The Autism Plan of Georgia envisions a future where all children with autism and related disorders have access to high-quality, family-centered, comprehensive, and coordinated services and supports. This ambitious plan strives to create a seamless system of care—one that begins with early identification and continues with appropriate interventions, community inclusion, and lifelong support. The Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD), housed within the School of Public Health at Georgia State University, was awarded the Georgia Autism Planning Grant to turn this vision into reality.
Through this grant, the CLD collaborated with the Autism Advisory Council to develop a robust framework aimed at enhancing autism-related services throughout the state. One of the cornerstone initiatives that emerged from this collaboration is the annual Autism Conference and Expo of Georgia. This event not only highlights current research and best practices but also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of families, self-advocates, and professionals alike.
This year’s conference, set for May 28, will delve into the theme, “Cultural Perspectives Leading to Impactful Practices.” This theme underscores the importance of cultural influences in shaping how autism is understood and supported, especially by the systems and professionals delivering services in Georgia. By exploring cultural diversity in practice and perception, the conference aims to challenge assumptions and enhance inclusive approaches to care.
The original vision for the Autism Conference and Expo was brought to life by Daniel Crimmins, Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Health. Today, the event continues under the leadership of Brian Barger, a Research Associate Professor at Georgia State University’s Center for Leadership in Disability. Since 2021, Barger has led the conference with unwavering dedication, supported by the Georgia Department of Public Health and key members of the Autism Plan for Georgia core team.
“It is meaningful to participate in The Autism Conference and Exposition each year,” Barger said. “ACE is a reminder of the many talented and dedicated families who work to ensure their family members and friends with autism have the best and most opportunities possible. It is also a persistent reminder that the mission of universities to wrestle with ‘truth’ has real-world implications. Having a space to transparently vet ideas turned into products, programs and policies alongside the families for whom they are intended is a rare opportunity for experts to experience the fruit of their theories as applied with their neighbors.”
In 2013, the Autism Plan of Georgia set forth a mission to raise awareness, promote research, and advocate for comprehensive care for individuals with autism. At that time, many families in Georgia faced limited access to evaluations, interventions, and culturally appropriate services. These gaps were often more severe in rural areas and among communities with fewer resources. Over time, the initiative has evolved to address not just access but also quality, cultural relevance, and coordinated care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data collected in 2014 revealed that 1 in 59 children in the United States was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 8. Fast forward to 2025, that number is projected to rise to approximately 1 in 34 children. This sharp increase underscores the urgency of understanding the underlying causes of autism and the need for expanded services and support. It also points to the growing demand for autism support in Georgia, as families seek timely diagnosis, effective interventions, and informed advocacy.
Despite growing public awareness, many families still encounter delays in identification. These delays can be linked to multiple systemic and personal barriers. Translational challenges often occur across individual, familial, and institutional levels. For example, language barriers can prevent families from accessing materials or understanding recommendations, while geographic disparities create additional difficulties for those in rural areas. Cultural beliefs and stigma also play a significant role in whether and how families seek services.
In addition, disparities in identifying autism in females and children from culturally diverse backgrounds persist. Professionals often miss or misinterpret the signs of autism in these groups, leading to later diagnoses and fewer opportunities for early intervention. Understanding these barriers is critical to advancing equitable care for all.
Another less-discussed challenge is the complexity of interdisciplinary collaboration. Experts from different fields—psychology, education, social work, public health—must learn to translate their best practices into effective, community-based services. This year’s Autism Conference and Expo uniquely tackles this issue by focusing on the various cultural contexts that shape autism identification and service delivery.
One of the most exciting elements of this year’s conference is its inclusion of non-traditional experts. These are individuals whose lived experiences and cultural perspectives provide invaluable insight when paired with professional knowledge. The conference will showcase collaborative efforts between linguists and health professionals, sociologists and family members, and methodologists and clinicians working directly with individuals with autism. These partnerships are designed to foster deeper understanding and more holistic solutions.
Over the years, the Autism Conference and Expo has grown into a central hub for information exchange and community building. It unites families, individuals with autism, service providers, educators, researchers, and advocates from across the state. The goal is not only to share strategies but also to inspire collaboration, drive systemic change, and uplift the voices of those most affected.
By offering an inclusive platform, the conference encourages authentic conversations about policy, practice, and lived experience. It connects those who have traditionally worked in silos and offers a chance to think collectively about the future of autism services in Georgia.
“The Autism Conference and Exposition produced through the partnership with the Centers for Leadership in Disabilities (CLD) is essential to the Department of Public Health (DPH) community engagement work in expanding early identification and access to services for young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder,” said Synita Griswell, MPH, Senior Program Manager for Autism Access and Innovation, Department of Public Health. “By providing committed families and stakeholders alike the space and opportunity to discuss enriching solutions with meaningful insight at ACE, DPH can support informed policy decisions and implement targeted interventions that improve outcomes for Georgia’s children and families.”
As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, events like the Autism Conference and Expo remain critical to fostering understanding and encouraging innovation. The partnerships and insights developed through this annual event reflect Georgia’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, effective, and culturally responsive services for all individuals with autism and their families.
To learn more or register for the conference, visit http://cld.gsu.edu/autism-conference.
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