Florida's First Choice for Autism Supports

K3: Embracing Change and Pivoting Your Passion on the Autism Spectrum

January 18, 2026 11:45am 1:00pm Heroes Ballroom

AbstractChange can be a stressor for many people on the autism spectrum, whether they’re changes in daily life or in life in general. As many people on the spectrum, like oneself, like routine and structure in life, this can be a challenge. However, there is no way to live a life 100% free of change: we all have to face it sometimes. This session will discuss how people on the autism spectrum can get more comfortable with changes throughout life, whether large or small. The first topic, or pillar, of discussion is understanding why it can be difficult to accept change and pivot one’s passions while on the autism spectrum, with evidence-based information and research on the impact that sensory processing can have on one’s initial difficulty with accepting change. The second pillar of discussion is recognizing 3 signals in life that indicate it’s time to consider embracing change and pivot one’s passion. Last, but certainly not least, the third pillar of discussion is 5 ways to break through barriers that sensory processing issues might impose, which then results in an individual being more open to embracing change and pivot one’s passion with an open mind. The audience will walk away with inspiration to feel comfortable with trying new things and being okay with pivots and changes made in life, as doing so will open more doors to discover new passions, dreams, interests, and connections. This presentation will include a mixture of evidence-based research and information, and bits from the story of my life; including tools and skills I picked up throughout the years on embracing change and pivoting my past passions.
Objectives 1: Understanding why it can be difficult for people on the autism spectrum to initially embrace change and pivot passions in life.  
2: Recognizing 3 signs/signals that it’s time to consider embracing change and pivot one’s passion.  
3: Identifying 5 ways to break through barriers that sensory processing might impose, which leads one to open their mind more to embrace change and pivot their passion.
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