Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Autism

Featuring: Lily Wagner, Luis Columna, and Leann DaWalt

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1500 Highland Ave, Madison WI 53705
February 22, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Waisman Center

21st Annual
Click Here to Register

Event Details

When:		Saturday, February 22, 2025 \| 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where:		In Person – At the Waisman Center – Friends of the Waisman Center Auditorium Virtual – Register to obtain the Zoom webinar code
About:		Learn about the latest advances in autism research and services and hear from a panel of experts — individuals with autism and family members.
Flyer:		Click here to download the flyer
Registration:		Click here to register for the Autism Day with the Experts
Sponsors:		Friends of the Waisman Center and The Autism Society of South Central WI
Autism Resources:		Visit the Autism Hub page for information about autism-related activities at the Waisman Center

Schedule & Program

8:30-9:00 am	Coffee and Connections: If you are attending in person, please join us for Coffee & Connection prior to the start of the presentations. Representatives from the Waisman Center’s Autism & Developmental Disabilities Clinic and Autism Treatment Program, the Children’s Resource Center – South, and the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin will be available for conversation and to answer questions. Coffee and refreshments provided.
9:00-9:05 am	Welcome *Qiang Chang*, PhD, Director, Waisman Center
9:05-9:30 am	Lily Wagner, PhD Demystifying the Autism Diagnosis: What It Means and How It Happens Lily Wagner, PhD, BCBA, Director, Waisman Center Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic In this talk we will examine the process of obtaining an autism diagnosis, the implications of a diagnosis, and potential barriers at the system and family level. Time will be spent reviewing diagnostic criteria, and how that may differ from special education requirements and self-identifying as neurodivergent.
9:30-10:00 am	Luis Columna, PhD Staying Active Together: Exercise for Parents and Children with Autism Luis Columna, PhD, CAPE, Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Promotion of Health Equity and Adapted Physical Activity (PHEAPA) Lab, School of Education Exercise is important for both children with autism and their parents. In this talk, we will share fun ways to help children stay active and improve their motor skills. We will also focus on simple exercises for parents to take care of their own health. By staying active together, families can feel stronger, less stressed, and more connected. Parents will leave with easy tips to add movement into daily life for the whole family.
10:00-10:30 am	Leann DaWalt, PhD Autism into Midlife and Beyond Leann DaWalt, PhD, Director, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Senior Scientist Investigators at the Waisman Center have been conducting a longitudinal study of autistic adults and their families for more than 20 years. This presentation will share findings from that study, focusing on changes in health, well-being, and daily activities for autistic adults as they move into midlife and the beginning years of older age.
10:30-11:30 am	Nancy Alar PANEL DISCUSSION — A panel of experts that includes individuals with ASD and family members. Moderated by Nancy Alar, Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin.

Young boy with Autism