Proof Positive Autism Wellbeing Alliance was honored to be invited to present at the 14th First Place Global Symposium, held October 15–17, 2025, in Phoenix and online.
In our session, “Spreading the Science of Happiness & the Skills of Well-being,” we highlighted our commitment to holistic, strengths-based wellbeing for autistic individuals and their communities. While conversations about autism and intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) often center on supports, services, accommodations, and education, we recognize that wellbeing and human connection are essential for a flourishing life.
What Proof Positive shared
During our session, we:
- Presented research and practice-based insights on how happiness and wellbeing can be cultivated and taught within autism-support contexts.
- Offered practical strategies for practitioners, family members, employers, and community partners to embed wellbeing practices into programs, services, and daily life.
- Invited discussion and collaboration on how housing, employment, health care, and policy can better support wellbeing as a fundamental outcome for neurodiverse individuals.
By centering well-being, we aimed to affirm that flourishing lives are possible for everyone, and that happiness can indeed be learned and strengthened through intentional practice.
About the Symposium
The Symposium gathered thought leaders, advocates, researchers, and practitioners from across housing, employment, education, health care, and community living. Over three days, we explored topics such as neuro-inclusive employment, belonging, technology, and innovative community models, all with a focus on helping autistic adults and individuals with I/DD thrive.
For us, the highlight was seeing the excitement and engagement around well-being. The conversations reminded us that flourishing lives are possible for everyone, and that happiness is a fundamental part of development, learning, and belonging.
Thank you, First Place Global Leadership Institute, for hosting this event and for recognizing the importance of well-being!. We are grateful to everyone who engaged with our session and shared their perspectives.
Here’s to continuing this momentum—creating communities where autistic individuals and those with I/DD can live, learn, work, and flourish.
