Lesson series

Autism Educators Conference 2026

Live Zoom conference (Aug 29, 2026) with evidence-based strategies for supporting students with Autism & ADHD across school settings.
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 Join Georgia's Premier Conference for Educators Supporting Students with Autism and ADHD

Every educator has the power to change a child's future.
The Autism Educators Conference is a comprehensive professional development experience designed to equip teachers, school administrators, therapists, counselors, paraprofessionals, and educational leaders with evidence-based strategies that improve academic achievement, classroom participation, behavior, communication, and social-emotional success for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Hosted by Discovery Therapy Network, this one-day conference brings together nationally recognized experts in special education, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior analysis, psychology, and educational leadership to provide practical solutions that educators can implement immediately.
Whether you work in general education, special education, preschool, Head Start, private schools, or district administration, you will leave with practical strategies, valuable resources, and renewed confidence to support every learner.

Autism Educators Conference 

Meet Our Speakers

Rachel Davis, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

Rachel Davis, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, has nearly 10 years of experience as a speech language pathologist working with children and young adults ages 3-21 in school-based settings. Mrs. Davis currently serves as the speech language pathologist for the C.A.R.E.S. Program at a local school district in Phoenix, Arizona where she specializes in supporting students with Autism and complex communication needs. She has a passion for creating engaging, individualized therapy that promotes functional communication, language development, and student success across all environments. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education in Communication Disorders from Valdosta State University. Her professional experience includes serving as a Special Education Team Leader, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing speech-language services across a variety of educational and post-secondary settings. Rachel is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArSHA), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning.

Stephanie Hunter, MPA, MAT, BCBA, LBA, CAMS-II

Stephanie Hunter is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. With a background in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Stephanie’s experience includes teaching students with disabilities, IEP consultation, early intervention, crisis management for neurodivergent populations, ABA therapy, caregiver training, and behavioral interventions across the lifespan. Stephanie is the owner of Building Beyond Limits LLC, an agency dedicated to bridging the gap between child and adult autism services through transitional programming. As both a behavior analyst and parent of an adult with Autism, she brings professional expertise and lived experience to her work.

Dr. Harriet Walker-Dumas, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS,
CMT, CNMT

Dr. Dumas is the Founder and CEO of Discovery Therapy Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Autism advancement and evidence-based therapeutic services. As a licensed occupational therapist with 29 years of clinical experience, she has an extensive background in pediatric care, including owning and operating multiple therapy facilities focused on maximizing functional outcomes for children and adolescents.

A specialist in school-based occupational therapy, Dr. Dumas is committed to supporting school administrators, teachers, and educational teams in meeting the needs of students with IEPs and 504 plans. Her clinical expertise centers on sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and emotional regulation strategies that enhance attention, focus, and participation in the classroom. She is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to address areas of need and leverage student strengths for successful learning.

Hosted by Discovery Therapy Network
Professional learning for educators supporting Autism and ADHD
Conference theme

Creating Positive Outcomes for Students with Autism and ADHD Across Educational and Home Environments

Students achieve their greatest success when educators, therapists, and families work together.

This conference focuses on collaborative, evidence-based practices that improve student performance both in the classroom and at home while fostering inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.

Conference Learning Objectives

What You Will Learn


  • Implement evidence-based classroom interventions
  • Design sensory-friendly learning environments
  • Develop positive behavior support plans
  • Improve communication with families
  • Utilize effective classroom accommodations
  • Support executive functioning and organization
  • Strengthen peer relationships and social inclusion
  • Foster student independence
  • Improve collaboration among multidisciplinary teams
  • Increase educational outcomes for students with Autism and ADHD

Why Attend This Conference

Practical, research-supported tools you can use right away
  •     Improve classroom behavior
  • Increase student engagement
  •     Support emotional regulation
  • Reduce disruptive behaviors
  •     Strengthen executive functioning
  • Improve classroom communication
  • Promote sensory regulation
  • Build inclusive classrooms
  • Increase academic participation
  • Strengthen family collaboration
  • Develop effective accommodations
  • Improve IEP implementation
  • Support challenging behaviors
  • Build independence and self-advocacy
Conference Highlights

Experience a Full Day of Professional Learning

Inspiring Keynote Presentations

Hear nationally respected experts discuss the latest research and practical classroom applications.

Interactive Breakout Sessions

Participate in engaging workshops focused on real-world implementation and collaborative problem solving.

Educational Resource Expo

Explore innovative educational tools, assistive technology, curriculum resources, therapy services, and community organizations.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with educators, therapists, school leaders, and professionals from across the Southeast.


Professional Resource Toolkit

Receive downloadable classroom resources, intervention guides, planning templates, checklists, and instructional materials to continue your learning beyond the conference.


Featured Conference Topics

Autism & ADHD Foundations

  • Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Understanding ADHD
  • Neurodiversity in Education
  • Executive Functioning

Sensory Processing

  • Sensory Regulation
  • Classroom Sensory Supports
  • Movement Breaks
  • Environmental Modifications

School Collaboration

  • Effective IEP Meetings
  • 504 Plans
  • Family Engagement
  • Home-School Communication
  • Collaborative Problem Solving

Classroom Management

  • Positive Behavior Supports
  • PBIS Strategies
  • Functional Behavior Supports
  • Reinforcement Systems
  • Trauma-Informed Classrooms

Communication

  • Language Development
  • Social Communication
  • AAC Strategies
  • Classroom Collaboration

Academic Success

  • Classroom Accommodations
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Reading Interventions
  • Writing Support
  • Visual Supports

Social-Emotional Learning

  • Emotional Regulation
  • Anxiety Supports
  • Friendship Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Self-Advocacy

About Discovery Therapy Network

Discovery Therapy Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with Autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other special needs through evidence-based therapy services, educator training, parent education, and community partnerships.


Our mission is to empower educators, strengthen families, and improve educational outcomes by providing innovative professional development, clinical expertise, and practical resources that create lasting change in schools and communities.

Date and time

August 29, 2026

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location

Online via Zoom

RegistER NOW!

Registration is $69 per person. If you are registering a team, you can complete separate registrations or contact us for help coordinating.

Secure your seat now, then review the schedule to plan your day.