For Families, Health Professionals, Advocates and State Leaders
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a series of webinars on autism in September and October on Zoom on Thursday evenings. Presenters will include professionals, clinicians, researchers, self-advocates, and subject matter experts in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), offering diverse perspectives on diagnosis, interventions, supports, and lived experience.
The goal is to educate families and the larger community, including medical professionals and state leaders, on how a family obtains a potential diagnosis, steps to take after an autism diagnosis, and the variety of interventions and supports that exist.
We will educate families and stakeholders on the different models that exist, including TEACCH, The Play Project, DIR/Floortime, the Early Start Denver Model, ABA, and others. We will also hear from autistic individuals and families of children and adults with autism.
Webinar Topics and Registration
Join us for one webinar or the complete three-part series. Together, these sessions will help families and professionals better understand available autism supports while giving policymakers a clearer view of the service systems, access barriers, and community resources that affect people with autism and their families.
Part 1 - Autism: Obtaining a Diagnosis and Next Steps
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Register here
Speakers
- Dr. Brendan Crow: Family Physician, I/DD Consult Clinic, MAHEC
- Dr. Nicole Dreiling: Clinical Director, Raleigh TEACCH Center; Clinical Associate Professor, UNC Department of Psychiatry
- Kim Tizzard: Director of Family Supports, Autism Society of North Carolina
- Morgan Parlier: Director of Family Support Services, Carolina Institute for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Gavin Colquitt, Ph.D.: Executive Director, Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness; Professor, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University
- Eliza Lewis: MSW Candidate and NCCDD Advocate
Part 2 - Introduction to Autism Models of Interventions and Supports (Session A)
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Register here
Speakers
- Dr. Richard (Rick) Solomon: Dr. Solomon is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician with more than 25 years of experience supporting young children with autism. He founded The PLAY Project, an early‑intervention model that trains professionals and parents to use play‑based, relationship‑focused strategies to support developmental growth.
- Dr. Suzanne Goh: Dr. Goh is a pediatric behavioral neurologist and co‑founder of Cortica. She developed a whole‑child approach to autism care that integrates medical treatment with behavioral, communication, and cognitive supports tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.
- Dr. Daniel Liles: Dr. Daniel Liles is the Clinical Director of the UNC TEACCH Autism Program – Greenville Clinic and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in counselor development and supervision, and has supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism for more than 20 years. As a native of eastern North Carolina, he takes great pride in serving families in his home region.
- Janet Price-Ferrell: Janet Price-Ferrell is the Executive Director of FIRSTwnc, where she leads programs that promote early intervention, family support, supported living, and micro‑enterprise development for individuals with disabilities. As a parent of a son with disabilities, she combines personal experience with strong advocacy and leadership.
- Perspectives of Autistic Individuals and Family Members: Autistic individuals and family members will share personal experiences and reflections about navigating autism diagnosis, interventions, and daily life.
Part 3 - Introduction to Autism Models of Interventions and Supports (Session B)
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Register here