Conferences

PEPSA Autism Summer Institute

The PEPSA Autism Summer Institute is an annual summer workshop aimed at providing high quality professional development to a wide spectrum of professionals such as ESE and general education teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, SLPs, OTs, instructional assistants, administrators, and parents who impact the lives of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Each year, national experts and prominent regional professionals offer informative and stimulating presentations on a variety of topics of interest to individuals who desire additional information on research, innovation, and effective educational programs for students with ASD.

National Training Institute: Addressing Challenging Behavior

The annual conference, held each spring in Clearwater, Florida, provides an exceptional opportunity for teachers, early intervention specialists, trainers, child care providers, head start and early head start professionals, administrators, parents and behavior specialists to receive practical information to help with challenging behavior in their work with young children. The institute is built around the Pyramid Model framework for addressing the social and emotional development and challenging behavior of young children. In addition, the institute’s format is designed to provide cutting-edge information on challenging behavior in an in-depth, intensive learning experience. Participants have many opportunities to practice new strategies, interact with experts, and engage in lively discussions with colleagues.

Annual Children's Mental Health Research & Policy Conference

Since 1988, Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of South Florida has been a leader in promoting the expansion of the research base essential to improved service systems for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families. Our first national conference, also initiated in 1988, was on system of care research primarily to enhance the capacity of the children’s mental health field to systematically study important issues. This conference has continued each year, bringing together more than 500 researchers, evaluators, policy-makers, administrators, parents, and advocates to share dialogue about important issues such as health, education and welfare, share new knowledge, and identify challenges that remain for the field.

HIPPY Conference

The Florida HIPPY Staff Training & Development conference provides opportunities to enhance personal and professional development for the Florida HIPPY staff, coordinators, and home visitors. The trainings improve the educational and job skills for HIPPY coordinators and home visitors. In addition, the interaction between home visitors in formal and informal settings provides HIPPY staff with a supportive environment in which to share and learn from each other’s experiences. Visit the Florida HIPPY website.

Statewide CARD Conference and Pre-Conference Day

The annual CARD conference offers keynote presentations and sessions by leaders in the field of autism and related disabilities. It provides an excellent opportunity for education and information sharing. It is also a celebration of years of service and support to individuals with autism and related disabilities, their families, and professionals.

CARD-USF's Autism, Health, & Wellness Symposium

The Annual CARD-USF Autism Health & Wellness Symposium is a one day conference, hosted by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, aimed at unifying the community around Health & Wellness for individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders.