ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge
October 1, 2026 | All Day
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.
Save the Date.
Details Coming Soon.
The second annual State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference is coming October 1, 2026. Location and agenda are still being finalized — sign up below to be the first to know when registration opens and speakers are announced.
🗓️
DATE
October 1, 2026
🕑
All Day
📍
Baton Rouge, LA | Venue TBD
LOCATION
TIME
📋
AGENDA
TBD
STAY IN THE LOOP
Be the first to know when registration opens.
Speaker announcements, agenda details, sponsorship opportunities, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Add your name to our interest list and we'll reach out as soon as details are confirmed.
If you're interested in speaking, sponsoring, or partnering with the 2026 conference, note that in the form and we'll be in touch early.
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.
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, CAAN
2025 SESSIONS
Presentations & Recordings
01 Dr. Cassie Dinecola
Featured Presentation
02 Dr. Nick Fears & Dr. Eileen Haebig
Featured Presentation
03 Mayor-President Sid Edwards
Keynote Address
04 State Sen. Franklin Foil
Legislative Update
05 Pathways to Independence
Education Panel Discussion
06 Devin Jones
Featured Address
2025 CONFERENCE PHOTOS
A Community Comes Together
2025 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? We'd love to talk.
