AANE’s 2026 Spring Virtual Daniel W. Rosenn Symposium – Intersectionality in Neurodivergent Lives, 4/2/26, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Becca Lory Hector will begin this event with a few opening remarks.

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, reflects on intersectionality as a lived experience, exploring how race and neurodivergence shape identity and belonging. This session centers visibility, resilience, and what it means to navigate the world while holding multiple, interconnected identities.

Jules Edwards explores Neurodivergent life through culture and community, with a focus on Indigenous identity. This presentation invites reflection on belonging, collective care, and the ways cultural context influences Neurodivergent experiences and connection.

There will be a 10-minute break for attendees to stretch their legs.

Maxfield Sparrow examines aging in Neurodivergent life, offering reflections on identity, visibility, and connection across the lifespan. This session invites participants to consider how aging shapes Neurodivergent experiences and how communities can better support Neurodivergent adults as they grow older.

Cael Leigh Whalen explores the intersection of autism and gender within Latin American and Latinx communities. This session highlights the role of culture and context in shaping identity and emphasizes the importance of inclusive, affirming approaches to Neurodivergent gender diversity.

Alfonso Julián Camacho reflects on Non-Speaking Autistic identity and examines how communication privilege shapes experiences of belonging, connection, and visibility. Drawing on lived experience, he explores how spoken language is often treated as the gateway to competence, autonomy, and being valued.

Becca Lory Hector will conclude this event with a few closing remarks.

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, is a global human rights and disability justice consultant, advocate, author, educator, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional, serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A prolific writer and social scientist/activist with both lived and learned expertise whose work focuses on participatory research, meaningful community involvement, intersectionality, and accessibility, Morénike, a recognized leader and content expert in various collaborative endeavors, serves as founder/principal operator of Advocacy Without Borders, a nonprofit initiative offering lectures, advocacy, research, and related projects as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion training.

Morénike, who is based in the US, maintains membership within several executive boards and is a highly sought after keynote lecturer and public speaker who has presented at the White House, the United Nations, and numerous peer-reviewed international conferences. Notable publications of Morénike’s include over a dozen monograph chapter contributions, digital scholarship, peer-reviewed articles, and editorial work.

Jules Edwards is an Anishinaabe Disability Justice advocate guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings. She uses her education and experience as an Indigenous autistic parent to dismantle systemic barriers for underrepresented neurodivergent people. Jules is a co-author of I Will Die on This Hill, serves on the Intertribal Disability Advocacy Council, and is the Co-Executive Director of Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network, working towards a better world for future generations.  

Maxfield Sparrow is an Autistic writer, speaker, elder, and advocate focused on autistic adulthood, aging, and emotional regulation. Their work explores intersectionality, identity, and the long-term impacts of systems not built for neurodivergent people. Maxfield has contributed to community education, writing, and public dialogue on autism and neurodiversity for over two decades and brings a reflective, lived-experience lens to conversations about visibility and belonging in neurodivergent life.

Cael Leigh Whalen is a Latine, non-binary, and neurodivergent communications strategist, advocate, and scholar who has spent over 12 years leading transformative digital campaigns across disability justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental movements. As founder of Kayley Whalen Consulting, they have partnered with dozens of mission-driven organizations to build belonging-centered campaigns rooted in community voice. A PhD student at UC Davis studying Sociocultural Anthropology and a published author, Cael brings rare cross-movement expertise and a global perspective to their work advancing grassroots campaigns for collective liberation. 

Alfonso Julián Camacho is an award-winning journalist, magazine designer, and author whose work has been recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, College Media Association, and California College Media Association. He writes for The Sun and writes and designs for El Sol, two of the nation’s most honored college publications. He has been featured as a presenting artist and speaker at national conferences and film premieres. Alfonso is the author of multiple books in English and Spanish, including Autistic and Awesome and Preparing for School. He is the founder of Colmena Academy, a K–12 school supporting children with speech challenges, and Builders of Eloquence and Engagement, LLC, an organization that empowers nonspeaking individuals through services. Alfonso speaks regularly on autism, inclusion, and alternative communication methods and has been a keynote speaker and panelist at conferences, including Autism Tree Project Foundation’s Neuroscience Conference and Love & Autism. He can be reached at [email protected] and on LinkedIn.

AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to [email protected]. For example: 

Hello, 

I would like to request financial assistance for (insert full title of group). 

Sincerely, (your name). 

If you are able, please consider donating the cost of an additional registration to support the financial assistance of others.

AANE will refund support group or social activity registration fees in the following circumstances: 

– AANE cancels a group.

– AANE reschedules a group and a registrant can no longer participate. 

– If a registrant requests a refund at least 3 business days before the start date of a support group or social activity.

To request accommodations prior to a group meeting, please email [email protected] with the full name of the group you are attending, including the date and facilitator name when possible. Please describe the accommodations you’re requesting.
 

All groups are online unless noted

Multi-Session – register once for multiple sessions with the same participants in groups or workshops

Single Session – register for one session or event, includes groups, webinars, workshops, or special events

LOCAL [City, State] in front of the event/group name is intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the event is available to those living anywhere

For the safety and enjoyment of all, individuals who attend AANE groups, activities, and events must follow these guidelines.

AANE recognizes and values diversity in all its forms and expects all members of our community to contribute to an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination, hate speech, harassment, or any behavior that demeans or marginalizes others based on their characteristics, identities, or lived experiences will not be tolerated. Individuals who attend AANE groups, activities, and events must follow these guidelines:

– The information discussed in support groups is considered private and confidential and is not to be shared outside of the support group. 

– All participants at AANE events are expected to respect all people’s characteristics, identities, and lived experiences.

– Speech that demeans or marginalizes others will not be tolerated.

– Participants are expected to remain sober and avoid any impairment due to alcohol or drugs while participating in AANE programs.

AANE reserves the right to deny admission, ask an individual participant to leave, or remove participants from the event/program for inappropriate or disrespectful.

If you are new to Zoom, we suggest that you visit their Help Center before your meeting to familiarize yourself with the platform.

The resources and information shared within AANE support groups are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our hope is that these resources will provide you with useful connections as you navigate your journey of discovery and connection. AANE​ makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information shared within the group.