistic occupational therapist, international speaker, consultant, author, and self-advocate. Kim broke through many barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult healthcare experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism. Using personal experiences and professional expertise Kim educates on many facets of autism across the lifespan including eating disorders, trauma, mental health, relationships, self-awareness, sensory processing, classroom inclusion, community integration, problem-solving through challenging behaviors, and much more! When not speaking about autism, Kim can be found doing her other special interests-creating visual and aural rock art in the creek, searching for artifacts in the woods, and climbing trees!

FINANCIAL: Kim is the owner of Autism Out of the Box, LLC and receives compensation for speaking services. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NONFINANCIAL: Kim is Autistic and has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Harness Sensory Preferences to Support Everyday Life: Everybody Wins!

Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
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Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Harness Sensory Preferences to Support Everyday Life: Everybody Wins!

Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
We know that Autistic people experience their sensory worlds differently. But how can we be more curious about this, and use this knowledge to support our clients in an affirming way? In this talk, Dr. Winnie Dunn, creator of the Sensory Profile, takes us deep into exploring how we can use sensory processing preferences to better support our clients’ authentic, joyful participation in daily life.
Objective One
Analyze the impact of different patterns of sensory perception on participation in daily activities for Autistic clients.
Objective Two
Apply the model of sensory processing to identify challenges, strengths, and necessary supports for individual clients based on their sensory profile.
Objective Three
Generate 3 or more reflective coaching questions to address sensory processing needs with client caregivers.

About the Speaker, Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Dr. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA (she/her) is the author of The Sensory Profile 2 and a Distinguished Professor of Occupational Therapy at The University of Missouri. She is an expert for her work about sensory processing in everyday life, with hundreds of publications and presentations. She has received top honors in her field, including the Academy of Research. She has also received awards for engaging teaching, including the Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award, the Kemper Teaching Fellowship and the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professorship.

Dr. Dunn teaches therapists practical, empowering, respectful ways to support Autistic people with their sensory processing needs in their daily routines.

FINANCIAL: Pearson publishing owns the copyright for the Sensory Profile assessments; Dr. Winnie Dunn receives a royalty for the sale of the Sensory Profile assessments as the author. Dr. Winnie Dunn receives commission for the sale of the Neurodiversity CE Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Dr. Winnie Dunn has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Casey Elrich
Dr. Mel Houser

Navigating Demand Avoidance: Threat, Safety and ‘Foot on the Gas’

Casey Ehrlich, PhD
Melissa Houser, MD
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Casey Elrich
Casey Ehrlich, PhD
Dr. Mel Houser
Melissa Houser, MD

Navigating Demand Avoidance: Threat, Safety and ‘Foot on the Gas’

For many Autistic kids, more structure creates more safety. But for those with a demand avoidant profile, autonomy is key. Demand avoidance is one of the most misunderstood topics in autism. In this talk, Casey Ehrlich (social researcher) and Mel Houser (PDA Autistic family physician) teach us a concrete framework to support our clients in a way that honors our clients’ autonomy, reduces power struggles, and cultivates true safety.
Objective One
Through the lens of neuroception and in coordination with the client’s caregiver, evaluate the impact of fluctuating external and internal demands on participation in daily routines and activities for demand avoidant Autistic clients.
Objective Two
Create a plan for adapting session design to reduce stressors for clients with a PDA profile.
Objective Three
Analyze the role of the impact of clinician’s cognitive and energetic management during sessions as related to supporting demand avoidant clients.

About the Speaker, Casey Ehrlich, PhD

Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D. (she/her) is a social scientist, parent coach and educator, and the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents, LLC.  Casey brings 15 years of work experience and expertise in social science methodology to help parents and therapists understand how to connect with and accommodate PDA Autistic children. She specializes in teaching parents and therapists practical skills in the home or clinical setting to accommodate neuroception-driven demand avoidance and nervous system differences through creative techniques. Her original research as a social scientist was conducted on post-conflict reconciliation, social capital, trust, and trauma in Colombia, South America – themes she brings to her work with parents, therapists, and teachers. She has served more than 1,000 families raising Autistic, PDA Autistic, ADHD and traumatized children since 2020 and is also raising a PDA Autistic son.

FINANCIAL: Casey is the founder of At Peace Parents, LLC and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Casey’s son is Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic.

About the Speaker, Melissa Houser, MD

Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is a PDA autistic ADHDer who is a Board-certified family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit organization in Montpelier, Vermont providing neurodiversity-affirming healthcare, education, and social connection opportunities for kids and adults. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic in the context of autistic burnout. This was the impetus for her to shift her career to reimagining healthcare and other systems that aren’t working for the autistic community. She is also the parent of a 6 year old PDAer, whom she considers her greatest teacher.

FINANCIAL: Mel is the owner of All Brains Belong VT and receives a salary for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.
NONFINANCIAL: Mel is Autistic and Pathologically Demand Avoidant. She has friends, family, and colleagues who are Autistic. Mel also provides professional consultation and educational training regarding neuroinclusive healthcare, neuroinclusive employment and related topics.
AC Goldberg, PhD CCC/SLP
Joshua Allen Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP

Liberatory Practices in Action: How Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Affirm Our Clients’ Personhood

AC Goldberg, PhD CCC/SLP
Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP
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AC Goldberg, PhD CCC/SLP
AC Goldberg, PhD CCC/SLP
Joshua Allen Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP
Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP

Liberatory Practices in Action: How Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Affirm Our Clients’ Personhood

We often hear about diversity, equity and inclusion, but what does that look like in practice, and why does it matter so much? In this talk, SLPs AC Goldeberg and Joshuaa Allison-Burbank answer these questions in a way that will leave you excited to honor your clients’ identities even more deeply than before.
Objective One
Evaluate current practices through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to determine changes to be made in order to affirm and honor everyone’s personhood.
Objective Two
Apply a liberatory lens to assessment and treatment that enables authenticity in communication and participation in daily routines.
Objective Three
Create a plan to update therapeutic spaces to honor self-determination and cultural/community values of all people.

About the Speaker, AC Goldberg, PhD CCC/SLP

AC Goldberg (he/him) PhD CCC-SLP is a physically disabled intersex/transgender DEI consultant and SLP whose mission is to cultivate affirming spaces for ALL people. AC’s work centers around empathy, humanity and intersectional cultural responsiveness. He delivers high impact keynote speeches, facilitates transformative workshops and provides consulting around strategic initiatives and policy. Known for his thoughtful and relatable presentations emphasizing humanity, learning with AC allows everyone to develop a common understanding of crucial topics related to DEI.  His continuing education nonprofit, The CREDIT Institute, is dedicated to advancing equity in educational and healthcare settings. AC is the 2022 recipient of the American Speech Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Outstanding Service Award.

FINANCIAL: AC is the founder of Transplaining LLC and The CREDIT Institute Inc and receives compensation for his work. He is a paid community partner with CHAT Life Changing Speech Therapy. He is a contractor with Prismatic Speech Services and receives compensation for his work. He is a part time faculty at Northeastern University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NON-FINANCIAL: AC is a founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative. He is a 2023 ASHA Convention Planning Committee Diversity Co-Chair. AC serves on the community advisory board overseeing research out of Boston University about the effects of exogenous testosterone therapy on communication in AFAB speakers. He’s also on the editorial board of the Journal of Communication Disorders.

About the Speaker, Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP

Joshuaa D. Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP is Diné and Acoma Pueblo (he/him). His clans are T’ógi, Parrot Clan (Acoma), Tó’áhani, and Yellow Corn (Acoma). Joshuaa is a licensed speech-language pathologist and assistant scientist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He previously worked at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Tsé Bitaí, Navajo Nation. He continues to provide developmental services to Diné families enrolled in the Navajo Nation Early Intervention Program. His research interests include community assessment, parent coaching, assessing the effects of stress on neurodevelopment, and the prevention of developmental delay in American Indian children. He also conducts professional coaching and trainings on anti-racist practices and decolonization and how to incorporate into curriculum development, Indigenous caregiver coaching, and community health interventions.

FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is a full-time paid faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and receives a salary. He receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NON-FINANCIAL: Joshuaa is Diné and Acoma Pueblo.
Ruchi Kapila

Autistic People are More Likely to be Gendering Non-Conforming: What Does This Mean for Your Practice?

Ruchi Kapila, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Ruchi Kapila
Ruchi Kapila

Autistic People are More Likely to be Gendering Non-Conforming: What Does This Mean for Your Practice?

Ruchi Kapila, M.S., CCC-SLP
When navigating our clients’ gender identities, we have a choice: we can be curious and affirming, or we can create more barriers to our clients’ authentic participation and development. Without the right training, it can be hard for therapists to know the best way to support their clients’ gender identity development. In this talk, neurodivergent SLP Ruchi Kapila teaches us how to truly create safe spaces for our trans and gender nonconforming clients in our work.
Objective One
Differentiate barriers trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) neurodivergent individuals experience when accessing care.
Objective Two
Implement at least 3 examples of gender-affirming practices in the lens of neurodiversity-affirming care in their clinical setting.
Objective Three
Defend use of the gender-affirming care lens in provision of neurodiversity-affirming care in their respective clinical setting.

About the Speaker, Ruchi Kapila, M.S., CCC-SLP

Ruchi Kapila (they/them; she/her), M.S., CCC-SLP is owner of Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA, where they practice as a speech-language pathologist and singing voice specialist focusing on holistic, gender-affirming speech and voice services across the lifespan. Previously, she worked primarily in acute care and acute rehabilitation hospital settings focusing on assessment and treatment for dysphagia, cognitive-communication disorders, aphasia, motor speech disorders, and beyond. Their passion lies in exploring counseling, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed considerations in gender-affirming voice care to center the client’s needs and perspectives in the therapeutic relationship.

FINANCIAL: Ruchi is the owner and sole proprietor of Kapila Voice and Speech Services in Hayward, CA and a paid content contributor for CREDIT Institute. Ruchi receives commission for the sale of the Learn Play Thrive Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: They are a founding member and organizer of Trans Voice Initiative and a member who serves in a research role in the multicultural constituency group, The Disability Caucus. Ruchi is also a recent officer/member for L’GASP (LGBTQ caucus of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association). They are also a non-binary, neurodivergent individual.
Naureen Hunani, RD

Beyond Systematic-Desensitization: Affirming Strategies for Selective Eaters

Naureen Hunani, RD
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Naureen Hunani, RD
Naureen Hunani, RD

Beyond Systematic-Desensitization: Affirming Strategies for Selective Eaters

Naureen Hunani, RD
Many of us were trained to use playful exposure to non-preferred foods to support our selective eaters. But increasingly, Autistic adults are reporting that this strategy – even when carefully applied – causes stress and sensory shutdown. What can we do instead? In this talk, registered dietitian Naureen Hunani guides us through unlearning ableism and aligning our feeding strategies with our neurodiversity-affirming values.
Objective One
Differentiate between ableist/neuronormative feeding goals and neurodiversity- affirming feeding goals.
Objective Two
Implement the principles of the neurodiversity-affirming therapy into practice with selective eaters.
Objective Three
Identify and implement accommodations for families with conflicting access needs in relation to food and eating.

About the Speaker, Naureen Hunani, RD

Naureen Hunani, (she/her) RD, is a multiply neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHDer, dyslexic) registered dietitian with over 17 years of experience. She is the founder of RDs for Neurodiversity, a neurodiversity-informed online continuing education platform for dietitians and helping professionals.

She has a private practice in Montreal, Canada, where she treats children, adults and families struggling with various feeding and eating challenges through a trauma-informed, weight-inclusive and anti-oppressive approach.

Naureen has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and families. She is a supporter of early diagnosis of feeding differences and advocates for inclusion and acceptance. She has had the privilege to share her knowledge at national and international conferences and is incredibly passionate about helping professionals build neurodiversity-affirming practices.

FINANCIAL: Naureen is the owner of RDs for Neurodiversity and receives a salary for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NON-FINANCIAL: Naureen has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP

It All Starts With Goals: Writing Neurodiversity-Affirming Goals for Every Autistic Client

Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP
Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP

It All Starts With Goals: Writing Neurodiversity-Affirming Goals for Every Autistic Client

Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP
Our goals are the foundation for everything we do, but most of us never learned to write goals that affirm our Autistic clients’ authentic needs. In this talk, Autistic SLP Rachel Dorsey shows us exactly how to develop and write neurodiversity-affirming goals, even in the challenging context of the pathologized, medical model of autism.
Objective One
Critique documentation to effectively recognize signs that an Autistic student’s current goals need to be adjusted or rewritten.
Objective Two
Analyze client-specific strengths and areas of needed support using the seven IEP domains.
Objective Three
Generate targeted skills for an Autistic student by applying the three facets of evidence-based practice (clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence available).

About the Speaker, Rachel Dorsey, M.S., CCC-SLP

Rachel Dorsey (she/her), M.S., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist, educator, consultant, and autism rights advocate. Through her private practice and consultancy, Rachel Dorsey: Autistic SLP, LLC, she provides education to parents, professionals, school districts, and organizations through coaching, consultations, in-services, professional developments, and courses on neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic practice. Rachel serves autistic clients of all ages in her private practice. The services she offers as a provider and consultant draw upon her own experience as an Autistic person and her seven years of clinical experience working within early intervention, preschool, post-secondary, and clinic settings.

FINANCIAL: Rachel is the owner of Rachel Dorsey: Autistic SLP, LLC and receives a salary. She is paid a consulting fee by Learn Play Thrive as the SLP consultant. Rachel was paid a speaking fee for her contribution to The Learn Play Thrive Approach to Autism. Rachel receives commission from her course, Goal Writing for Autistic Students and Let’s UNMASC. Rachel is a paid consultant for Responsive Feeding Pro, LLC. Rachel receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Rachel is Autistic and has friends and family members who are Autistic.

Compliance or Connection: Deconstructing “Social Skills” Support for Autistic Individuals

Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP
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Compliance or Connection: Deconstructing “Social Skills” Support for Autistic Individuals

Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP
The verdict is in: teaching neurotypical social “skills” to Autistic clients creates unfulfilling social relationships and harms their mental health. It’s linked to depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. But what does it look like to help our Autistic clients unmask and be their true selves in their social relationships instead? In this talk, Autistic SLP Caroline Gaddy helps us deeply understand the toll of Autistic masking and offers us a concrete path to support our Autistic clients in forming meaningful, authentic, fulfilling relationships.
Objective One
Contrast Autistic and allistic social communication styles.
Objective Two
Apply an understanding of the double empathy problem to prospective goals for Autistic clients.
Objective Three
Construct therapeutic activities that foster authentic Autistic social communication rather than promoting masking.

About the Speaker, Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP

Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP (she/they) is a neuroqueer and disabled speech-language pathologist, AAC specialist, and educator. They infodump / educate on neurodiversity-affirming practices with passion and humor. Caroline deeply believes in disability justice, inclusion, and that communication is a fundamental human right.

FINANCIAL: Caroline receives commission Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the Neurodiversity Summit. They are the owner of Vibrant Minds, LLC and receive compensation for speaking and consulting services. Caroline is a full-time employee of Tobii Dynavox and receives a salary.

NON-FINANCIAL: Caroline serves as the Vice Chair for the Disability Caucus of ASHA. Caroline is Autistic and has friends and family who are also Autistic.
Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP

The Way MOST Autistic Kids Process Language: Understanding Delayed Echolalia

Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP
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Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP
Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP

The Way MOST Autistic Kids Process Language: Understanding Delayed Echolalia

Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP
Did you know that most Autistic kids learn language through repeating scripts and over time break the scripts down into unique phrases? And did you know that this is a totally normal way to learn language? In this talk SLP Alexandria Zachos helps us understand how to confidently and affirmingly work with kids who communicate through delayed echolalia.
Objective One
Evaluate the 2 different types of language development and determine how a child is developing language.
Objective Two
Analyze language samples and determine the current language level of a gestalt language processor and the supports they need.
Objective Three
Generate supportive language strategies for a therapy session with a gestalt language processor.

About the Speaker, Alex Zachos, M.S., CCC-SLP

Alexandria Zachos (she/her), M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist specializing in gestalt language processing and child-led play therapy. She’s on a mission to educate all parents and professionals about the “other” type of language development. Backed by research, she teaches that most Autistic individuals are gestalt language processors and helps therapists identify how we can best support them in their language development journey through a child-led approach.

FINANCIAL: Alexandria is the owner of Meaningful Speech and receives a salary. Alexandria is the owner of Social Butterfly, Inc. and receives a salary. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NON-FINANCIAL: Alexandria has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP

AAC for All: Strategizing through Barriers to Accessing AAC and Literacy in Systemically Marginalized Communities

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP
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Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP
Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP

AAC for All: Strategizing through Barriers to Accessing AAC and Literacy in Systemically Marginalized Communities

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP
We know how important AAC access is for many of Autistic clients, but what are their access barriers, and what is our role in dismantling them? In this talk, SLP Karina Saechao ties together AAC and literacy with systemic racism in our practices, in our AAC devices, and in our worlds. Then, she walks us through the steps we can take in our work to increase communication access for marginalized communities.
Objective One
Examine and evaluate at least three persistent barriers that members of systemically marginalized communities face in the provision of AAC services.
Objective Two
Compare the discrepancies between best practices for AAC service delivery to current trends that prevent the provision of equitable AAC services to members of systemically marginalized communities.
Objective Three
Formulate at least three solutions for providing appropriate AAC and literacy assessments, services, and tools for members of systemically marginalized communities.

About the Speaker, Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP

Karina Saechao, M.A., CCC-SLP (she/her) is an SLP, researcher, scholar, and activist who strives to increase equity, access, and outcomes as related to research, clinical practice, and course curriculum. Karina holds a certificate as an assistive technology specialist from CSU, Northridge, and is a Ph.D. student. Karina’s research interests are in the areas of African American English, child language acquisition, language impairments, and augmentative alternative communication. Karina is the Founder & CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy. Karina frequently presents on topics in the areas of African American English; AAC; AT; creating inclusive environments; power, privilege, and race; and cultural humility.

FINANCIAL: Karina is the founder and CEO of Golden Oak Speech Therapy, a professional Speech Pathology corporation, and receives compensation for her work. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NON-FINANCIAL: Karina is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Black Association of Speech Language Hearing (NBASLH), and ASHA Special Interest Groups 01, 12, and 14.
Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP

AAC Essentials: Using Authentic Strategies to Foster Autonomous Communication

Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP
Modal Title
Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP
Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP

AAC Essentials: Using Authentic Strategies to Foster Autonomous Communication

Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP
So much of our education on teaching AAC misses the mark. The good news is, there is a better way than prompting kids to use their devices, or pretending not to understand them until they do. In this talk, SLP Kate McLaughlin makes it easy for any therapist to know exactly what to do when a client walks into their session with an AAC device they are learning to use.
Objective One
Differentiate the needs of aided language learners from language learners who can communicate primarily through speech.
Objective Two
Examine the impact of prompting, including physical prompting, on language learning and autonomous communication.
Objective Three
Plan strategies to support AAC and autonomous communication within therapy sessions and daily life.

About the Speaker, Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP

Kate McLaughlin, CCC-SLP (she/her) is a speech-language pathologist specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with complex communication needs. She believes that autonomous communication, inclusion, and self-determination are fundamental human rights. Kate teaches OTs and SLPs the practical strategies they need to support their clients’ autonomous and authentic connection using strengths-based strategies.

FINANCIAL: Kate is the owner of AAC Services of CT, LLC and receives a salary. She is also owner of The AAC Coach, LLC and receives compensation for speaking and coaching services. Kate is an adjunct lecturer at the University of New Haven and receives a salary. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive, LLC for the sale of this course, Authentic AAC, and for the sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Kate has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Dr. Gillian Boudreau

Stress Steals Bandwidth: Cultivating a More Equitable Culture of Calm When Working with Children

Dr. Gillian Boudreau, PhD
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Dr. Gillian Boudreau
Dr. Gillian Boudreau

Stress Steals Bandwidth: Cultivating a More Equitable Culture of Calm When Working with Children

Dr. Gillian Boudreau, PhD
So often in our work we start with developmental norms and therapy goals, without realizing that our clients aren’t yet feeling safe enough to learn. In this talk, psychologist Gillian Boudreau transforms how we think about ourselves and our own regulation, how we approach our clients in our sessions, and how we set up our therapy spaces, consistently placing safety front and center.
Objective One
Examine the impact of fear and stress on the cognitive availability of individuals and groups, and differentiate between the impact on neurotypical versus neurodivergent learners.
Objective Two
Critique the validity of common assumptions neurotypical educators may make regarding neurodivergent students, using models like the double empathy problem and stereotype threat.
Objective Three
Formulate new strategies to develop the adult regulation, and subsequent group co-regulation that can restore mental bandwidth to neurodivergent learners.

About the Speaker, Dr. Gillian Boudreau, PhD

Gillian Boudreau (she/her), PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed school psychologist. Dr. Boudreau has worked with children and families across the country starting in 2008, with the mission of understanding and addressing our human need for attachment, connection, and effective communication in such a way that can help individuals, family systems, school systems, and larger organizations reach their full potential. Dr. Boudreau aligns with the social model of disability and is always seeking to interrogate the system and context in which human challenges emerge with the understanding that humans are inherently whole, and will do well when given the freedom to thrive. Early in her career, Dr. Boudreau developed and directed a comprehensive behavioral program housed within Vermont public schools addressing intensive emotional and behavioral needs. She currently runs a private practice based in Portland, Oregon for children, families and adults with expertise in autism, anxiety and trauma. She is a national speaker on topics including psychological safety and emotional intelligence, teaches graduate courses on trauma, resiliency and mindfulness, and provides ongoing training and consultation for multiple school districts. 

FINANCIAL: Gillian is owner of Gillian Boudreau Therapy and Consulting and receives a salary for her services. She is a lecturer for Vermont High Education Collaborative and is compensated for her work. Gillian also works as a paid consultant for the ASD Nest Support Project and Chittenden Central Supervisory Union/ Essex Westford School District. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Gillian has friends and colleagues who are Autistic.
Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP

Emergent Literacy: Providing a Solid Foundation for Conventional Literacy

Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP
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Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP
Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP

Emergent Literacy: Providing a Solid Foundation for Conventional Literacy

Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP
Far too often we find ourselves in sessions drilling prewriting lines, letter formation, or ‘Wh’ questions with kids who just aren’t making meaning from these strategies. But what can we do instead? In this talk, SLP Jane Farrall helps us transform our literacy work with emergent readers and writers from rote and unengaging to truly strengths-based and effective. Jane takes the framework of emergent literacy, blends it with neurodiversity principles, and applies it concretely to our work as SLPs and OTs. (Note that this talk is not eligible for ASWB CEUs for social workers.)
Objective One
Evaluate emergent literacy strategies to determine their relevance to literacy learners.
Objective Two
Apply a rationale for working simultaneously on communication and emergent literacy skills for students who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
Objective Three
Evaluate the importance of assuming competence with emergent literacy learners.

About the Speaker, Jane Farrall, SLP, CPSP

Jane Farrall (she/her), SLP, CPSP is a speech pathologist and special educator passionate about literacy, AAC and assistive technology. After 30 years in the disability and assistive technology field, she has lots of practical experience working with people with a range of abilities. Jane has worked as both a therapist and literacy teacher. She has also worked as an assistive technology specialist and is currently working as an independent consultant, running workshops and consulting with schools around Australia. Her consultancy works focuses on implementing AAC and comprehensive literacy for all students.

As well as presenting workshops in Australia and internationally, Jane shares resources on her blog, her two websites and through online training – and she also has extensive experience running camps, workshops, and conferences on AAC and literacy in AAC.  In 2018 she was Co-Chair for the International Society on AAC Conference when it came to Australian for the first time. You can read more about Jane at www.janefarrall.com

FINANCIAL: Jane is owner of Jane Farrell Consulting and receives compensation for her services. She receives commission from Learn Play Thrive for sales of the Neurodiversity Summit.

NONFINANCIAL: Jane has family members that are Autistic.

This summit is
for you if...

This is more than just a summit.

Learn from a Neurodiverse Panel

Because Autistic people are the experts on autism, every speaker on our panel is listening to and learning from the Autistic community, and many are Autistic themselves. The talks in this summit are all reviewed by a neurodiverse panel of professionals to ensure they are relevant to the clinical practices of OTs, SLPs, social workers, and school psychologists, and aligned with LPT's values of neurodiversity and intersectionality.

Find Your Community

When you join the summit, you'll also join a private community of other therapists who share your values. Together we'll build our referral lists, share strategies and ideas, problem solve tough scenarios, and support each other as we grow into the therapists we've always wanted to be.

Solidify Your Learning

After each talk, you'll have the opportunity to submit questions to the instructors so that you can move past any barriers to applying your learning to your work. These will be shared in a recorded Q&A session that you can watch at your leisure during the summit. After each talk, you'll have the opportunity to answer a reflection question to help identify how to apply your learning to your work and share your journey with other participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is developed for OTs, SLPs, social workers, school psychologists, and other professionals who support Autistic kids. This is not a course designed for parents.
This course is targeted at the intermediate level.

The topics in this summit apply throughout the lifespan. The specific examples and strategies given in the talks are mostly focused on children from toddlerhood through adolescence. 

The talks include lectures, slides, videos, case studies, and an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge.

Yes! This summit will include 15 courses registered for .15 AOTA CEUS for each (total of 22.5 contact hours) and .15 ASHA CEUS for each course. We also plan to apply for ASWB CEUS and NASP CEUs. You’ll receive credit for each talk you watch. However, the literacy talk will not be included for CEUs for social workers. 
 
This course is not approved by any physical therapy associations. However you can check with your state board to see if it meets your license renewal requirements.

Yes! You’ll have access to the lectures for six weeks starting on January 10th.

Yes! If 3 or more people from your company plan to enroll email me the names of everyone enrolling at admin@learnplaythrive.com and we will provide a coupon code. It’s 15% for 3 registrants, 20% off for 4 or more, and 30% off for 7 or more. This does not stack on top of the early bird discount, but may be used in place of it.

We offer scholarships to therapists from under-resourced countries. Please see our scholarships page for details.

After completing one 90 minute talk, you must complete a quiz with 75% accuracy (multiple attempts are allowed) and complete a survey. You will then receive your certificate by email.

You will have 6 weeks access to the course once it launches on January 10.

We are able to provide refunds or transfer your enrollment to another learner before the summit begins. Once the summit begins we are not able to offer refunds. If for any reason the course is canceled by the provider before your registration period has expired, you will receive a full refund.

All videos in this course have closed captions that can be turned on or off. If you have other learning needs, please email admin@learnplaythrive.com before registering. Accommodations will be made to support learners in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.

You can send an email to admin@learnplaythrive.com

Learn strategies that will totally transform your work

and meet thousands of other professionals

who are looking to embrace authentic, neurodiversity-affirming practice.

This course be available for ASHA CEUs starting January 10th, 2024 until February 29th, 2024.

The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.