Members of the Spectrum Transition Coaching team attended the 9th College Autism Summit in Pittsburgh, PA at the beginning of November. The annual multi-day event, hosted by the College Autism Network (CAN), provides time and space for members of the autism community – autistic individuals, students, college program staff, researchers, advocates, clinicians, service providers, employers and others – to learn, share, and network. This year’s theme, “The Bridges that Connect Us” captured what makes this community so special: the connections we build between research, practice, and lived experience.
By the Numbers
This year’s Summit included 47 breakout sessions, 25 posters presented, over 20 exhibitors, two featured speakers, and multiple student and employer panels. There was overwhelming interest in attending, with more than 375 attendees (more than half were first time attendees), the largest group yet! Three members of the Spectrum Transition Coaching team, Beth Felsen, Lindsay Hill, and Katie McDermott used this Summit as an opportunity to meet for the first time! Despite working together for the past few years, this was the first time they met in person, proof that online connections can turn into meaningful real life collaborations!
Key Presentations
Team member, Katie McDermott, has been a consultant researcher on the College Autism Network PEACES Project and presented on the past four years of the project. Students’ definitions of success in college were discussed as well as suggestions for students, college staff, researchers, and others connected to higher education. The FAST Facts information sheets produced by the College Autism Network are a great resource for learning more about what autistic college students are saying about their college experiences.
Ms. Amy Gravino, M.A., C.A.S., presented, “Sexuality and the Spectrum: Lessons on Sex, Dating, and Love, Autism Style.” Ms. Gravino spoke about her lived experience with love, heartbreak, and relationships as an autistic individual navigating college dating. Her message emphasized the importance of including sexuality education, as “we are teaching people how to live life….and the best way to help (autistic individuals) stay safe is to empower them.” Ms. Gravino presented the Adult Autism and Sexuality Kit (AASK) as a model for preparation for healthy relationships, consent, and personal safety. Ms. Gravino ended with other resources including: OAR Sex Ed for Self-Advocates, teachingsexualhealth.ca, and dating apps: Aspie Singles, Hiki, and Uneepi.
Geographic Connections
The Summit served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections with colleagues. This year, dedicated time and spaces were provided to foster networking within our geographic regions. Through these interactions, we explored regional events, initiatives, and professional development opportunities, while also collaborating to build a shared vision for addressing the pressing challenges we face. The Summit also featured the Program Leaders’ Collaborative, an afternoon pre-conference session for campus autism and neurodiversity program leaders. The event focused on emerging trends, collaborative problem-solving, and networking among professionals nationwide. Participants had the opportunity to share insights, explore best practices, and build connections that will strengthen support for neurodiverse students across campuses.
Looking Forward
As we wrapped up this year’s conference, we left with renewed commitment, deeper understanding, and the shared belief that our learning never stops. Closing remarks were offered by Jessica Benham, the State Representative for Pennsylvania House District 36. As an openly autistic member of the House, she compared her experience of being a woman in a male dominated space to that of an autistic person in a neurotypical world. The approaches are the same, we must keep moving forward.
Together, we’ll continue to grow so we can support our autistic students with the skill, compassion, and the latest research in mind. As we expand our knowledge and refine our practices, our focus remains clear—empowering our autistic students to shine in every space they enter.
Helpful Resources by CAN
This database of Autism-Specific College Support Programs (ASPs) & Independent Autism Support Programs (IASPs) helps families see which programs are available. Sort by region to see which programs might be a good fit for your autistic student.
Explore a curated list of resources for autistic teens and their families. Curated by an autistic student as part of her internship with CAN.