Autism New Jersey 41st Annual Conference Will Feature Two Keynote Panels

Autism New Jersey is excited to announce 2 keynote panels at the 41st Annual Conference.

Thursday, October 19  |  Autism and Health Outcomes

How Can We Achieve Healthcare Equity for Individuals with Autism?

We welcome a panel of experts on autism-friendly practices in healthcare to open the conference on Thursday October 19th. Alec Bernstein, Ph.D., BCBA-D of Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas; Alex Friedman, MPH of Boston Medical Center; Jennifer LeComte, D.O. of Rowan Virtua Integrated Special Needs Center; and Lindsay Shea, DrPH of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute will discuss a wide range of topics focused on the current status of healthcare access for individuals with autism, the need for autism-friendly healthcare, and how to promote effective medical-behavioral collaboration to improve outcomes.

Thursday’s Keynote Sponsored by:

Friday, October 20  |  The Business of Autism

How Do We Expand Services, Maintain Quality and Ethical Behavior, and Ensure Good Outcomes?

The conference continues Friday with a Keynote Panel addressing the topic of who is funding autism treatment providers and how those providers can expand services while ensuring ethical practices and positive outcomes. John Bowblis, Ph.D, of Miami University; John McLaughlin, Ph.D. of McLaughlin Advisors; and Jamie Pagliaro, MBA of Rethink First will address the debate on private equity and other investment-backed funding within the field of autism treatment. These experts will discuss nuanced concepts of economics and health and human services, factors that impact the success or failure when bringing on investors or joining an investment-backed agency, and how we can move forward as a field increasingly focused on value-based care.

Friday’s Keynote Sponsored by:

Each Keynote Panel will be moderated and provide opportunities for audience participation. Furthermore, many of the panelists will be hosting workshops on related topics throughout the conference. Various topics in healthcare access and outcomes in the autism community will be highlighted throughout the day on Thursday. On Friday, panelists will host an open forum session and other workshops will also discuss operational, legal, and financial aspects of autism service provision.

“The challenge of accessing quality healthcare is one felt by families and individuals with autism across the state. Bringing together experts from around the country to discuss this important topic will advance our collective understanding of and motivation to promote medical-behavioral collaboration within healthcare to improve outcomes,” said Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Executive Director of Autism New Jersey.

On the decision to have a second keynote panel, Dr. Buchanan continued, “We recognize that many professionals may be struggling to understand the complexities of running a service delivery business, including the impact of different types of funding. We are pleased to bring together a panel to lead a thoughtful discussion on this hot button topic. I think both of our keynote panels are going to be informative and engaging, and I’m looking forward to being there with all of our attendees.”

This year’s program will connect you with professionals, programs, and resources!

In addition to these engaging and important topics, the 41st Annual Autism Conference, scheduled for October 19 & 20, 2023, will host more than 60 additional workshops on a wide variety of topics important to autism professionals and family members of those with autism. This two-day event will also include 100 exhibitors from across the state, countless networking opportunities, and free continuing education. Register today!