Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | UC Davis MIND Institute

2025 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities            

Summer Institute

About the Conference

Join us for the 2025 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Conference!

We invite you to attend our annual Summer Institute on July 25, 2025, a one-day conference. This event is ideal for professionals, researchers, individuals with disabilities, family members, disability advocates, policymakers, community members, and students/trainees.

Bridging Science and Real Lives: Research, Practice, and Advocacy in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

  • Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
  • Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
  • Highlights of the Conference

    Keynote on Cutting-Edge Research
    Hear UC Davis MIND Institute experts share research findings, including intervention approaches for fragile X syndrome, intervention for ADHD, and insights into how environmental factors shape neurodevelopmental outcomes.

    Autism-Focused Panel
    This panel of autistic individuals and family members will talk about their strategies that help them feel meaningfully included in all parts of their lives.

    Interactive Workshops
    Workshops cover vital topics for developmental disabilities: enhancing Down syndrome communication, mastering autism evidence-based practices, empowering caregivers with MIND Institute resources, planning inclusive lives, advancing fragile X treatments, and boosting ADHD executive skills. Gain practical tools and cutting-edge insights.

  • Keynote Speakers

    Advancing Neurodevelopmental Science: Research Updates on ADHD, Fragile X Syndrome, and Environmental Influences

    Randi Hagerman, M.D., Rebecca Schmidt, Ph.D., and Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D., present significant advancements in neurodevelopmental science, focusing on ADHD, fragile X syndrome, and environmental influences. The keynote highlights innovative research findings, including novel treatment approaches for fragile X syndrome, improved interventions for ADHD, and insights into how environmental factors shape neurodevelopmental outcomes, offering new pathways for support and intervention.

  • Panel

    Voices of Autism: Driving Powerful Participation

    This panel, featuring autistic individuals and family members, explores strategies to enhance the inclusion and empowerment of autistic individuals as active team members. It identifies key approaches to foster meaningful participation, emphasizing collaborative practices and strengths-based engagement to ensure autistic voices are valued and integrated in decision-making processes.

  • Workshop Summaries

    Workshop 1: Communication in Down Syndrome: Building Bridges Between Lived Experience, Research and Practice

    This workshop, led by Angela John Thurman, Ph.D., explores the stages of early language development in individuals with Down syndrome. It outlines key milestones and signs of progress in each stage, equipping attendees with tools to monitor and support communication development effectively.

    Workshop 2: Uniting For Impact: Implementing Evidence-Based Practices for Autism and the Power of Interagency Collaboration

    Join CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training and Information Network) members Kristi Baysinger, Rebecca Rahn, Mary Rettinhouse, and Danielle Wells for a dynamic session on implementing Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) to support individuals with autism. Discover effective strategies and learn how interagency collaboration drives coordinated, scalable solutions to improve outcomes.

    Workshop 3: Empowering Families: MIND Institute Resources and Strategies for Partnering with Caregivers

    Maribel Hernandez, Benita Shaw, and Robin Stewart share practical strategies to support caregivers navigating the service delivery system. The workshop highlights MIND Institute resources designed to empower families, fostering effective partnerships and informed advocacy.

    Workshop 4: Planning for a Full Life: From Birth to Gray with Inclusivity and Belonging in Mind

    Stephanie Coleman and Kristin Wright from the Sacramento County Office of Education, discuss how prioritizing inclusion and accessibility enhances support for students with disabilities across all life stages. The session identifies key outcomes demonstrating the impact of inclusive practices on long-term belonging and success.

    Workshop 5: Fragile X Spectrum Conditions and Advances in Treatment

    Randi Hagerman, M.D., explores cutting-edge treatments for fragile X spectrum conditions, highlighting therapeutic approaches. This workshop delves into recent research advances to enhance quality of life and functional outcomes for individuals with fragile X syndrome.

    Workshop 6: ADHD and Executive Function Strategies to Help Youth Excel

    Led by Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D., Catrina Calub, Ph.D., and  Seung-hyun Park, this workshop examines techniques to help youth with ADHD develop and apply executive functioning skills. It focuses on practical strategies for success in school and beyond, tailored to their unique needs.

  • Register Here

    Summer Institute Registration

    Registration for the conference is now open! Take advantage of our early registration offer. Get 10% off paid registrations if you register before June 1!  All other registrations, please register by July 14.

    • Alta Regional Center clients can apply to attend using their annual conference event funding
    • $150 – Parents/caregivers/family members, individuals with disabilities, students
    • $160 – UC Davis employee
    • $200 – Professionals 
    • 4 Continuing Education credits will be available for an additional fee 

    Your registration will include a continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, as well as an electronic agenda and event resources.

  • California Psychological Association
    California Psychological Association

    This event is approved for 4 professional CPA credit hours.

    The UC Davis MIND Institute is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. The UC Davis MIND Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) recognizes CPA continuing education credits for license renewal for LCSWs and MFTs. 

  • ACE Provider

    This event is approved for 4 professional BACB credit hours.

    The UC Davis MIND Institute is an approved ACE provider for Learning Credits for Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts.

  • location
    Location

    Scottish Rite Masonic Center

    6151 H Street
    Sacramento, CA 95819