Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) is pleased to host the Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries

View Our 2026 Miniseries

April 2, 2026: AAC in Action: Lived Experiences and Professional Insights for Autism Acceptance Month

This session offers valuable, real-world insights for families and professionals on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The session features: 

  • Introduction to the fundamentals of AAC
  • A parent who will share their family’s personal journey with AAC
  • Q&A between the parent and the speech-language pathologists 

April 9, 2026: Autism Medical FAQ: What Parents Ask and What Doctors Think

Navigating medical care after an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families and clinicians. Appointments are short, information is complex, and many of the most important questions don´t always get asked or answered. 

In this candid, conversation-style webinar, a pediatric neurologist and a parent of a child with autism come together to ask each other the questions that matter most. Drawing from lived experience and medical expertise, they explore how families can better understand diagnoses, co-occurring medical conditions, treatment decisions and the realities of navigating a complex healthcare system.

April 16, 2026: A Neurodiversity-affirming Framework for Behavioral Supports

Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Cross will provide an overview of a neurodiversity-affirming approach to understanding and supporting behaviors that interfere with an individual's quality of life, such as tantrums and aggression.  She will also address parents' frequently asked questions about accessing and using behavioral supports.

April 23, 2026: Practical Measures for Managing Elopement and Wandering

Elopement and wandering are high level safety concerns for many families of autistic individuals. This presentation will aim to identify and address some precursors/triggers, prevention strategies, and action plans for management.  This includes safety skills, behavior planning, community involvement, and other resources designed to keep individuals safe.

Autism Acceptance Month Miniseries Archive