USI to host Rethinking Autism conference April 3-4
University of Southern Indiana Disability Resources, in partnership with Optimal ACCESS, Inc., is excited to present Rethinking Autism 2025: Shifting the Narrative through Applied Neuroscience and Optimized Supports on Thursday and Friday, April 3-4, in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on campus.
This year’s expanded conference, driven by popular demand, features inspiring presentations and interactive workshops led by autistic self-advocates. Sessions will explore how innovation and neurodiversity-affirming practices foster academic success, social connections, travel and person-centered sports. Workshops offer hands-on training in support skills for co-regulation, better assessments, communication support and reducing behavioral responses.
Parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals who recognize the challenges of autism are encouraged to attend.
This Conference is made possible through generous donors to the USI Foundation. It was created in collaboration with USI Disability Resources and Optimal ACCESS, Inc. Other sponsors include Dr. and Mrs. Michael Dukes, Ivy Tech Community College, Life in Motion Family Wellness Center, WIKY, Hot96, WABX, The Lloyd, Associates for Pediatric Therapy, CareSource and Liberty Federal Credit Union.
USI partners with Optimal ACCESS, Inc. for the Rethinking Autism Conference to foster innovative, neuro-affirming approaches to autism support. This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to expanding understanding and providing meaningful resources to individuals with autism, as well as practitioners, community members and students, including those enrolled at USI.
Optimal ACCESS, Inc. brings unique expertise in educational innovation, offering cutting-edge strategies that empower autistic individuals to thrive. Through their specialized support services and experience pioneering alternative education models, Optimal ACCESS, Inc. equips USI faculty and staff with transformative tools to enhance accessibility and inclusion across campus.
Registration is required to attend. To register, visit the 2025 Rethinking Autism Conference Facebook Event Page.
For more information or disability-related accommodations, contact Michelle Kirk, Manager of Disability Resources, at mdkirk@usi.edu.
