Capital Area Autism Network

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!

CAAN is pleased to welcome Dr. Kerry Magro's Autism Journey as our keynote speaker at the 2026 State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference.

Kerry Magro is an award winning national speaker and best-selling author. Kerry has become a rolemodel in the disabled community. Non-verbal at 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, Kerry has overcame countless obstacles to get to where he is today. In May of 2019, Kerry received his doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from New Jersey City University to become Dr. Kerry Magro. He currently is CEO and Founder of KFM Making a Difference, a non-profit corporation focused on disability advocacy and housing.

Learn more about Dr. Magro at his website: https://kerrymagro.com/

Link to register is in the first comment.

Important information! We'll be talking about efforts to ensure autistic individuals and their families continue to receive the support they need at our State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference on October 1st. Registration is open here: https://shorturl.at/oSFba Tickets are $50, but we have scholarships available for families so they can get the information they need.

Read more from the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council by clicking the link in their post.

Louisiana is part of a federal lawsuit that could affect rules that help people with disabilities live and get services in their communities.

Learn more about Texas v. Kennedy and what happens next:
https://conta.cc/46eKs38

There are a couple of opportunities this weekend to get out connect with families, providers, and researchers. On Saturday, September 12, Autism Society - Greater Baton Rouge, Inc. is hosting their regular support group at the Bluebonnet Library from 2:00-4:00. Jannean Dixon from Redstick CARES of Baton Rouge will be the speaker covering several topics including IEPs and options after high school.

The next day, we'll be at LSU alongside SPARK for Autism as they discuss their latest research efforts. This event will be Sunday, September 13 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Huey P. Long Field House on campus. See the flyer for registration information.

Hope to see you out and about this weekend!

Thank you again to Playmakers of Baton Rouge for their commitment to including sensory performances in their programming. We're at Legally Blonde The Musical and there's some talented actors in Baton Rouge!

We'll be there! Will you?

Reminder this Saturday at 10am is our Second Saturday Sensory Show! The show will have one constant light cue and lowered music and mics! Please share with families you think might benefit and enjoy! As always there are no tickets to purchase. Just email [email protected] to reserve a spot!

Myth: Autism looks the same in every person. Fact: it's called a spectrum for a reason — no two autistic people experience the world identically. That's exactly why coordinated, individualized systems matter.

caanbr.org

6 weeks until The State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge. Early registration keeps growing — join providers, families, educators, and self-advocates for a full day built around connection. Register today.

Register: https://www.caanbr.org/state-of-neurodiversity-annual-conference

A 3% rate increase for DSPs is not nothing. It's long overdue.

New HCBS rate increases are set to take effect October 1, 2026, including an increase to the DSP wage floor.

Thank you to everyone who advocated, showed up, and shared your voice. Your efforts helped move this forward!

Read the full LaDDC News:
https://conta.cc/4zvcqF6

CAAN is joining SPARK for Autism in the Community, LSU, The Emerge Center, and The Magnolia Rose Foundation for the Autism Seminar & Resource Fair on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 4–6pm CDT at the LSU Huey Long Field House Ballroom (50 Field House Drive, Baton Rouge, LA).

This free event brings together researchers, service providers, and local organizations to share resources for the autism community — plus light refreshments will be served! Our own Drew Walker will be speaking alongside Dr. Wan-Chun Su and Dr. Eileen Haebig of LSU, and Miranda Georgetown Riley of the Magnolia Rose Foundation.

Registration is required and spots are limited, so reserve yours today: https://bit.ly/SITC-Sept13LSU

Questions? Email [email protected]

We hope to see you there! 💜💛