Tickets are on sale now! Kate Swenson is a Minnesota-based author, speaker, and advocate best known as the voice behind the widely followed platform Finding Cooper’s Voice.She began sharing her family’s story after her son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, writing with raw honesty about the joys, grief, humor, and resilience that come with special needs parenting. Kate is also the author of the memoir Forever Boy, and her work has touched millions of parents, caregivers, and educators navigating disability, motherhood, and unconditional love. Through her writing and…

The Autism Conference Sharing Knowledge • Inspiring Action April 29, 2026  Where: Illinois State University - Bone Student Center 200 N University St, Normal, IL 61761 In-person OR Virtual The 2026 Autism Conference: Sharing Knowledge, Inspiring Action, on April 29, 2026, brings together educators, families, caregivers, and professionals for a day of meaningful learning and connection. The conference features keynote speaker Kate Swenson, bestselling author and creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice, whose powerful, deeply personal storytelling bridges family lived experience and professional practice while highlighting parenting, autism, and the importance of inclusive,…

We are thrilled to share that the 2026 Care for the Caregiver Conference will be hosted in Owensboro, Kentucky, April 30–May 2 — right in the heart of Kentucky Derby weekend! There’s no better time to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of the Bluegrass State. We are so excited to partner with Puzzle Pieces to bring you this life changing event. Known as the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, Owensboro offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for this year’s event. Caregivers can: Rest. Relax. Socialize. Learn. Connect. Dance. And... Take…

Please join us at the next Caregivers Connection, Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice. Date: Wednesday September 23, 2026 Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CST Initial food and drink need to be ordered by 6:00 p.m. Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/.../30E0E4FA4AC22ABFB6... LOCATION: American Legion Post 98 328 Broadway Ave, Saint Paul Park, MN 651-459-8016 Meeting will be held in lower level of the back room area.

Join us for a day of learning and support. Our keynote speakers are Amanda DeLuca and Kate Swenson, best-selling authors and Autism parents. Other speakers include Dr. Claire Baniak, who will present a workshop on Autism and puberty, and Dr. Jenna Wallace, who will present on family dynamics and sibling relationships. Your registration covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, coffee, a full day of talks and relationship building, a goody bag, and a t-shirt. Location: The Innovation Center, 1000 Technology Drive, Fairmont, WV 26554 Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Time: 8:30…

Coop’s Troop invites you to our special Halloween celebration designed with all abilities in mind! Our Trunk or Treat event is an inclusive and sensory-friendly experience tailored for children with special needs and their families. Enjoy a safe, welcoming environment where every child can participate in the magic of trick-or-treating, free from the typical barriers that can make traditional events challenging. At our Trunk or Treat, you’ll find thoughtfully decorated trunks, each offering treats and non-food goodies suitable for children with allergies and specific dietary needs. The event will feature…

Every child deserves someone in their corner who understands. Someone equipped with both compassion and competence. Someone connected to resources and community. The Children Come First Conference equips you to be that difference-maker. While CCFC maintains its family-centered roots, we've evolved to meet the needs of the diverse professionals who make up 85% of our attendees: Social workers and case managers seeking effective coordination strategiesMental health clinicians exploring evidence-based interventionsEducators building supportive school environmentsHealthcare providers developing integrated approachesResearchers sharing emerging best practicesFamilies navigating complex systems Finding Joy in the Journey…