Houston, TX – April 11 & 12

Autism Speaks is celebrating 20 years of impact with the launch of its inaugural Empower Summit & Challenge, an inspiring two-day event aimed at uniting autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and experts to foster inclusion and create meaningful change. Taking place in Houston, Texas, on April 11 and 12, this initiative is part of a nationwide rollout in five key cities: Dallas, Chicago, Columbus, Houston, and Miami.

 

 

Empowering the Autism Community Through Knowledge & Action

The Empower Summit will be hosted on April 11 at the JW Marriott Downtown and will feature thought-provoking discussions, keynote addresses, and breakout sessions designed to address key issues in autism advocacy and care. Attendees can expect deep dives into topics such as housing, health disparities among autistic adults, and barriers to essential care.

Notable speakers include:

• Kerry Magro – Influencer and Autism Advocate, delivering the keynote address
• Eileen Lamb – Director of Social Media and Influencer Marketing, Autism Speaks
• Industry leaders and local Houston business representatives sharing best practices for autistic job seekers

 

Championing Inclusion Through Physical Activity

On April 12, the Empower Challenge takes over Houston Sports Park, inviting participants to run, ride, or walk to support autism awareness and inclusivity. This athletic challenge aims to raise critical funds and resources for autistic individuals and their families.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to fostering an inclusive world for the estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults diagnosed with autism in the U.S. Through its advocacy, research, and support services, the organization has connected over 28.5 million individuals and families with essential tools and resources to improve their quality of life.

 

Texas Leads in Autism Employment Rates

Did you know? Texas boasts the highest autism employment rates after vocational rehabilitation, standing at 58.3%, surpassing the national average of 49.2%. The Empower Summit will highlight strategies and best practices that contribute to these successes, offering insights from employment experts and business leaders.

 

 

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a family member, advocate, or someone looking to make a difference, this two-day event is an opportunity to be part of a transformative movement. To learn more and register for the Houston Empower Summit & Challenge, visit Autism Speaks’ official site. Follow @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for updates.

Houston, let's come together to empower, support, and uplift our autism community!