ECHO Autism Communities Symposium
For Health Professionals, Advocates, and Autistic Individuals
“The ECHO Autism Communities Symposium unites professionals and advocates globally around key concepts to ignite important conversations and take action together. Learn from leading experts as we engage in empowering ourselves and each other through knowledge, practice, and advocacy.”
– Dr. Kristin Sohl
At this free symposium event, experts and participants learn together about specific topics to enhance services, access, care, and advocacy within the autism community.
Join us virtually for this free all-day event!
April 3, 2025 8:00am - 3:30pm CT
Symposium Speakers
Dr. Kristin Sohl is a distinguished pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri. As the Founder and Executive Director of ECHO Autism Communities, she spearheads efforts to improve access to high-quality screening, evaluation, and longitudinal support for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved and rural populations. Under her leadership, ECHO Autism Communities has established partnerships with over 50 children’s hospitals and autism centers across the U.S. and 30 international locations, creating a vast network of professionals committed to enhancing autism and disability services and research.
An influential advocate for children’s health, Dr. Sohl is the Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Missouri Chapter, and chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Subcommittee within the Council on Children with Disabilities. She also serves as the Medical Director for the MU Missouri Telehealth Network and the MU Office of Continuing Education for Health Professions. Dr. Sohl earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about engaging other healthcare professionals to elevate the discourse on children’s health and well-being.
(she/her), is an autistic licensed psychologist in the state of Nebraska. She currently works for the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health, specializing in person-centered care for neurodivergent and disabled youth. Inspired by the families in her clinic who share their stories and themselves, Janet is committed to using her voice to promote inclusion, respect, and authenticity for the autistic community. She is grateful to discover her autistic identity, and she is grateful to be here, learning from and spending time with others who believe in the neurodiversity movement. Besides hanging out with her friends and her three cats, Janet can be found watching nature documentaries, making paper crafts, eating snacks, writing long lists, and looking for her headphones.
is a doctoral student in the Clinical Child Psychology Program at the University of Kansas and a profound autism sister. Her research interests center around clarifying predictors of cognitive and functional impairment in individuals with profound autism. Her clinical emphases are in diagnostics and assessment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities as well as behavior management strategies.
is a Director of Children’s Multidisciplinary Feeding Program (Atlanta, GA) and a Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. At Children’s, Dr. Sharp leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals whose mission is to enhance the overall quality of life for children and their families by providing evidenced-based, comprehensive care for children with pediatric feeding disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). His current research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative, community-viable methods of treatment delivery-based on the need to expand the availability of effective interventions both locally and nationally. He has co-authored a treatment manual for parents on this topic and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters related to multidisciplinary treatment for feeding disorders. In 2014 and 2020, he was a finalist for the Allied Healthcare Hero Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for his dedication to improving treatment and access to care for children with chronic and severe feeding concerns – winning the award in 2014.
is a first-year medical student at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Her journey into medicine was inspired by her younger brother Jack, who was diagnosed with autism at age two and would now be considered to have profound autism. Watching Jack experience challenges with communication, aggression, and self-injury growing up, she became fascinated with how research has the potential to provide solutions for people like him and to ensure that the highest quality care possible is provided. As an undergraduate at Emory University, she conducted research on pain and sensory sensitivity in adolescents with autism.
In 2023, her family founded the Profound Autism Alliance, whose mission is to improve the health and connection of individuals with profound autism through inclusive research and focused advocacy that will result in meaningful services and supports. She serves as secretary of Profound Autism Alliance and leads the Sibling Action Network, where siblings of those with profound autism can connect with each other and work together to make the world a better place for their siblings.
Jennifer DeLaporte is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has a master’s degree in special education. She taught high school in a Behavior Intervention Classroom for students with Autism in Memphis, TN before moving to Columbia, MO to work at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. While at the Thompson Center, Jennifer was the creator and program coordinator for the Accessing Career Experiences (ACE) program. A nine-month post-secondary employment program for individuals with autism and an intellectual disability.
Jennifer currently works for the Columbia Public School district as the Transition Coordinator where she oversees the various employment and work readiness programs for high school students receiving special education services. As the Transition Coordinator and BCBA Jennifer’s goal is to merge the worlds of Education, Employment, and Applied Behavior Analysis to empower and support neurodiverse individuals obtain independence, while recognizing and supporting the diverse versions of independence.
Joy is an Autistic advocate, behavior analyst, clinical director, and adjunct professor. Joy personally experienced the harms of ableism, racism, and flawed social validity related to her own intersectional identities within ABA, educational systems, and society-wide. Joy’s own experiences have shaped the fervor of her advocacy and professional efforts. She is committed to identifying and helping to eradicate ableism and racism directed towards Autistic community members in therapeutic settings and beyond. Her overall mission being to assist in ensuring Autistic community members are being comprehensively accommodated, accepted, and supported in navigating the world without compromise of their Autistic identity.
diagnosed with “Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies” and “too sick” for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonspeaking until 4, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a full-time professor at Adelphi University and adjunct at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, focusing on aligning best practice in supporting autistic people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is an internationally renowned educator, consultant, and author on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, and self-advocacy. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.
A current board member of Autism Speaks, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), Boston Higashi School, president emeritus of the Asperger/Autism Network, and advisory board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore also serves on the advisory boards of AANE, and other autism related organizations.
is a UC Presidential Postdoctoral scholar at UCR’s SEARCH Autism Center and a sister to two autistic young adults. A graduate of UCLA’s Doctoral program in Human Development & Psychology, Dr. Castellon participated in multiple multi-site federally funded research studies aimed at reducing autism disparities. During her graduate studies she also carried out independent research focused on documenting and exploring the experiences of Latine Spanish-speaking family members of autistic individuals across early childhood into early adulthood. She earned a double Bachelor’s from UCSB in Psychology and Chicana/o/x studies and a Master’s in Education from UCLA. Dr. Castellon’s research interests include family centered and culturally responsive autism intervention services, international special education, transfronterizo families of autistic individuals, bilingualism among autistic children, and cultural considerations in the transition to post-secondary for profound autistic adults.
is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine, Chief of Clinical Enterprise for Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Chief Behavior Health Officer for Franciscan Children’s Hospital. He attended Amherst College, Stanford Medical School and trained at Brown University in child psychiatry, psychiatry, and pediatrics.
Dr. Siegel built an internationally recognized continuum of care, teaching and research to address the behavioral health of youth with autism and other developmental disabilities in Maine. He founded and is the principal investigator of the Autism and Developmental Disorders Inpatient Research Collaborative (ADDIRC), and founded the first U.S. learning health network of hospital psychiatric units serving youth with developmental disabilities. His research and clinical work have focused on better understanding the phenotypic profiles and clinical needs of youth with profound autism, intense behavior and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. He has led the creation of the Autism Inpatient Collection, a data resource of over 1500 deeply phenotyped and genetically sequenced participants, heavily weighted to those with profound autism and intense behavior, available to investigators worldwide through SFARIBase. Dr. Siegel is a federally appointed member of the National Institutes of Health Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and a lead author of the practice guidelines of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for assessment and treatment of youth with autism, and youth with intellectual disability.
is a multi-dimensional creative professional with nearly 20 years of expertise spanning business development, digital marketing, educational training, and performing arts. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Lindsey spent her early childhood there, forming a lifelong connection to Japanese culture. She received her autism diagnosis at age 2 from the UCLA Department of Psychiatry. She is also a sibling to an autistic adult with high-support needs. Her commitment to disability advocacy is reflected in her service on boards and advisory panels for several national nonprofit organizations, where she actively contributes her insights and leadership. She currently serves as a member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Lindsey has been featured in Glamour, Good Morning America, NPR, and the Emmy-nominated documentary Autism in Love. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology with a minor in Photography and has completed the Partners in Policymaking Advocacy Leadership Training Program. Lindsey’s passions include traveling, photography, composing music on her 1909 Steinway piano, and spending time with dogs.
is a passionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor dually licensed in Maryland and Florida, recognized for her empathetic, client-centered approach. A Johns Hopkins University graduate, Amber has dedicated her career to serving individuals and focusing on underrepresented groups, especially LGBTQIA+, minority, and neurodivergent communities. Her own late-in-life neurodivergent diagnosis deeply shaped her commitment to mental health care, inspiring her to advocate for those who, like herself, may have faced years of misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and limited support.
As a certified clinical specialist in autism (ASDCS) and ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), Amber possesses specialized expertise in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), child-centered play therapy (CCPT), and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy. In practice, she combines extensive training with her lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, making her exceptionally attuned to the nuanced needs of her clients. Amber fosters a safe, welcoming space where every client can feel fully seen and supported, structuring her sessions with the flexibility to meet diverse needs. Committed to breaking down barriers neurodivergent individuals face in traditional mental health settings, she works tirelessly to ensure her clients feel empowered and validated, regardless of age. She works with children, adolescents, and adults in a virtual environment.
Beyond her clinical work, Amber is a strong advocate for systemic change. She actively addresses the need for accurate diagnoses of neurodivergent conditions, especially autism and ADHD, which are frequently overlooked or misunderstood in women, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ communities. With her dedication to neuro-affirming care, Amber emphasizes, “There’s nothing about us that needs to be fixed; we just need additional skills to thrive in a neurotypical world, and that’s okay.” She regularly pursues ongoing training to maintain a fresh, informed approach to her methods.
Amber’s influence extends beyond her individual sessions, as she fosters a community of understanding and respect for neurodivergent voices in many other avenues. She is increasingly active in professional forums, workshops, and symposiums, sharing insights on trauma-informed therapy, neurodivergent advocacy, and tailored care approaches. She is also in the beginning stages of her own therapy agency and is working towards becoming a published author, where she plans to provide psychoeducational resources to bridge gaps in neurodivergent understanding and foster inclusive therapeutic practices. Known for her warmth, dedication, and innovative practices, Amber Kovach is dedicated to transforming mental health care to uplift and celebrate neurodivergent voices, creating a world where everyone can thrive as they are, perfectly imperfect.
ECHO Autism Communities Symposium Agenda
April 3, 2025
Time (CT)
Activity
Presenters
8:00 – 8:15 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Kristin Sohl, MD
8:15 – 9:15 am
Integrating diverse expertise means bringing together professionals from different fields and backgrounds to work collaboratively towards a common goal. In the context of addressing intense behavior, it involves combining the knowledge, skills, and perspectives of various experts, such as psychologists, educators, social workers, therapists, parents, caregivers, etc. Join us to explore how a unified care approach can improve the quality of care and support, leading to better outcomes and a more cohesive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum with intense behaviors.
Matt Siegel, MD
9:15 – 10:15 am
This presentation explores how the principles of a Japanese garden framework can inspire approaches to enhancing the daily lives of autistic individuals. We will highlight tools, technologies, and techniques that cultivate personalized supports, fostering resilience, growth, and a vibrant quality of life for those on the autism spectrum.
Lindsey Nebeker
10:30 – 11:45am
This presentation offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from autistic clinicians about their experiences and insights. By sharing their personal and professional journeys, these clinicians will highlight the diverse abilities and strengths within the autistic community. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of autism, challenge common misconceptions, and learn practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and support. The session will emphasize the importance of seeing possibilities in all abilities and promoting self-advocacy.
Stephen Shore, Ed.D. | Joy Johnson, M.ED., M.S., BCBA, LBA, IBA | Janet Schwartz-Micheaux, PhD, LP | Amber Kovach, LMHC
11:45 – 12:45pm
This presentation will provide practical strategies for addressing behavior in both home and school environments. We will explore common behavioral challenges and introduce evidence-based approaches to address them effectively. The session will also highlight the benefits of collaboration between parents, educators, and professionals to create cohesive behavior support plans.
Jennifer DeLaporte, BCBA, LBA
BREAK 12:45 – 1:00 PM
1:00 – 2:00pm
Feeding issues are common among individuals on the autism spectrum, often leading to nutritional deficiencies and impacting overall health and well-being. This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various feeding challenges faced by autistic individuals. We will explore the underlying causes, including sensory sensitivities, behavioral factors, and medical conditions. Additionally, the presentation will offer practical strategies and interventions to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and educators.
William Sharpe, PhD
2:00 – 3:15pm
This panel discussion will delve into the often-overlooked perspectives of siblings of individuals with profound autism. Through personal stories and expert insights, we will explore the unique challenges and experiences these siblings face. Attendees will learn about the emotional, social, and practical impacts on siblings, and discover strategies to support them effectively. The session will highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing the voices of siblings, promoting a more inclusive and supportive family dynamic. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the sibling experience and to learn how to advocate for their needs within the broader context of autism support.
Amy Ursitti, Cassie Stevens, Fernanda Castellon, PhD
3:15 – 3:30pm
Closing Remarks
Kristin Sohl, MD
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Continuing Education
Successful Completion
Successful completion of this activity, which includes being paid in full, participating in the educational offering, participating in the evaluation process and completing the verification of attendance, enables the learner to satisfy the requirements for continuing education.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine, University of Missouri designates this educational activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 6.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of recognizing participation.
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 6.5 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
LPC, Social Work, Psychology, 50-minute hour CEs
The University of Missouri Continuing Education for Health Professions (CEHP) is part of an accredited university in the state of Missouri. As such, this program meets the requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists, and Social Workers with Missouri licenses. CEHP attests that this program contains 6.5 clock hours of instructional time. Licensed professionals measuring CE credit based on a 50-minute hour may claim up to 7.8 Contact Hours for full attendance at this program.
Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure
Current ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) and Midwest Multistate Division, ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation) rules state that participants in CE activities should be made aware of any relevant affiliation or financial interest in the previous 24 months that may affect the planning of an educational activity or a speaker’s presentation(s). Each planning committee member and speaker has been requested to complete a financial relationship reporting form for the ECHO Autism Communities Symposium.
Kristin Sohl, MD is a medical science collaborator for Quadrant Biosciences.
All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
No other speaker or planning committee member has a relevant financial interest.
