Nicholas Bennett is a decorated Canadian Paralympic swimmer who made history at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Competing in the SB14 classification for athletes with intellectual impairments, Bennett claimed gold in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke, marking Team Canada’s first gold medal of the Games. The victory at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre was Bennett’s second medal of the competition, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.  

As an autistic athlete, Bennett is an inspiring figure, demonstrating excellence in swimming while breaking barriers and highlighting the capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities on the world stage. He is coached by his sister, Haley Osborne.

• 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST (doors open 12:00pm MST)
• 2:30pm - 4:00pm EST (doors open 2:00pm EST)

Jessica McCabe an author and creator of the YouTube channel How to ADHD, the most popular ADHD channel on YouTube. Her educational videos are fun, relatable, and based on current research, consultations with mental health professionals, and her personal experiences. Her content has helped hundreds of thousands of people accept and understand their unique brains and live better, more fulfilled lives. Jessica is also a public speaker and has inspired ADHD and neurodiversity advocacy around the world with a Ted Talk that's been seen over 13 million times on Facebook and 6 million times on TED.com. Jessica's debut book, How To ADHD, An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain (Not Against It) released in January 2024 and landed on the New York Times and USA Today best sellers list. 

Noah Britton is a psychology professor who's been working directly with people on the autism spectrum since 2005 as a researcher, camp counselor, life coach, consultant, and respite worker. He is a member of the first comedy troupe composed of people with Asperger Syndrome, Asperger's Are Us, and plays music in his spare time.

• 5:30pm - 7:00pm MST (Doors open 5:00pm MST)
• 7:30pm - 9:00pm EST (Doors open 7:00pm EST)

Dr. Jenny Mai Phan is the Assistant Director of Community Engagement at the Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions and a Research Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University.

An autistic, multiply neurodivergent researcher, Dr. Phan focuses on autism and co-occurring mental health conditions in adolescents, with a special interest in how biopsychosocial factors affect early and delayed puberty and the role of sexual health education in autistic teens’ mental health and well-being. Her lived experiences as an Asian American woman, wife, mother, and advocate deeply inform her work and commitment to intersectionality. 

• 5:30pm - 7:00pm MST (Doors open 5:00pm MST)
• 7:30pm - 9:00pm EST (Doors open 7:00pm EST)

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with Robert Lamont, a New York-based musician and educator, and Brooke Leifso, a local Disabled/Crip performance producer and access consultant. This session will explore the intersection of neurodivergence, queerness, and professional creativity, focusing on how these identities shape their work in the arts and education. Through their stories and insights, Robert and Brooke will address overcoming challenges, finding community, and leveraging unique strengths. Whether you're seeking inspiration, advice, or a better understanding of neurodiversity, this conversation offers a meaningful perspective on thriving at the crossroads of identity and art.

• 5:30pm - 7:00pm MST (Doors open 5:00pm MST)
• 7:30pm - 9:00pm EST (Doors open 7:00pm EST)

Photo credit for Brooke Leifso: Irasema Fernández