ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge

October 1, 2026 | 9:00-4:00

EBRPL Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.

CAAN's annual conference connecting families, providers, business leaders, and community stakeholders to advance the future of autism and neurodiversity support in the Capital Area.

2026 Registration is open now!

View 2025 Conference Recap

Save the Date.

Details Coming Soon.

The second annual State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference is coming October 1, 2026. The conference will return to the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library.

Speakers will include experts on all four pillars that contribute to the Silo Tax: Integrated Healthcare, Synchronized Education, Inclusive Housing, and Workforce Integration.

🗓️

DATE

October 1, 2026

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All Day

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Location EBRPL Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

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TBD

AGENDA

TIME

JOIN US OCTOBER 1

Registration is open now!

The 2026 State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference is October 1 at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library. Tickets are $50.

This year's programming is built around the four pillars of neurodiversity support — Integrated Healthcare, Synchronized Education, Inclusive Housing, and Workforce Integration — and will feature the release of the first State of Neurodiversity Report, a ten-year accountability audit of what has changed in the Capital Area since 2016.

Speaker announcements are coming soon.

If cost is a barrier for your family, contact us at drew.walker@caanbr.org. We'll make it work.

Interested in speaking, sponsoring, or partnering with the 2026 conference? Reach out at drew.walker@caanbr.org.

Register now!

WHY ATTEND

The State of Neurodiversity conference brings together the people and perspectives needed to move the needle on autism and neurodiversity support in Greater Baton Rouge.

One day. Community-wide impact.

2026 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The inaugural conference was made possible through the generous support of these community partners. Interested in sponsoring the 2026 conference? Click here!

LOOKING BACK

The 2025 Inaugural State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge Annual Conference

October 1, 2025

CONFERENCE RECAP

On October 1, 2025, CAAN hosted the inaugural State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference — bringing together families, service providers, business leaders, and community stakeholders for a full day of learning, connection, and advocacy. With CDC estimates indicating 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism, the need for coordinated community support has never been greater.

The conference featured an update on CAAN’s work throughout the year and preview where the organization was headed, a keynote address by Mayor-President Sid Edwards, legislative updates from State Senator Franklin Foil, and sessions spanning education, employment, healthcare, and community integration. Attendees left with new connections and a clearer picture of what it takes to build a truly inclusive Capital Area.

A landmark first year for the Capital Area.

“Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for a successful inaugural conference. The connections made in this room will shape this community for years to come.

-DREW WALKER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR