Stories - The Autism Law Summit

Daniel Hope, Parent, Individual with Autism

As an autistic adult, this is something that is normally very hard for me. But the Summit has really helped with that.

"I always absolutely love the Summit and have made some new friends this year! It has been very helpful to me as an autistic adult and father of an autistic son. I love the learning, interacting with others in the field, and am getting better at engaging with others. As an autistic adult, this is something that is normally very hard for me. But the Summit has really helped with that. I've especially loved the atmosphere and acceptance of people, being a place where those of us with autism can truly be ourselves and still be accepted and actually liked (rather than just tolerated)! I have come away from both feeling more accomplished, more accepted, and more capable!"

Daniel Hope, Parent, Individual with Autism

Kim Phan Wolff, BCBA, COBA

The Autism Law Summit is a professional gathering of individuals I can relate most to.

"The Autism Law Summit is a professional gathering of individuals I can relate most to. We all share a common purpose and that is to advocate. I love meeting the moms, dads, regulators, attorneys, providers... it's an intense experience yet so relax at the same time. The first time I experienced the talent show I initially thought I might have signed up for the wrong professional experience because I had not seen so much love and laughs. Most memorable experience would be doing the dirty dancing lift with Mike Wasmer at the dueling piano bar in Oklahoma after being told no. Being told no as an advocate is familiar but that doesn't stop us from slowing down!"

Kim Phan Wolff, BCBA, COBA
CEO & Director of Clinical Services
Wolff & Phan Autism Center, LLC

Wendy Mauer, Parent

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

"Thank you.

Every word
Every idea
Every advocacy
Every dream
Every law
Every push
Every tear
Every laugh
Every ONE

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I’ve never been happier to share rooms with people that had an essential have allowed my child to access ABA therapy and change the life trajectory of our world. What a bonus that, y’all know have a good time! Safe travels, I hope we all still network throughout the year as we work together to make all our dream realities. Already ready to book the 2023 Summit."

Wendy Mauer, Autism Parent

Thea Davis, BCBA, LABA

The Autism Law Summit is the event to go to.

"If you want to know the latest cutting-edge information in the world of autism politics and policy, the Autism Law Summit is the event to go to. Every year it attracts the “movers and shakers” in our industry. My favorite aspect of the Autism Law Summit is that it is also an event that many family members of individuals with autism attend. These incredible heroes are working to change the world for their loved ones through their advocacy efforts. Although I originally attended the Summits to help inform our business decisions at Autism Bridges, I find the ability to connect with other parents and family members to be the reason it is my favorite event to attend each year. You don’t want to miss it."

Thea Davis, BCBA, LABA
Accreditation Reviewer
Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ)

Amanda Kelly, BCBA-D

If I had to choose just one event each year to attend, it would be the Autism Law Summit.

"I often say, if I had to choose just one event each year to attend, it would be the Autism Law Summit. At the summit you will find people from across the globe, representing different political affiliations, who have found a great common denominator: our love for our children, their families, and the autistic community. Each year, being surrounded by so many kind-hearted souls feels like a much-needed hug."

Amanda Kelly, BCBA-D
"BehaviorBabe"

Steven Wood, MSW, BCBA, LBA-KY

This year’s Autism Law Summit was an amazing experience.

"This year’s ALS was an amazing experience. I want to thank Lorri Shealy Unumb, Judith Ursitti, Mike Wasmer, and ALL of the support staff and team that created a remarkable and unforgettable event. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better human and Advocate for children, families, and those impacted by ASD. It’s a privilege to be associated with this clan and I consider you all my homies!"

Steven Wood, MSW, BCBA, LBA-KY
VP of Compliance and Risk Management
Cultivate

Kristi Cabiao, D.O.

I can't wait to do it again this October.

"As a military spouse that frequently moves, I can feel as though I'm fighting for autism services alone. Meeting fellow parent advocates who understand the stress of calling insurance companies and legislators to fight for autism services has been a game changer. Spending a weekend with other advocates was energizing and I can't wait to do it again this October."

Kristi Cabiao, D.O.
CEO and Founder
Mission Alpha Advocacy

Amber Broadway, CMRS, CPCO

The Autism Law Summit is a gathering of the folks that I consider among the most inspirational in the country.

"The Autism Law Summit is a gathering of the folks that I consider among the most inspirational in the country and where I have developed some of my most meaningful relationships. Whether you are a parent, a provider, an attorney, regulator, congressman, or a biller, all of us are able to put our heads together to make waves in what is to come in the future for families living with a loved one with autism. We celebrate the victories, console one another in the hurting, and find opportunities to have a BLAST while we are together."

Amber Broadway, CMRS, CPCO
Comprehensive Billing Consultants

Michele Trivedi, MHA

I love the Law Summit.

"I love the Law Summit for its networking opportunities and sharing practical knowledge and strategies - there is always something new to learn that will immediately help make access and coverage better. When Indiana passed the first autism health reform law, insurers were determined to water it down or repeal it, and for the 5 years that I had to battle through administrative courts, regulators, and legislative hearings to keep the law intact, there was no play book, no Autism Speaks, no Law Summit, or other national organization to offer resources. While it was gratifying to be a trailblazer, it was lonely and the fear of failure was intense, given that failure meant that it may take many more years to make progress in autism health reform. It is great to have the Law Summit not only as a way to share knowledge and experience, but also to share the ups and downs of advocacy!"

Michele Trivedi, MHA
Manager, The Arc of Indiana's Insurance Advocacy Resource Center
JD Candidate, 2026