Heroes For Autism Summit

Heroes for Autism Summit – February 13, 2026

A transformative experience for educators, parents, caregivers & professionals
Hosted by the Freddie Ford Family Foundation – St. Louis, MO

Are you ready to expand your impact, strengthen your skills, and gain powerful new tools to support autistic children and teens?

Join us for the Heroes for Autism Summit, a one-day, high-energy learning experience bringing together leading experts, hands-on strategies, and a community of people who care deeply about making a difference and understanding autism.

This is more than a conference—

•  It’s a movement toward inclusion.
•  A day of empowerment and real-world learning.
• A gathering of heroes committed to supporting every child’s potential.

Use promo code EARLY-BIRD at checkout.
(Limited time only—secure your discounted seat now!)

1. Learn from Top Autism Professionals

Hear from experts in behavioral consulting, dyslexia advocacy, autism-inclusive education, sensory strategies, and more. Participants will receive immediately applicable insights for the classroom, home, and therapy settings.

2. Practical Strategies for Real-Life Challenges

Walk away with proven strategies you can use the very next day, including:

• Managing behaviors with confidence
• Building inclusive lesson plans
• Supporting executive functioning
• Improving collaboration around IEPs
• Creating sensory-friendly environments
• Strengthening peer relationships & social skills

3. Connect With a Community That Understands 

Network with educators, parents, clinicians, caregivers, students, and service providers—all united in supporting neurodiverse children with dignity and love.    

4. Vendor Expo Featuring Resources & Tools

Discover new programs, services, and supports available in the region. The expo is open all day for browsing, networking, and resource gathering.

✔ Access to keynote + all sessions
✔ Morning refreshments
✔ Vendor expo
✔ Light lunch

✔ Printed materials and digital resources
✔ Networking with professionals & community partners
✔ Certificate of participation

8:15 – 9:00 AM – Registration, Refreshments & Vendor Expo
9:00–9:10 AM – Welcome Remarks
9:10–9:40 AM – Keynote: Lyla Novakowski of We Rock the Spectrum Gym in Fenton
9:45–10:35 AM – Autism Perspectives Panel
10:35–11:05 AM – Decoding Dyslexia & IEP Myths
11:05–11:25 AM – Networking Break
11:25–12:05 PM – Engaging Students & Behavior Support
12:10–1:00 PM – The Collaborative IEP Team
1:10–2:00 PM – Managing Classroom Behavior & De-escalation
2:00–2:30 PM – Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces
2:30–3:00 PM – Supporting Social Skills & Peer Connections
3:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Call to Action

We are pursuing accreditation through DESE and other certification providers. Updates will be sent to all registrants.

If you are a…

• Teacher or paraprofessional
• Parent or caregiver
• Social worker or counselor
• BCBA, RBT, or ABA professional
• Speech or occupational therapist
• School administrator
• University student or faculty member
• Autism service provider

…this summit was designed for you.

Every child deserves to be understood, included, and supported.
Every professional deserves the tools to help them thrive.
And every caregiver deserves a community that strengthens their journey.

Join us on February 13th for a day that elevates your practice, deepens your understanding, and strengthens your commitment to serving autistic children and teens.

Don’t forget to use code EARLY-BIRD for $10 off your ticket.

✔ Student rates available
✔ Vendor and sponsorship opportunities open
✔ Group registrations encouraged