Breaking Barriers: The First Annual U.S. Autism Show, A Preview: By Michelle Zeman

 


Above is a woman with medium-length brown hair, glasses, pale skin, and a green shirt. The background of the photo is black.

Today, I am writing to you from my living room with some exciting news to share. On April 6, 2025, I am scheduled to present at the inaugural US Autism Show in Oahu, Hawaii. The conference is hosted by Spire Autism & Da Vinci NCR Services LLC. The event aims to celebrate and support the Autism community in the USA, with its primary audience being the Autism community and clinicians. Neurodivergent Board Certified Behavior Analysts, like myself, will speak.

 

What inspired me to get involved in the event was recording an episode of Safe Space, the ABA Podcast with Daniel Zimmerman of Da Vinci NCR Services, LLC, about assent-based programming (to listen to the episode, click here). Before recording, he told me about how they would host the US Autism Show in 2024; however, it was moved to April 2025 because they wanted to coincide the event with Autism Acceptance Month. He created the event as a way to celebrate the Autism community and to provide resources for families and clinicians. This is the first-ever event, and I hope they’ll continue to hold it.

 

Representation like this is essential, especially with Autism Acceptance Month. As a young child, I was told that I wouldn't go anywhere in my lifetime. I was told I wouldn't pass high school and might as well be in an institution. However, my mom was not willing to take that. Autism was not going to be a limitation. Regardless of what I did in my life, I was determined to make it far.

 

The event will occur at the Hilton Waikiki Hotel in Oahu on April 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hawaii Time. A virtual option is available if you can’t make it to Hawaii. If you’d like to purchase a ticket, whether in person or virtually, click here

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