We’re excited to welcome an incredible group of featured presenters to the 8th Annual Richard L. Simpson Conference on Autism, taking place October 15–16, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas!
This year’s theme, Trauma-Informed Practices for Students and Youth with Autism, will be woven throughout the conference, highlighting compassionate, student-centered approaches that promote connection, communication, safety, resilience, autonomy, and meaningful participation.
Meet our Featured Presenters:
Dr. Claire Egan, PhD, BCBA
Dr. Claire Egan serves as Director of School Projects with FTF Behavioral Consulting, where she oversees the implementation and training of school staff in Practical Functional Assessment (PFA), Skill-Based Treatment (SBT), Universal Protocols, and other approaches designed to reduce severe behavior in students.
With extensive experience in special education, behavior analysis, and educational psychology, Dr. Egan has worked with schools and professionals internationally. She has presented her research at local and international conferences and has published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and The Psychological Record.
Claire continues to focus on building the capacity of school teams to provide high-quality, compassionate, and student-centered solutions to severe problem behavior.
Annette Wragge, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Annette Wragge is the State Coordinator for the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Network, funded by the Nebraska Department of Education. She provides consultation and training to families and school teams supporting students with autism, with a focus on addressing mild to severe problem behavior through compassionate, trauma-informed practices.
Annette has advanced Train-the-Trainer preparation in Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment, Balance Training for Emerging Problem Behaviors, and the Universal Protocol for Prevention of Problem Behaviors.
Her work emphasizes a comprehensive, skill-based approach to establishing rapport and teaching communication, resilience, persistence, and adaptability to increase access to inclusive environments at school, at home, and in the community.
Armando Bernal, BCBA
Armando Bernal is a neurodivergent Board Certified Behavior Analyst who provides behavioral and developmental support to individuals across the lifespan. In addition to direct clinical services, Armando provides autism consultation, parent and therapist training, professional mentorship for BCBAs and behavior technicians, and speaking engagements for organizations and companies nationwide.
Armando has collaborated with Vanderbilt University and SUNY Empire State University on initiatives focused on increasing self-advocacy, autonomy, and independence for autistic individuals.
He is also the founder of Autism International Consulting, PLLC, a self-advocacy-centered organization in Houston, Texas, providing in-home and clinic-based ABA services, international consultation, and individualized support for autistic individuals and their families.
Through his clinical work, consultation, and advocacy, Armando is committed to bringing greater attention to neuroaffirming care, assent-based practices, and approaches that prioritize independence, dignity, and long-term success.
Three featured presenters. One important focus: supporting autistic students and youth through compassionate, respectful, and evidence-informed practices.
Join us October 15–16 in Overland Park, KS, for two days of learning, connection, and practical strategies you can bring back to your students, families, and teams.
