2026 JFK Partners Autism Conference

Pathways to Support Sensory Regulation, Wellness, and Thriving

Fri., Oct 2, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM - 2026 JFK Partners Autism Conference
Fri., Oct 2, 2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 PM - FREE SPARK for Autism Workshop

This conference will be delivered in-person only at the CU-Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.

Keynote Presentation: The Science and Daily Expression of Sensory Integrative Processing in Autism: What Autistic Voices and Emerging Science Are Teaching Us

Keynote Speaker: Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L

Course Description: For decades, sensory differences in autism have been described using concepts such as over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and sensory seeking. While these frameworks contributed to our understanding of sensory processing, emerging research and autistic lived experience suggest that these labels do not fully explain the complexity of sensory experience, regulation, participation, and well-being.

This keynote presentation explores contemporary perspectives on sensory integrative processing in autism through the integration of sensory integration theory, sensory-movement research, neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and autistic perspectives. Participants will examine how sensory experiences are shaped not only by detection and discrimination of sensory information, but also by affective valence, neuroception, movement, attention, context, and relationships.

Drawing from recent research on sensory phenotypes, sensory-movement differences, functional brain connectivity, and sensory-affective-motor processing, this presentation will highlight the evolution of the field from categorizing sensory behaviors toward understanding the underlying processes that support safety, agency, participation, and belonging. Attendees will gain updated clinical reasoning tools for interpreting the daily expression of sensory integrative processing in autism and for supporting meaningful participation in home, school, community, and therapeutic contexts.

Main Supporting Points

• Historical and contemporary perspectives on sensory integrative processing in autism.
• Contributions of autistic voices to understanding sensory experience.
• Emerging evidence regarding sensory phenotypes, sensory-movement differences, and neural connectivity.
• The role of affective valence, neuroception, and movement in shaping sensory experiences and behavioral expression.
• Reframing sensory “seeking” and other observable behaviors as adaptive regulatory strategies.
• Implications for autism-affirming assessment, intervention, participation, and engaged belonging.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe at least three ways that contemporary research and autistic lived experience expand traditional concepts of over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and sensory seeking in autism.
• Differentiate between sensory detection, affective valence, neuroception, and motor expression when analyzing sensory experiences and behaviors in autistic individuals.
• Apply the Sensory-Affective-Motor framework to interpret at least two examples of sensory-related behaviors as adaptive regulatory responses rather than solely as sensory processing symptoms.
• Identify at least three emerging findings from current research on sensory phenotypes, sensory-movement differences, or neural connectivity that contribute to understanding heterogeneity within autism.
• Develop one clinical reasoning strategy that supports participation, agency, and engaged belonging through an autism-affirming understanding of sensory integrative processing.

Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L, is an internationally recognized occupational therapist, author, educator, and thought leader with more than 40 years of experience advancing pediatric therapy. As Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Developmental FX in Denver, Colorado, she specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals and is the creator of the internationally recognized SpIRiT, S.T.E.P.P.S.I., and FX MAX Clinical Reasoning Frameworks. Tracy is a sought-after international speaker, hosts the Spirited Conversations Podcast, and serves in leadership and advisory roles with the Polyvagal Institute, ICDL, Unyte, LLC, and the National Fragile X Foundation.

8:00-8:30 AM - Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30-10:10 AM - Welcome and Keynote Presentation

10:10-10:25 AM - Break

10:25 AM-12:00 PM - Lightning Talks: Insights for Thriving (Speakers to be announced)

12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch (provided)

1:00-2:00 PM - Q&A Panel Discussion

2:00-2:30 PM - Break

2:30-3:45 PM - FREE workshop from SPARK for Autism: What’s New (and What Matters) in Health Right Now

• Introduction of SPARK for Autism and Overview of 10-Year Accomplishments
• Medical Advances in Health Panel

4:00 PM - Closing

Audience: This conference is intended primarily for clinicians, school personnel, and community providers. Parents and individuals with autism and/or other developmental disabilities are also welcome to attend. 

Registration: Your registration fee includes: 

• Access to nationally recognized speakers from Colorado through Q&A
• Lunch provided
• Contact hour certificate, by completing evaluation
• Networking opportunities & reuniting with friends/colleagues

Fees and Deadlines

• Professionals: $110
• Parents, Self-Advocates or Students*: $80

(*Students must email proof of current student/fellow status from their program)

Registration Deadline: Mon., Sept 21, 2026

Accommodations may be requested by contacting the conference coordinator (JFK.Partners@cuanschutz.edu). Requests are due no later than 9/10/26. 

Location and Parking: The conference will take place at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Education 2 South Building, 13121 E. 17th Ave., 1st Floor Auditorium, Aurora, CO. Those registered will receive additional parking and location instructions.

Cancellation Policy: The registration fee is non-refundable; substitutions are allowed. JFK Partners reserves the right to modify the agenda or cancel the conference in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, or if minimum acceptable registration is not attained by Sept 20, 2026, with a full refund to participants. There are no refunds for missed attendance or delays due to participant technical issues, connectivity or other problems.

Questions? Contact JFK.Partners@cuanschutz.edu.