Tim Frost shares the inspiring journey of creating a pathway for his non-verbal son, Odin, to become the voice actor for Paolo the Panda in the PBS animated series Carl the Collector. This talk highlights creativity, persistence, and the power of believing in possibility—showing how meaningful opportunities can be built when strengths are recognized and supported.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tyler Junior College Apache Rooms
9:00AM - 3:00 PM
Symposium Schedule
Please register for your Breakout Sessions Below
Our breakout sessions are designed to meet the needs of parents, caregivers, support staff, and educators, offering valuable information, resources, and practical tools. In addition, through a unique partnership between Elijah’s Retreat and Tyler Junior College, we are offering special breakout sessions for youth and adults on the autism spectrum to “try on” different fields of interest on the TJC campus.
These hands-on sessions allow participants to explore potential career paths and areas of interest in a supportive, structured environment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to drop off their son or daughter at the assigned classroom and then attend a separate breakout session of their own. At the end of the session, parents will pick up their son or daughter from their assigned buddy.
Advance registration is required for all breakout sessions. Please be sure to register below for each session you and your loved ones plan to attend so we can ensure adequate space, materials, and staffing for everyone.
This format allows both families and individuals to learn, grow, and explore simultaneously—making the most of the symposium experience for all attendees.
8:30 - 9:00 AM
Connect & Explore: Vendor Expo and
Book Signing with Dr. Temple Grandin
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Pathways to Potential Introduction – Cheryl Torres
9:30 - 10:15AM
Parents/ Caregivers, Educators, Support Staff, Employers or People Interested in Learning about Autism
Select your Breakout Session
9:30 - 10:15AM
Youth & Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Select your Breakout Session
10:30-11:15 AM
Talk with Tim Frost
Parents/ Caregivers, Educators, Support Staff, Employers or People Interested in Learning about Autism
You do not need to Register for Keynote Talks
10:30-11:15 AM
Youth & Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Select your Breakout Session
11:15 - 12:45 PM
Lunch Break (Lunch is not provided)
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Keynote Talk with Dr. Temple Grandin
In “Great Minds Are Not All the Same,” Dr. Temple Grandin shares how differences in thinking styles—especially visual and autistic thinking—drive creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Drawing on her personal experiences and professional expertise, she explains why recognizing and supporting diverse minds is essential in education, the workplace, and society.
In “Great Minds Are Not All the Same,” Dr. Temple Grandin shares how differences in thinking styles—especially visual and autistic thinking—drive creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Drawing on her personal experiences and professional expertise, she explains why recognizing and supporting diverse minds is essential in education, the workplace, and society.
You do not need to Register for Keynote Talks
2:00-2:45 PM
Parents/ Caregivers, Educators, Support Staff, Employers or People Interested in Learning about Autism.
Select your Breakout Session
2:00- 2:45 PM
Youth & Adults on the Autism Spectrum with Parents/ Caregivers
Select your Breakout Session
2:45 - 3:00 PM
Pathways to Potential Closing – Cheryl Torres