Join the Rochester Area Autism Association in hosting parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects back on her family's journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and navigating a world not made for Cooper, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In her talk, Kate will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of…

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…