Southern Utah Autism Conference 2025: Full Schedule

9:30am PDT

Autism and ABA—Seeing Behavioral Science from the Neurodivergent Perspective

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Over the past few decades, Applied Behavior Analysis has become the predominant evidence-based intervention for treating Autism Spectrum Disorders. But despite the mountains of published research and application showing that it can and does have a socially valid impact on autism-related challenging behaviors, there is a growing backlash against ABA from Autistic self-advocates and the Neurodiversity movement as a whole which we all need to understand and address. Discover insights into the pros and cons of ABA by engaging in an examination of ABA through the lens of an Autistic BCBA’s professional and lived experiences. Learn why ABA (even “New ABA”) can be problematic, and explore some practical tips and guidelines on how to avoid the very real trauma and abuse that can result from even the most well-intended ABA when it is not conducted from an autonomy-affirming framework. Participants will leave with tools for creating and strengthening autism-informed practices, and with insights for effectively and ethically utilizing ABA interventions with neurodivergent individuals while improving the reputation and results of ABA with individuals on the Spectrum of all ages.

Speakers

Jared Stewart

Program Director, Scenic View Academy

Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Room C1

ABA Practices

Audience Families, Caregivers, Educators, Professional

10:35am PDT

Giving the Dignity of Risk

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT

Room C1

It is completely understandable for parents and professionals to want to protect vulnerable individuals with disabilities such as autism. We see the obvious challenges and worry about their ability to safely navigate the world of adulthood. But that same urge to protect can sometimes go to extremes that actually end up disabling those individuals and robbing them of the opportunities and autonomy that could have led to greater resiliency, success, and quality of life. Join Jared Stewart, the Autistic BCBA, to gain valuable insight into how to achieve the critical balance between our responsibility to care and the universal human right to make personal choices.

Speakers

Jared Stewart

Program Director, Scenic View Academy

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT
Room C1

Coping Skills for Families

Audience Families, Caregivers, Educators, Professional

11:40am PDT

Autism and Employment

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT

Room C1

Research suggests that only 1 in 3 adults on the Autism Spectrum are employed. Most are part time, and most are under-employed given their skills and intelligence. And yet, research also suggests that employment improves all of the core symptomologies of Autism. In a world where employment is the single biggest aspect of identity and the single biggest measure of adult success, what are the key preparations, behaviors, and techniques that can empower individuals with ASD to get and keep a job?

Speakers

Jared Stewart

Program Director, Scenic View Academy

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Room C1

Workplace Skills

Audience Families, Educators, Professional

1:30pm PDT

Ask the Autistic BCBA

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Room C1

Come join one of the only BCBA's in the world who also happens to be on the Autism Spectrum in an open forum where you are free to ask anything! Jared will take audience questions on any and all aspects of recognizing, understanding, and treating Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan and answer based on his experience as a parent, person on the spectrum, and professional with over twenty years of experience working with hundreds of autistics. Questions can also be submitted in writing to maximize the number that can be addressed in the available time. This is a great opportunity to get advice on issues and concerns that weren’t addressed anywhere else at the conference!

Speakers

Jared Stewart

Program Director, Scenic View Academy

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room C1

Audience All

Southern Utah Autism Conference 2025

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