August 13 | Parents & Autistic Self-Advocates: What We Wish Parents Knew

Hear two perspectives on raising autistic children during this free webinar featuring both parents of autistic children and autistic self-advocates in a thoughtful conversation about lived experiences, parenting, and understanding one another.

Event Details

When: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Hosted By: Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Event Details: Visit the Autistic Self Advocacy Network website for registration information.

About This Event

Parents and autistic adults each bring valuable perspectives to conversations about supporting autistic children. This two-part webinar creates space for both voices by featuring two back-to-back panel discussions that explore many of the same topics from different lived experiences.

The first panel includes parents of autistic children, including autistic parents. The second features autistic self-advocates, including autistic parents, who share their perspectives on what they wish parents knew. Together, the discussions invite participants to reflect on where experiences overlap, where viewpoints differ, and how listening to multiple perspectives can deepen understanding.

Rather than offering one "right" way to parent, the webinar encourages curiosity, thoughtful reflection, and learning from those with both lived and caregiving experience.

Accessibility Highlights

Features Families May Appreciate:

  • Free virtual event that can be attended from home

  • Opportunity to hear directly from autistic self-advocates

  • Perspectives from both parents and autistic adults

  • Focus on lived experience and respectful dialogue

  • Accessible format for families and professionals across different locations

Helpful Planning Tips:

  • Register ahead of time to receive the webinar link.

  • Bring a notebook if you'd like to capture ideas or questions for later reflection.

  • Consider attending with an open mind, recognizing that autistic experiences are diverse and individual.

  • Plan a comfortable viewing space where you can participate with minimal distractions.

Who Might Enjoy This Event?

This event may be a good fit for:

  • Parents and caregivers of autistic children

  • Autistic adults and self-advocates

  • Educators and school professionals

  • Therapists and service providers

  • Anyone interested in learning from lived experiences within the autism community

What Families May Want to Know

Before you go:

  • Registration is required.

  • The webinar is held virtually.

  • The event features two panel discussions presented back-to-back.

  • Participants may hear a variety of perspectives that reflect different personal experiences and viewpoints.

Why Families May Appreciate It

There is no single autistic experience, just as there is no single parenting experience. Opportunities to hear from both autistic adults and parents can encourage deeper understanding and thoughtful reflection while recognizing that every family and every autistic person is unique.

By bringing together multiple perspectives in one conversation, this webinar offers participants the chance to consider new ideas, build empathy, and continue learning from the disability community.

Plan Your Visit

☐ Register for the webinar
☐ Save the event link and reminder
☐ Prepare a comfortable space to attend
☐ Bring a notebook for ideas or resources
☐ Allow time afterward to reflect on what you learned

What’s on Your Calendar?

Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?

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August 14-17 | The Executive Function Online Summit (TEFOS)

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August 10-13 | Child-Led Autism Summit (Virtual)