A Celebration of Autism Advocacy, Research, and Connection

The 11^th Annual Autism Conference & Expo (ACE) event was a success, uniting a community of self-advocates, caregivers, service providers, and interdisciplinary academic teams. The day featured discussions, knowledge sharing, and storytelling, highlighting the significance of autism research and support. The annual event is a collaboration between the Center for Leadership in Disability and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Nasra Mirreh Delivers Opening Keynote at Autism Conference & Expo.

The event opened with an inspiring keynote from Nasra Mirreh, MSW, a former LEND trainee whose work and lived experience set a powerful tone for the day. Her words were a heartfelt reminder of the strength and transformation that can happen when communities and professionals collaborate.

As one attendee shared, “This event was more than just a conference; it was a meaningful space to explore autism research, share resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and collaborate on initiatives that are shaping the future of autism care.”

A significant highlight of the day was the screening of Navigating Autism in Communities of Color, a compelling documentary by Dr. Jennifer Singh. Attendees were invited to reflect on the systemic challenges and lived experiences explored in the film.

The day also featured poster presentations by students from the Marcus Autism Center, Emory Autism Center, and Georgia State University, highlighting innovative research and community-focused approaches.

“I first attended ACE in 2018 and felt unsure if I belonged, not knowing many people at GSU. But that changed when a professor sat next to me, said, “Hey, this is really cool, you look like me,” (referring to our brown hair, glasses, and brown skin) and invited me to sit with her for lunch,” said Karen Guerra, MD, CCC-SLP, Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist at the Marcus Autism Center. “We bonded over our shared passion for autism advocacy in Georgia. Since then, I’ve presented in both English and Spanish and built lasting friendships. For me, ACE means connections, collaboration, and community.”

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the numerous sponsors and exhibitors whose generous support significantly contributed to the success of ACE 2025. Their commitment to autism awareness and inclusion was apparent throughout the event, from engaging exhibit tables to resource sharing and hands-on demonstrations. Their participation greatly enhanced the experience for attendees and fostered meaningful connections within Georgia’s autism and disability communities.

Thank you to everyone involved in making ACE 2025 a meaningful and memorable experience. Together, we continue to promote conversations around autism, inclusion, and community-led solutions.