3rd annual Kansas Autism Summit

Name: 3rd annual Kansas Autism Summit
Start: 2026-04-15T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-15T15:30:00-05:00
Location: Bishop Professional Development Center

Schedule

Wed Apr 15 2026 at 08:00 am to 03:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Bishop Professional Development Center | Topeka, KS

Join educators, caregivers, professionals, families, and community members for a full-day summit focused on understanding autism, supporting positive behavior, and creating more inclusive learning environments. The Kansas Autism Summit brings together expert insight, lived experience, and practical strategies attendees can immediately apply in schools, homes, work, and community settings.
Schedule & Sessions:
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Registration
8:30 AM - 8:35 AM | Welcome Address
8:35 AM - 10:00 AM | Keynote Speaker
Promoting Positive Behavior in All Learning Spaces
Presented by: Dr. Abiola Taiwo
Challenging behavior remains one of the most frequently identified concerns among caregivers, educators, and service providers. During this presentation, participants will explore common behavioral challenges observed in children with Autism and develop a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that influence behavior. Grounded in current research and practical application, this session will highlight evidence-based strategies that can be implemented across learning environments to prevent/reduce challenging behaviors and intentionally promote positive, prosocial skills. Attendees will leave with practical tools, increased confidence, and a strength-based framework for supporting behavior in all learning spaces. At the end of this session, attendees will be able to identify common behavioral challenges observed in children with autism; understand key factors that contribute to the function and purpose of challenging behaviors; and apply evidence-based strategies to decrease challenging behaviors and increase prosocial skills effectively.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Break
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM | Session 1
How to Be a Friend: Building Understanding, Inclusion, and Empathy in Schools and Community
Easterseals Midwest’s How to Be a Friend is an interactive, experience-based presentation designed to increase understanding of autism and other developmental disabilities while strengthening kindness, inclusion, and perspective-taking. Participants engage in hands-on activities, including a guided sensory simulation that offers insight into how everyday environments can feel overwhelming for individuals with autism. Rather than relying on lecture alone, the program builds empathy through lived perspective and reflection. The presentation also features group discussions about inclusion and belonging, along with a panel of adults with autism who share personal stories and insights. These firsthand experiences help participants see autism through a human, authentic lens. How to Be a Friend has been delivered to elementary and middle school students, university classes, educators, and community groups.
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Complimentary Lunch
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Session 2
Identifying and Addressing Co-occurring Mental Health Concerns with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Presented by: Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer
Psychiatric comorbidities are a clinical reality for most individuals across the autism spectrum (Barlattani et al., 2023; Mutluer et al., 2022). Further, autistic individuals with comorbid psychiatric conditions tend to have poorer clinical outcomes than those who do not. Despite this fact, there remain significant gaps within the scientific literature in understanding how these conditions present in individuals across the spectrum, effective treatments when these conditions co-occur, and support needs. This presentation utilizes the current literature, clinical experience, and case studies to share the challenges, pragmatic solutions, and next steps in better supporting autistic individuals with mental health needs.
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Break
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Session 3
Rhythm to Restore: Using Music for Neurological/Emotional Regulation
Presented by: Kelley Pujol
When is it finally time for me? Throughout the day, our needs are often paused as we provide for the individuals we support. How can you as an educator, therapist, or caregiver use music to address your own areas of need? In this session, we will explore how rhythm and music can be used to support your own neurological organization and emotional regulation to optimize your ability to help others. Participants will learn and practice practical, accessible strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines to improve focus, calm, and resilience.