April 4th and 5th, 2019
Younes Conference Center, Kearney NE
Thursday Morning Keynote
Brenda Smith Myles

Brenda Smith Myles Ph.D., is president of AAPC Publishing – a small niche company that publishes books on autism spectrum disorder. Formerly, a consultant with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) and the Ziggurat Group as well as a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas, Brenda is the recipient of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award, the Princeton Fellowship Award, The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome (GRASP) Divine Neurotypical Award, American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion, and two-time recipient of the Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Developmental Disabilities Burton Blatt Humanitarian Award.

Brenda has made over 1000 presentations all over the world and written more than 250 articles and books on ASD. In addition, she served as the co-chair of the National ASD Teacher Standards Committee; was on the National Institute of Mental Health’s Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s Strategic Planning Consortium; and collaborated with the National Professional Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, National Autism Center, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who identified evidenced based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and served as Project Director for the Texas Autism Resource Guide for Teachers (TARGET).
Thursday Evening Keynote
David Finch

Dave Finch is a New York  Times  best-selling author, consultant, and public speaker who has appeared on NPR, SiriusXM, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN, and other media outlets. Dave is an autism consultant for Sony Pictures Television and currently consults on the Netflix series Atypical. He is host of EETimes On Air, an original podcast series exploring the human impact of technology, and is Head of Studio at AspenCore, the world's largest electronics industry Media group in the world. 
Friday Morning Keynote
Anthony Ianni

At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what.

And he is. Despite bullies, adversity and numerous personal challenges Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology he is the first known athlete with autism to play Big 10 basketball. Anthony played for legendary coach Tom Izzo while at MSU. He won two Big Ten Championships, a Big Ten Tournament Title, was the recipient of the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On Award and the 2012 Unsung Player Award, and was also a member of the 2010 Final Four team.

As a speaker, Anthony has been nominated for and won a number of awards for his work. In 2013, he was a finalist for the Detroit Pistons Game Changer award and won the 2014 Epling Agent of Change Award. He was one of Autism Speaks’ “10 Individuals who Inspired in 2014,” and named to the CBS News national list of “Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum.” Anthony has pledged his life and career to help those who face similar challenges. He has been invited to tell his story and share his message across the country and has inspired countless individuals to be “Relentless” and achieve their goals and dreams. 
New this Year: General Educator Strand

This year's conference will feature a strand for General Education Teachers and School Guidance Counselors. Additional strands include Early Childhood, Behavior, Transition/Adulthood, Parent/Family, and Communication and Social Supports (Including Circle of Friends).
Hotel Accommodations
Mention ASD Conference for the Group Rate
Group Rates $99.95 regular room or $139.95 suites
Detailed Schedule:
A detailed schedule will be emailed to all conference attendees prior to the conference. 

Guidebook App:
A conference app will be available to all attendees. The app will contain conference session handouts as an alternative to printed materials. Information on downloading the app will be sent out in early March.  

Printed Conference Materials Book:
If you would like a printed version of the conference handouts one can be purchased for $10 at the time of registration. 
CEUs
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
The ASD Network conference will provide an opportunity for those who attend to earn continuing education credits through a variety of licensing boards. To facilitate this, a certificate of attendance will be given upon completion of the conference enabling each person to share this information with their professional organization. We will offer ASHA CEUs for this conference.
Conference Registration Grants for Family Members and Individuals on the spectrum are available through the Autism Society of Nebraska. For more information please visit their website: www.autismnebraska.org *Conference grants are for Early Bird registration costs ONLY*
Conference Co-Sponsors
NE ASD Network | 314 Barkley Memorial Center Lincoln NE 68583-0738 | Website