15th Annual Southwest Washington Autism Conference

You are Invited!

15th Annual Southwest Washington

Autism Conference

THE SPACE BETWEEN

Where Systems End, Community Begins,

and Connection Creates Possibility

Dear Friends,

The Lewis County Autism Coalition warmly invites you to join us for the 15th Annual

Southwest Washington Autism Conference on Friday,

October 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington.

Every day, autistic and neurodivergent individuals, families, educators,

healthcare professionals, service providers, and community partners

navigate the spaces between healthcare, education, employment,

family support, community resources, and everyday life.

While each system plays an important role, meaningful support

often happens in the connections between them.

That is where collaboration begins.

That is where innovation happens.

That is The Space Between.

This full-day conference will bring together autistic self-advocates, families,

educators, clinicians, therapists, service organizations, researchers, and

community leaders to share practical strategies, elevate lived experience,

strengthen partnerships, and explore how we can create

better pathways of support across the lifespan.

What to Expect

Attendees will enjoy:

• Inspiring presentations and educational breakout sessions

• Nationally recognized experts and respected regional leaders

• Autistic and neurodivergent voices and lived-experience perspectives

  (Speakers are currently being firmed up, your patience is appreciated!)

• Practical strategies that can be applied immediately

• Opportunities to connect with professionals and community partners

• A Resource and Exhibitor Hall featuring organizations from across Washington

• Networking and relationship-building throughout the day

• A complimentary lunch included with registration

• Silent Auction including art by local neurodiverse artists

  
  

(If you are an artist yourself and would like to add to our growing list of beautifully

donated pieces, please contact Michelle at executivedirector@lcautism.org!)

Planned topics include:

Family autism education; medication and co-occurring diagnoses;

DDA services and advocacy; special education advocacy;

culturally responsive autism diagnosis for Latino families;

behavior and parent empowerment; and cross-system collaboration.

Final agenda to be confirmed as speakers are locked in.

A Special Lunch Plenary Experience

Lunch will be more than a break, it will be part of the conference experience.

Attendees will take part in a dynamic interdisciplinary panel featuring a live case presentation,

demonstrating how healthcare, education, family navigation, community organizations,

and lived experience can work together to address real-world challenges.

The panel brings together well-respected professionals from varied organizations,

including WA Include, the WA State Developmental Disabilities Administration, DCYF, medical providers,

UW, Seattle Children's, and family members with lived experience, to name a few.

This interactive session offers a firsthand look at what meaningful collaboration

can accomplish when people stop working in silos and start working together.

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

Early Bird Registration: $60

Available through August 20, 2026

Use code: LCAC2026

Standard Registration: $75

August 21 through October 14, 2026

Late Registration: $90

Beginning October 15, 2026

A delicious, warm lunch is included with registration.

 RESOURCE TABLE & VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

Organizations and businesses are invited to participate in our Resource and Exhibitor Hall.

This is an excellent opportunity to connect directly with families, professionals, advocates,

educators, and community leaders from throughout Southwest Washington and beyond.

Space at Great Wolf Lodge is limited to approximately 20 vendor and resource tables,

so early registration is strongly encouraged.

RESERVE A VENDOR OR RESOURCE TABLE

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Conference sponsors help make affordable registration, scholarships,

accessible learning opportunities, and meaningful community connections possible.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, agencies,

healthcare organizations, foundations, and

community partners that would like to support this

important regional event.

For fifteen years, the Southwest Washington Autism Conference has been a place

where ideas become partnerships, professionals become collaborators,

and families discover they are not alone.

We hope you will join us as we strengthen the connections between people, organizations,

communities, and systems of support.

Because when we strengthen the space between,

we strengthen outcomes for everyone.

VIEW THE SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS

Conference Scholarships

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn, connect, and belong.

A limited number of scholarships are available for autistic self-advocates, parents,

caregivers, educators, students, professionals, and community members who need

financial assistance. Applications will be reviewed as they

are received and awarded based on available funding.

APPLY FOR A CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP

With true appreciation,

Michelle Whitlow, M.S., Executive Director

& LCAC Staff, Volunteers,

and our Board of Directors

executivedirector@lcautism.org| (360) 644-LCAC (5222)

www.lcautism.org

Friday, October 30, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Great Wolf Lodge | Grand Mound, Washington

Lewis County Autism Coalition

dba Spectrum & Development Community Center

info@lcautism.org

www.lcautism.org