SFASA 2026 Annual Autism Conference

Make a plan for what comes next.

Practical information for families, caregivers, advocates, and professionals on health, housing, services, employment, and planning for the future.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. PDT
Where: Crowne Plaza Foster City
In person and virtual

Schedule at a glance

8:00 a.m.
Registration, continental breakfast & resource fairHotel lobby and foyer
9:00 a.m.
WelcomeBallroom
9:15 a.m.
Keynote: State of the Safety NetChristine Bagley, California Department of Developmental Services
10:00 a.m.
Panel: A Conversation with Bay Area Regional Center LeadershipMonica Cosio Martinez, Sean Galvin, and Rebecca Nanyonjo
10:45 a.m.
Resource fairHall and foyer
11:00 a.m.
Sit-down lunch & resource fairTwo seatings, 11:00 and 11:45. Your ticket color shows your seating.
12:30 p.m.
Breakout Round 1Choose one of four sessions
1:30 p.m.
Breakout Round 2Choose one of four sessions
2:30 p.m.
Breakout Round 3Choose one of four sessions
3:30 p.m.
Breakout Round 4Choose one of four sessions
4:15 p.m.
Conference ends

Four rooms, four tracks

Each afternoon round offers one session in each room, and each room keeps the same theme all afternoon. Stay with one track or move between them.

Alexandria Stanford Medicine & UCSF
Balboa Legal & Financial Planning
Columbus Self-Determination, Caregiving & Technology
Drake Housing, Employment & Public Benefits

Morning keynote and panel

9:15 a.m. | Keynote

State of the Safety Net

Christine BagleySafety Net Branch Chief, Statewide Clinical Services, California Department of Developmental Services

Many families in this room have needed, or will need, California's developmental services "safety net": crisis and intensive supports for people with the most complex needs. Christine Bagley explains what the safety net includes, who it serves, how it has changed, and the programs within it, from START and mobile crisis services to specialized and crisis homes. She also covers how to access these services, whether you need an advocate or an attorney, and what to do, and not do, when your family needs help.

See full description

Many families in this room have needed, or will need, California's developmental services "safety net": crisis and intensive supports for people with the most complex needs. Christine Bagley explains what the safety net continuum includes, who it serves, and how it has changed, with an overview of programs such as START, CAST, mobile crisis services, STAR homes, community crisis homes, enhanced behavioral support homes, specialized residential facilities, and behavioral and crisis respite. She covers how to access these services, whether you need an advocate or an attorney, what to do and what not to do, and why a team approach with a plan A and a plan B matters.

About the speaker

Christine Bagley

Christine Bagley serves as the Safety Net Branch Chief within the Statewide Clinical Services Division of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). She has more than 20 years of experience working alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, service providers, and system partners. Christine has been with DDS since 2016, providing leadership and guidance focused on improving services and supports for Californians with I/DD.

Her work has a strong focus on service integration, system navigation, and cross-system collaboration, particularly for individuals with complex needs who may interact with developmental services, behavioral health, education, child welfare, justice, and other systems. She previously served as DDS's Children and Youth System of Care Specialist, supporting communities throughout California in strengthening coordinated systems of care.

Christine also brings direct-service experience in early intervention, classrooms, and community-based programs across the lifespan. She is fluent in American Sign Language and has worked extensively to support the strengths, needs, and cultural considerations of individuals within the I/DD and Deaf+ communities.

10:00 a.m. | Panel

A Conversation with Bay Area Regional Center Leadership

Monica Cosio MartinezAssociate Director of Federal & Consumer Services, San Andreas Regional Center
Sean GalvinDirector, Community Services Department, Golden Gate Regional Center
Rebecca NanyonjoExecutive Director, Regional Center of the East Bay

Leaders from three Bay Area regional centers discuss what families should know now about future care, housing, behavioral supports, coordination with the Self-Determination Program, Medicaid funding, and employment.

About the speakers

Monica Cosio Martinez

Monica Cosio Martinez serves as the Associate Director of Federal & Consumer Services at San Andreas Regional Center (SARC), where she supports the agency's work serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In her leadership role, Monica brings extensive experience within California's developmental services system, with a focus on consumer services, federal programs, health and safety, and quality oversight. She works collaboratively with SARC leadership, staff, service providers, and community partners to help ensure individuals receive responsive, person-centered services and supports. Monica brings valuable knowledge of the Regional Center system and a strong commitment to the individuals and families SARC serves.

Sean Galvin

Sean is the Director of the Community Services Department at GGRC. He began working in the developmental disability service delivery system in 1999, and has extensive experience in regional center services, community resource development, employment services, housing development, and provider engagement. At GGRC, Sean previously served as Manager of the Community Services Unit and Interim Community Services Director, leading systemwide initiatives related to service development, policy implementation, and compliance.

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Breakout Round 1

Choose one session.

AlexandriaStanford Medicine & UCSF

Neuromodulation (TMS, tDCS, DBS, TNS)

John P. Hegarty II, PhDClinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
James McCracken, MDMoghadam Family Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Deputy Vice Chair of Research, UCSF

Session description coming soon.

About the speakers

John P. Hegarty II, PhD

Dr. Hegarty has a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Missouri and completed postdoctoral training in the Autism and Developmental Disorders Research Program at Stanford University. His research focuses on the development of biomarkers for precision medicine and testing of new interventions in clinical trials for autism and other developmental disabilities. In addition to his autism research, he also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Chair the Autistic Researchers Committee for the International Society for Autism Research, and is a parent of an autistic child.

James McCracken, MD

Dr. McCracken specializes in the safe and effective use of medications for the treatment of a variety of child psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, OCD, and tic disorders. Dr. McCracken previously served as the Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the UCLA NPI-Semel Institute for 30 years before joining UCSF. Dr. McCracken received his medical and postgraduate training at Baylor College of Medicine, Duke University, and UCLA before joining the faculty at UCLA in 1987. He is the recipient of several honors and awards, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Young Psychiatrist Research Award. He has published more than 150 papers in the area of child psychiatry and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. Dr. McCracken holds memberships in various local, national, and international professional organizations, including the APA, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology, and the Society for Neuroscience. He has been listed in both the Best Doctors in America and America’s Top Doctors databases.

BalboaLegal & Financial Planning

Keeping the Lanterman Promise: Deinstitutionalization, Landmark Cases and Why Advocacy Still Matters

Stephen W. Dale, Esq., LL.M.Attorney and Counselor at Law
Teresa AndersonExecutive Director, CA Policy Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Tony AndersonAssociate Director of the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA)

About the speakers

Stephen W. Dale, Esq., LL.M.

Stephen W. Dale received his JD from Armstrong Law School and his LL.M. in Taxation from Golden Gate University in 2001. The Dale Law Firm was established in 1992 in order to provide quality estate planning to clients by working cooperatively with the clients’ tax, financial and insurance professionals.

Teresa Anderson

Teresa Anderson has over 30 years serving, supporting, and advocating for and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career as a direct support professional in day programs, residential settings, as well as job coaching. Thereafter, in the early 90’s she worked as a program specialist in a non-public school supporting the transition of students out of the Sonoma Developmental Center as part of the Coffelt lawsuit. Prior to coming to CPCIDD Teresa was the Public Policy Director for The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration where she worked to advance the human and civil rights of people with IDD. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, a Master’s Degree in Public Health with an emphasis on Health Advocacy for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and a Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Law School in Sacramento. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and especially loves beating her husband in golf.

Tony Anderson

Tony Anderson is the Associate Director of the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) responsible for organizational leadership and strategic partnerships, community engagement in policymaking, and policy advocacy. Throughout his 39-year career he has served as an executive director for 25 years, a lobbyist for 16 years, and an advocate and community organizer for 12 years. Tony has a deep appreciation for the value and importance of each perspective in this disability community and how all roles contribute to the quality of life and the human rights of people with disabilities. Mr. Anderson began his developmental services career in 1987 as a direct support professional and a regional center case manager. After receiving his master's degree, he became the Executive Director of a non-profit community service provider serving 120 people with developmental disabilities. He worked in the leadership for the Napa County Department of Health and Human Services, and was appointed by Governor Gray Davis, to serve the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. In 2003 he became the Executive Director and principal lobbyist for The Arc California where he served on numerous state and national boards and commissions and was the national President for the executive directors of the association. In 2017 he became the Executive Director of Valley Mountain Regional Center serving 20,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families in Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties and left in 2024 to become the Associate Director and lobbyist for ARCA. Mr. Anderson received his college degrees from Sonoma State University, completed his graduate practicum at Stanford University, post graduate executive leadership from the University of Southern California, and lives in the Sacramento area with his family.

ColumbusSelf-Determination, Caregiving & Technology

Understanding SDP: Is It Right for Your Family?

Ken ParekhCo-Chair, Golden Gate Regional Center's Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee

Joined by Janika Jaramillo, Participant Choice Specialist; Brenda Bachechi, SDLAC member and community advocate/provider; Irene Litherland, RCEB SDLAC member; and Sascha Bittner, SDLAC member and self-advocate.

About the speaker

Ken Parekh

Ken Parekh is a parent advocate and Co-Chair of the Golden Gate Regional Center's Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee, where he works to advance choice, autonomy, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities participating in California's Self-Determination Program.

As the parent of two sons on the autism spectrum, Ken brings an important lived-experience perspective to his advocacy and has become an active voice within the Self-Determination community. He also serves in advisory roles with the Stanford Autism Center and Stanford's neurodiversity initiatives, helping bring family and community perspectives to research, advocacy, and systems change.

Professionally, Ken is an engineer, innovation consultant, executive advisor, and founder of NeuroVantageAI. He has more than 25 years of experience developing leaders and high-performing teams. Ken brings together his professional expertise and personal experience as a parent to advocate for systems that give neurodivergent individuals greater choice, opportunity, and control over their own lives.

DrakeHousing, Employment & Public Benefits

Belonging and Housing: Viable Paths in Your Own Community

Lisa ZuegelFounder, Constellation Community Living; Communications Coordinator, Housing Choices Coalition
Gia PhamSenior Communications Coordinator, Housing Choices

Track facilitator: Ryan Berman, Director of Disability Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and SFASA board member.

About the speakers

Lisa Zuegel

Lisa Zuegel is the founder of Constellation Community Living and a passionate advocate for inclusive housing and community opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the parent of an adult son with autism, Lisa brings both lived experience and extensive leadership expertise to her work. She is dedicated to advancing housing models that prioritize choice, meaningful relationships, community connection, and a true sense of belonging for adults with disabilities.

Gia Pham

Gia Pham is the Senior Communications Coordinator at Housing Choices, a nonprofit founded by parent advocates to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) find and maintain affordable housing. Her work focuses on expanding safe, inclusive housing options that support greater independence, stability, and community connection for people with IDD. She also works directly with individuals and families to amplify their voices and advocate for more disability-inclusive housing in local communities.

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. Breakout Round 2

Choose one session.

AlexandriaStanford Medicine & UCSF

Listen to Your Gut: Recognizing and Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autistic Children & Young Adults

Vivien Nguyen, MDAssociate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF & Pediatric Gastroenterologist, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

Gastrointestinal problems affect nearly half of people with autism, and in children and young adults who are non- or minimally speaking they often show up as behavior: irritability, aggression, self-injury, poor sleep, or refusing food. Dr. Nguyen explains why GI symptoms are so common in autism, how to spot red flags, and what evaluation and treatment look like when adapted to sensory and behavioral needs. The goal is to help families find treatable problems that, once addressed, can meaningfully improve comfort, behavior, and quality of life.

See full description

Gastrointestinal problems are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, occurring in nearly half – substantially more than in neurotypical peers. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, reflux, and feeding disorders are the most frequent concerns, often beginning in childhood and persisting into adulthood. For children and young adults with moderate-to-high support needs, especially those who are non- or minimally-speaking, GI discomfort may manifest as irritability, aggression or self injury, sleep disruption, or feeding refusal. Recognizing "behavior-as-communication" is essential to timely diagnosis and management. This talk reviews what parents should know about why GI symptoms are so common in autism, how to recognize red flags, and what evidence-based evaluation and treatment, adapted thoughtfully to sensory and behavioral needs, might look like. We will discuss practical approaches to constipation, feeding problems and associated nutritional deficiencies, overweight and obesity, while also touching on what is known about the underlying microbiota-gut-brain axis. My hope is to help families to identify treatable problems that, once addressed, can meaningfully improve comfort, behavior, and quality of life.

About the speaker

Vivien Nguyen, MD

Dr. Vivien Nguyen is a pediatric gastroenterologist who cares for patients with aerodigestive disorders (conditions involving the respiratory system and upper digestive tract), intestinal failure (when the gut can't absorb the water and nutrients needed by the body) and disorders of gut-brain interaction (conditions related to the nervous system and marked by chronic digestive symptoms). In research, Nguyen is involved in clinical trials to evaluate promising new treatments for intestinal disorders, including sucrase deficiency (lack of an enzyme that breaks down certain sugars) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She is active in ImproveCareNow, a collaborative network that includes doctors, researchers and parents working to improve care for children with IBD.

Nguyen earned her medical degree at the University of California, San Diego. She completed a residency in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (an affiliate of UCSF), where she served as chief resident. She completed a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

BalboaLegal & Financial Planning

Best Practices in Using ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts

Ellen Cookman, Esq.Principal of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, California
Thomas MartinExecutive Director, California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE)

Special needs trusts and CalABLE accounts both let a person with a disability hold savings without losing benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal, but they work very differently. Estate planning attorney Ellen Cookman and CalABLE Executive Director Thomas Martin compare who can use each, how much can go in, how they're taxed, who controls the money, and what happens to it later, and explain how families can use the two together.

About the speakers

Ellen Cookman, Esq.

Ellen Cookman is the principal of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, California. She is passionate

about helping families of all shapes and sizes plan for the future and utilize available

resources. Ellen is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law from the

California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She received her J.D. from UC Berkeley

School of Law and her LL.M. in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate from Golden Gate

University. Ellen lives in East Palo Alto with her husband, two middle school boys (her older

son has high functioning autism), a husky mix named Rosie and a kitty named Skittles.

Please check out Ellen's very popular YouTube channel on special needs planning.

Thomas Martin

Thomas Martin was sworn in as Executive Director of the California Achieving a Better Life

Experience (CalABLE) program in April 2024. Thomas has been diagnosed with autism

spectrum disorder (ASD) and is the proud father of two children diagnosed with ASD and

other developmental disabilities. As Executive Director of CalABLE, Thomas is focused on

supporting personal and financial independence in the disability community. Prior to joining

CalABLE, Thomas supported the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) for more

than a decade. Among other roles, Thomas served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary and

Chief of Future Operations and Planning for the state's eight Veterans Homes, which provide

long term care for up to 2,300 former servicemembers. Thomas has also held several

appointments in the Office of the Governor. He holds a master's degree in government with

honors from California State University, Sacramento, and a bachelor's degree in political

science and history from the University of California, San Diego.

ColumbusSelf-Determination, Caregiving & Technology

“Life Is Like a Roll of Toilet Paper”: Legacy Planning for Families of People with Disabilities

Trudy GrableParent Advocate and Person-Centered Planning Trainer

Legacy planning doesn't have to be grim. Trudy Grable helps parents get the story only they carry out of their heads and onto paper: who their loved one is, what must never go wrong, and who could tell their story if they couldn't. Participants practice person-centered planning tools, including balancing what is important to a person with what is important for them, and start a one-page profile to take home.

About the speaker

Trudy Grable

Trudy Grable is a longtime parent advocate, educator, and leader in California's developmental disabilities community with decades of experience helping individuals and families create meaningful, person-centered lives.

Trudy spent 30 years with Parents Helping Parents, supporting and educating families of individuals with disabilities, and continues to volunteer with its parent support community. She is a trained Person Centered Thinking and Planning Trainer and has presented throughout California on person-centered practices, Self-Determination, inclusion, supported living, and planning for adulthood. Trudy also brings extensive provider experience, having led a supported living agency for 14 years.

Most importantly, Trudy brings the perspective of a parent. Her adult daughter is autistic and lives with supported living services, giving Trudy a deeply personal understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and decisions families face throughout the lifespan.

Trudy's work is grounded in the belief that individuals with disabilities should be at the center of decisions about their own lives, with supports built around their strengths, preferences, relationships, and goals.

DrakeHousing, Employment & Public Benefits

Work with Purpose: Exploring Employment Opportunities at The Social Connection

Sara Trail, M.Ed.Career Pathway Navigator, Connected Employment

About the speaker

Sara Trail, M.Ed.

Sara Trail, M.Ed. is a dedicated educator, advocate, and leader committed to expanding opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and adults with developmental disabilities. She currently serves as a Career Pathway Navigator with Connected Employment, where she helps individuals and their support networks navigate employment opportunities, career pathways, job readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Sara brings extensive experience supporting neurodivergent individuals across education, employment, housing, and community-based settings. Her work emphasizes person-centered planning and helping individuals identify their strengths, build practical skills, and pursue meaningful opportunities for greater independence and community participation.

Sara earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a Master of Education from Harvard University. Throughout her career, she has combined her background in education with a strong commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and creating pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their personal, educational, and employment goals.

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Breakout Round 3

Choose one session.

AlexandriaStanford Medicine & UCSF

Sleep Disturbances in Autism: From Characterization to Treatment

Christina Chick, PhDInstructor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
Antonio Y. Hardan, MDProfessor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine

Sleep problems affect an estimated 50-80% of autistic individuals, from trouble falling asleep to frequent night waking and irregular schedules, and they can worsen daytime behavior and strain the whole family. This session reviews what drives these problems, including circadian rhythm differences, co-occurring conditions, and environment. It then weighs the evidence for treatment, from recommended first-line behavioral approaches like sleep hygiene, parent training, and bedtime routines to medication.

See full description

Sleep disturbances are among the most common and impactful comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting an estimated 50-80% of this population. Common presentations include difficulties with sleep onset, frequent night awakenings, reduced total sleep duration, and irregular sleep-wake patterns. These disturbances not only impair quality of life for individuals with ASD but also exacerbate core symptoms, contribute to daytime behavioral challenges, and place significant strain on families and caregivers. This presentation will review the current evidence base for the assessment and management of sleep problems in individuals with ASD. We will begin by examining the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors, including circadian rhythm dysregulation, comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions, and environmental influences. The review will also evaluate the evidence for both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Behavioral approaches – including sleep hygiene education, parent training, and structured bedtime routines – will be discussed as recommended first-line strategies. We will critically appraise the current scientific evidence on sleep physiology and disturbances as well available treatment approaches.

About the speakers

Christina Chick, PhD

Dr. Chick is passionate about understanding the factors that contribute to psychiatric disorders, with the goal of improving treatments and helping people live up to their full potential. She received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University in 2016 and is currently an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Chick teaches two Introductory Seminars at Stanford. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist and sees a limited number of clients in private practice. She is fascinated by the study of human behavior and feels privileged to work with her colleagues and clients. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, biking, and theater.

Antonio Y. Hardan, MD

Dr. Antonio Y. Hardan is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. He is the director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division and the Autism and Developmental Disorders Clinic at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Dr. Hardan has more than 20 years of experience assessing and treating children and adults with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Hardan’s research expertise is in the neurobiology of ASD and the development of innovative treatment for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. He served as a principal investigator on numerous projects examining the efficacy of a wide range of interventions in developmental disorders. He’s also developed two new instruments, which are the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale and the Dimensional Assessment of Restricted/Repetitive behaviors. Finally, Dr. Hardan has published more than 130 journal articles and has co-authored several book chapters in the field of developmental disorders and ASD.

BalboaLegal & Financial Planning

Advanced Estate Planning: Multigenerational Special Needs Planning

Mark Gilfix, Esq.Attorney, Gilfix & La Poll Associates
Michael Gilfix, Esq.Attorney, Gilfix & La Poll Associates

About the speakers

Mark Gilfix, Esq.

Mark Gilfix is an award-winning estate planner and author who has positively impacted thousands of families and individuals as an estate planning and legal advisor. He currently practices in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Special Needs Planning. A Palo Alto native, Mark graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Management Science and Engineering. He later attended Loyola Law School’s evening program, working full-time while earning his law degree.

Michael Gilfix, Esq.

Michael Gilfix is a nationally known authority in the field of law, aging and estate planning. A 1973 graduate of Stanford Law School, he is a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a co-founder of NAELA, and a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Mr. Gilfix regularly addresses professional audiences, including attorneys, physicians, certified public accountants, and financial planners, nationally as well as locally.

An entrepreneur in the legal field, Mr. Gilfix created the first legal aid program for elders in 1973. He served as Executive Director of that program, Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) of Santa Clara County, for ten years. In 1983 he created the law firm that is today known as Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP.

Mr. Gilfix has been a principal speaker for numerous trust and tax symposia at the national level, including the Center for Judicial Education, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) the New York University Tax Institute, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

Mr. Gilfix is a California legal advisor to Partnership For Caring, the national organization devoted to the rights of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions.

ColumbusSelf-Determination, Caregiving & Technology

State of Autism Tech: What's Real? What's Coming? And How to Find It.

Dan FeshbachFounder, Multiple; autism tech entrepreneur

About the speaker

Dan Feshbach

Dan Feshbach is a longtime autism advocate, social entrepreneur, and father of an adult son with autism whose family's journey inspired much of his work in the autism community.

Dan is the founder of Multiple, a nonprofit innovation platform and accelerator dedicated to advancing technologies and solutions that can improve the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. He previously co-founded TeachTown, an educational technology company providing curriculum and learning solutions for students with autism and other developmental disabilities, and was also a co-founder of Oak Hill School of California, which serves students with autism and other developmental differences.

For more than two decades, Dan has worked at the intersection of autism, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and family advocacy. His work has focused on identifying unmet needs within the autism community and bringing together families, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and funders to develop and expand practical solutions.

Most importantly, Dan brings the perspective of a parent. His experiences supporting his son have shaped his commitment to ensuring that innovation moves quickly enough to meet the real-world needs of autistic individuals and their families.

DrakeHousing, Employment & Public Benefits

Transitioning After High School: Day Programs & Alternative Pathways

Dana HooperExecutive Director, Life Services Alternatives (LSA)
Nicole KimExecutive Director, College of Adaptive Arts

About the speakers

Dana Hooper

Dana Hooper has been the Executive Director of Life Services Alternatives (LSA) for the past 16 years, but his journey started many years ago when his son Brent was diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability. Over the years, he has become involved in many areas of the IDD world. He became a leader in our community, working with government and nonprofits such as Branch Services (Board), Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Board), the State Department of Developmental Services and the San Andreas Regional Center (Past Board President), where his son, Brent, is a client in Supported Living. It also led him to his leadership role at LSA, where he can make a difference every day in the lives of the individuals LSA serves.

Nicole Kim

Nicole Kim is the Executive Director of the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), where she is leading one of the nation's most innovative models of post-secondary education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Blending more than 25 years of executive leadership in the technology sector with a passion for inclusive education, Nicole has guided CAA through a period of transformational growth, expanding enrollment, strengthening operations, launching new student services, and building strategic partnerships with community colleges and public agencies. Under her leadership, CAA is redefining lifelong learning by creating meaningful pathways to education, employment, leadership, and community participation. A Forbes Nonprofit Council member and an emerging thought leader in inclusive higher education and disability inclusion, Nicole is committed to changing the conversation from services to opportunity. Her work demonstrates that when people are given access to high expectations and the right support, they become contributors, leaders, and lifelong learners who strengthen the entire community.

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Breakout Round 4

Choose one session.

AlexandriaStanford Medicine & UCSF

Medical and Psychiatric Considerations for Transitional Age and Aging Autistic Adults

Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, MDClinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University
James McCracken, MDMoghadam Family Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Deputy Vice Chair of Research, UCSF

Autistic people face distinct health care challenges when moving from pediatric to adult care, and again as they age. This session covers key medical and psychiatric considerations across the lifespan, including co-occurring conditions, diagnostic overshadowing, and mental health, with special focus on reducing medication burden through deprescribing. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for individualized care planning at these life stages.

See full description

Autistic individuals face unique healthcare challenges during the transition from pediatric to adult care and as they age into later adulthood. This presentation will address key medical and psychiatric considerations – including co-occurring conditions, diagnostic overshadowing, and mental health comorbidities – that impact care across the lifespan. Special focus will be given to polypharmacy and the role of deprescribing in reducing medication burden and improving quality of life for aging autistic adults. Attendees will gain practical strategies for individualized, patient-centered care planning at these critical life stages.

About the speakers

Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, MD

Dr. Thuc-Quyen (Quyen) Nguyen is a Bay Area native and practicing child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences who specializes in seeing neurodiverse patients in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic as well as the Adult Neurodiversity Clinic. She completed her psychiatry training in Boston (Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) and at Stanford.

James McCracken, MD

BalboaLegal & Financial Planning

Taking Care of Our Loved Ones After I Am Gone: Navigating the Maze of Special Needs Financial Planning

Ken Prodger, CFP®, ChSNC®Special Needs Planning Group
Scott Gill, CFP®, ChSNC®Special Needs Planning Group

A practical walk-through of life care planning for families of a loved one with a disability: setting a vision for living arrangements, education, work, and medical care; identifying financial resources; choosing trustees, successor trustees, and trust protectors; writing a letter of intent; and keeping the plan current year to year.

About the speakers

Ken Prodger, CFP®, ChSNC®

Ken provides comprehensive holistic financial advice regarding special needs trusts, life care planning, letters of intent, and how to obtain and preserve need based government benefits. Ken has a son with special needs and is an active board member of Parents Helping Parents (PHP), a non-profit for special needs families and parents. He is a native Californian and received his Master's Degree from the University of San Francisco.

Scott Gill, CFP®, ChSNC®

Scott Gill, CFP®, ChSNC®, is a financial professional with the Special Needs Planning Group, where he helps individuals and families develop thoughtful financial strategies for the future. As a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and Chartered Special Needs Consultant®, Scott has particular expertise in the complex financial planning needs of families who have loved ones with disabilities. His work includes helping families understand special needs planning, public benefits, long-term financial security, and strategies for protecting a loved one's quality of life well into the future. Scott is a frequent presenter on special needs financial planning and brings a compassionate, practical approach to helping families navigate some of their most important financial decisions.

ColumbusSelf-Determination, Caregiving & Technology

Advanced SDP (Self-Determination Program)

Ken ParekhCo-Chair, Golden Gate Regional Center's Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee

Joined by Virginia Hom, RCEB SDLAC; Joanna Kent, SARC SDLAC; and Angelina Demetry, SDP Participant Choice Specialist.

About the speaker

Ken Parekh

DrakeHousing, Employment & Public Benefits

Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs: Concentration on Public Benefits

Genevieve CornishFinancial Advisor, Pettinelli Financial Partners
Michael BeloffFounding Partner, Wealth Advisor, Belvedere Wealth Partners

An overview of the government benefits that matter most to families of people with disabilities, including SSI, Medi-Cal, SNAP, housing assistance, SSDI and Childhood Disability Benefits, and Medicare, with current 2026 figures and how income, savings, work, and living arrangements affect eligibility.

About the speakers

Genevieve Cornish

As a Financial Advisor, Genevieve Cornish brings a notable career in financial services and entrepreneurship to Pettinelli Financial Partners. Specializing in serving the special needs community, her comprehensive blend of professional skills and personal experience makes her a valued team member. She is an advocate for families navigating the complex environment of government benefits and financial tools, and helps connect families to additional professionals who can help secure the financial future of their loved one with special needs.

Michael Beloff

Michael Beloff is the Founding Partner and Wealth Advisor at Belvedere Wealth Partners and has more than 20 years of experience in financial services. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®), Michael specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complex financial considerations associated with caring for a loved one with disabilities.

Inspired by his son with autism, Michael has developed particular expertise in special needs planning, government benefits, long-term financial planning, and strategies designed to protect and enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities. He is a frequent speaker on special needs planning and has presented for organizations including the Autism Society of America, National Autism Association, U.S. Autism Association, Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress, and COPAA. He has also appeared on CNN and has been featured in financial-industry publications.

Michael is a graduate of SUNY Albany and Columbia Law School and is actively involved in organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including serving as Treasurer and a board member of Abilis and on the advisory boards of the U.S. Autism Association and International Neurodiversity Resource Center.