Autism Day with the Experts

In Person at the Waisman Center & Virtual

Learn about the latest advances in autism research and services and
hear from a panel of experts — individuals with autism and family members

Schedule & Program

8:30-9:00 a.m.          
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 a.m.          
Welcome

Qiang Chang, PhD, Director, Waisman Center

9:05-9:30 a.m.          

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 a.m.         

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 a.m.  

Autism into Midlife and Beyond

Leann Smith 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 a.m.  

PANEL DISCUSSION — A panel of experts that includes individuals with ASD and family members.

Moderated by Nancy Alar, Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin.

Please register at www.waisman.wisc.edu/event/experts-autism-2025/

Hosted by the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin and the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Sponsored by the Friends of the Waisman Center