2026 Chattanooga Autism Conference Agenda/Presentations
We are beyond grateful to everyone who attended the 2026 Chattanooga Autism Conference! Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors, exhibitors, and presenters for making it possible. Below, you’ll find the presentations and any slides our presenters were able to share!
Early Childhood Track
Playful Engagement: Helping Children Regulate, Learn, and Belong
Claire Stockman
Let’s play! This session explores how inclusive, play based practices support autistic learners. Participants will learn strategies for understanding behavior as communication, supporting regulation, creating welcoming environments, and building connection. Grounded in CDM philosophy, attendees will leave with tools for home, classrooms, and community settings.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Early Childhood Track - Room 14/15
Reimagining ABA: Assent, Autonomy, and Neuroaffirming Care
Amy Jarrell - M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Let’s play! This session explores how inclusive, play based practices support autistic learners. Participants will learn strategies for understanding behavior as communication, supporting regulation, creating welcoming environments, and building connection. Grounded in CDM philosophy, attendees will leave with tools for home, classrooms, and community settings.
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Early Childhood Track - Room 14/15
Mitigating AAC Device Abandonment
Sidney Sherman - M.S. CCC-SLP
Let’s play! This session explores how inclusive, play based practices support autistic learners. Participants will learn strategies for understanding behavior as communication, supporting regulation, creating welcoming environments, and building connection. Grounded in CDM philosophy, attendees will leave with tools for home, classrooms, and community settings.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Early Childhood Track - Room 14/15
Beyond Behavior: Supporting Emotional Regulation in Autism
Dr. Laura Forkum - BCBA-D, LBA
Let’s play! This session explores how inclusive, play based practices support autistic learners. Participants will learn strategies for understanding behavior as communication, supporting regulation, creating welcoming environments, and building connection. Grounded in CDM philosophy, attendees will leave with tools for home, classrooms, and community settings.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Early Childhood Track - Room 14/15
From Pathology to Partnership
Tanner Pickett - BCBA
Summer Bottini - BCBA, PhD Sandhya Rajagopal - BACA, PhD
Let’s play! This session explores how inclusive, play based practices support autistic learners. Participants will learn strategies for understanding behavior as communication, supporting regulation, creating welcoming environments, and building connection. Grounded in CDM philosophy, attendees will leave with tools for home, classrooms, and community settings.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Early Childhood Track - Room 14/15
View From Pathology to Partnership Presentation Slides