Chapter Three · Setting Up for Success

The 3rd Annual Luv Michael Conference

An Autism Friendly Community Model

Setting up for success after school — a blueprint for safe, healthy, and joyful living for autistic adults.

September 14, 2026 9 AM – 3 PM
Setting up for success Safe, healthy, and joyful living Not theory — practice Growth, not homeostasis A new beginning of possibilities An autism friendly community model Setting up for success Safe, healthy, and joyful living Not theory — practice Growth, not homeostasis A new beginning of possibilities An autism friendly community model
The Big Idea

For families raising autistic young adults, aging out of school is one of the most uncertain — and consequential — transitions of their lives. We're rethinking what comes next.

Wait lists across the country stretch a decade or more. Quality programs are rare. Fear is constant.

Chapter Three takes a fresh look at adult autism care — through a new lens, with current science, updated research, and a model that's already working. It's a blueprint families and organizations can take home, so no one has to start from zero.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, clinician, or community member, this is a space for connection, education, and empowerment — and a vision of a future where every autistic adult can live a safe, healthy, and joyful life.

Three Pillars

A day shaped by three commitments to each other.

01 — Together

We will collaborate.

Conversations on the key components of building an autism friendly model — and how to share them across organizations, regions, and families.

02 — Practice

We will empower.

Insightful talks, expert panels, and real-world case studies that give communities the tools to replicate and adapt models that work.

03 — Joy

We will celebrate.

Coming together to celebrate diversity, growth, and the transformative power of love in building resilient, compassionate communities.

The Lineup

Clinicians, researchers, founders, and self-advocates.

A series of TED Talk–style 15–20 minute talks plus a moderated panel on residential models that are actually working.

Keynote
Dr. John Gaitanis
NIH

The current state of medical evaluation and care for individuals with a diagnosis of autism.

Bench Science
Dr. Maria Kontaridis
Masonic Medical Research Institute

Molecular biology and the bench science of autism — where the research stands today.

Comorbidities
Dr. Margery Satish
Physician

The comorbidities of autism that are too often overlooked in evaluation and adult care.

Behavioral Medicine
Dr. Kimberly Reyes-Giordano
Luv Michael · Panel Moderator

Behavioral medicine in the autistic adult community.

Dentistry
Dr. David Forlano, DDS PC
Dentistry

Dentistry for autistic adults — a better approach, with real-world results.

Community Classes and Advocacy
Jackie Ceonzo
CEO & Founder, SNACK

Thirty years of community classes — and launching a city-based residential program in New York City.

Communication
Molly Sebastian
Invictus · Spellers Bakery

Supported communication and introducing communication tools to adults who have never had access to them.

Transition Case Study
Chelsea Hedquist PhD, BCBA, LABA
New England Child Center

Transition coordination and a case study to Luv Michael Homes.

Self-Advocate
David Cook
Self-Advocate

A voice from the spectrum on communication, autonomy, and what success looks like from the inside.

Additional special guests to be announced.

It's not just maintaining a body at homeostasis — we're seeing thriving, growth. For a lot of these guys, it's a new beginning of possibilities.

— From the planning conversations

Day-Of

A day designed for depth and dialogue.

Talks are concise — 15 to 20 minutes — so we can hear from a wide range of voices and leave real time for the conversation that matters.

9:00 AM
Doors & Coffee
Welcome, registration, community time
Open
9:30 AM
Opening & Keynote
Dr. John Gaetanis (NIH) — the current state of autism care
Keynote
10:30 AM
The Science & The System
Bench science, comorbidities, behavioral medicine, dentistry
Talks
12:00 PM
Lunch
Provided · networking & community
Break
1:00 PM
Voices & Communication
Invictus, Spellers Bakery, David Cook · self-advocacy & facilitated communication
Talks
2:00 PM
Models That Are Working
Moderated panel · SNACK, New England Center, Luv Michael, Santa Barbara
Panel
3:00 PM
Close
Thank you and what comes next
Wrap
Who Should Be in the Room

Built for everyone shaping what comes next.

Parents & families of autistic adults
Physicians, dentists & clinicians
Researchers & academics
Behavioral specialists
Educators & transition coordinators
Program directors & residential providers
Advocacy organizations
Elected officials & policy staff
Donors & community supporters

Be part of Chapter Three.

Setting up for success after school — a day that turns the most uncertain transition in an autistic adult's life into a blueprint for thriving.

Reserve Your Seat — $150
Mon · Sept 14, 2026 · The Muses · Southampton, NY