Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference

Creating a heart connection between families with a neurodiverse loved one and the global neuroscience community.

The Autism Tree Annual Neurodiversity Conference is a free, day-long event brings together leading voices in Neuroscience, Autism, and Neurodiversity for a collaborative exchange of groundbreaking research, lived experience, and innovative ideas shaping the future of the field. The conference aims to build meaningful connections between the global neuroscience community and families living with neurodiverse or autistic loved ones, bridging science with real-life experiences to create a deeper understanding and impact.

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This year’s hybrid conference will feature an inspiring lineup, including:

Distinguished Speakers

This year’s distinguished presentations include Garret Hoff, Duke Law School graduate and Director of the Autism Tree Autism Advance Program for Professional Development. His published work in the Duke Law and Technology Review examines how the U.S. tax system overlooks the economic realities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Garret’s presentation will join those of leading experts from the University of Southern California and the University of California San Diego, who will showcase cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration at the forefront of neurodiversity and innovation.

NEW! Film Screening & Panel Discussion: From Silence to Screen: “The Rescue" Film, Based on An Autistic Typer’s First Words

This session centers on The Rescue, a dramatization of a powerful poem written by Peter Tran, an autistic typer. The film tells the story: “Trapped in silence, a nonverbal young man must fight to communicate as a new therapist sees what no one else can — the subtle signs of a mind trying to break free.” The screening will be followed by a discussion featuring the creative and clinical voices behind this moving portrayal of self-expression and breakthrough communication.

NEW! Panel on Conducting Autism Research from a Stakeholder Perspective

This discussion brings together autistic researchers and autism researchers who are parents of autistic children to share their unique insights. Together, they will explore how lived experience shapes research questions, methods, and impact—highlighting the importance of inclusion and authentic collaboration in advancing autism science.

Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Jalazo, M.D.

A board-certified pediatrician, clinical geneticist, and neurodiverse parent, Dr. Jalazo will offer an inspiring keynote that bridges clinical expertise with personal experience.

The Autism Tree Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference is chaired by Alysson Muotri, Ph.D. of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.

Our 2025 Co-Chairs are Jonathan Sebat, Ph.D. and Lilia Iakoucheva, Ph.D. of the University of California San Diego, with Dr. Brian Boyd, President of the International Society for Autism Research and Director of the UNC Chapel Hill Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, serving as Moderator.

DOWNLOAD THE 2024 CONFERENCE PRINTED PROGRAM

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Conference Agenda:

A Decade of Global Impact:

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Watch our 2024 Hybrid Global Neuroscience Conference Highlights:

Special thank you to our Past Global Neurodiversity Conference Platinum Sponsors:

Special thank you to our Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference Community Partners: