Advancing
Autism
Awareness Forum
April 4–5, 2026 | Boston, USA
Autism Research & Clinical Care · Patient & Family Perspectives · Arts, Documentary & Talent Showcase
Bridging
Autism Science
& Community
Welcome to the International Autism Forum. We bring together clinicians, researchers, educators, families, and community partners committed to advancing understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Held during Autism Awareness Month, this forum provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration — featuring clinical lectures, interdisciplinary discussions, documentary screenings, and an art exhibition.
Your
Path In
This forum is designed for clinicians and researchers, patients and families, and the broader autism community — with programming tailored to each audience across two full days.
Keynote lectures, neurobiological research, gene therapy, cognitive assessment, and evidence-based intervention from Harvard-affiliated clinician-scientists.
Explore Track →Parent-child case presentations, caregiver strategies, financial planning for special-needs families, neurodiversity in education, and lived-experience voices.
Explore Track →Three documentary film screenings, an art exhibition running throughout both days, and a talent showcase celebrating the unique abilities of autistic individuals.
Explore Track →Expert
Presentations
Program Highlights
Opening keynote on decades of autism research, clinical challenges across the lifespan, and pathways for precision science and strength-based futures.
A framework for moving beyond accommodation toward cognitive optimization, drawing on executive function research and neuroplasticity.
A compelling case presentation on discovering and nurturing talent in an autistic young man who has achieved a mathematics master’s degree.
Three short documentary films exploring autism through the lens of mathematics, art, and adventure — each followed by a brief Q&A with the director.
News &
Updates
The forum is this weekend — April 4 & 5, 2026 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. On-site registration opens at 8:00 AM both days.
Day 2 features four parent-child duo case presentations, moderated by Debra May, PhD and Jun Liu, MD, PhD — a unique and deeply personal format.
An art exhibition will run throughout both days, alongside three documentary film screenings on the afternoon of April 4.
Confirmed: A speaker dinner reception for speakers and organizers will be held the evening of April 4, hosted by Dr. June Kong and Dr. Jason Li.
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Past
Conferences
Each year our forum grows in reach and impact. The 2026 Boston Forum brings together the Harvard-affiliated medical community with international partners across medicine, education, family advocacy, and the arts.
2026
A Global
Forum in the
Heart of Medicine
Boston is the world’s most concentrated hub of medical research and academic excellence. The 2026 Forum is hosted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with participants from the Harvard-affiliated medical community and international partners from around the world.
The forum advances a global platform committed to bridging autism science and community — connecting research, clinical care, education, and the arts under one roof.
- US International Education Alliance
- SparkSeed Academy
- Franklin Foundation
- EA Education & Silk Road Center
- Autistic Artistry Foundation
- Xue-Jun (June) Kong, MD
- Walid Yassin, DMSc, MMSc
Join the
Movement
Be part of the 2026 Boston Forum on April 4–5. Clinicians, researchers, educators, families, and advocates — your presence matters. Light breakfast and lunch provided both days.
Secure Your Place
Official registration is handled through the advancingautism.com portal. On-site registration opens at 8:00 AM on April 4.
Official Registration → Visit WebsiteQuestions? [email protected]