Own Your Difference Neurodivergent Summit

​A full-day virtual autism summit created to amplify neurodivergent voices, strengthen understanding, and support more inclusive communities.

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​Join Julie Lavia and Susan Tatem for the Own Your Difference Summit 2026, a virtual event taking place on October 23, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

​This full-day summit will bring together speakers with a range of personal, professional, family, and lived-experience perspectives. Throughout the day, attendees will hear meaningful conversations and practical insights around autism, neurodivergent identity, advocacy, inclusion, family support, education, community participation, independence, and the importance of being seen, heard, and valued.

​The heart of the summit is to create a space where differences are not hidden, minimized, or misunderstood, but recognized as part of what makes each person’s story, voice, and contribution matter.

​Whether you are a parent, caregiver, autistic adult, educator, therapist, advocate, professional, or community member, this summit is designed to offer encouragement, education, and connection for anyone who wants to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals across everyday life.

​Hosted by: Julie Lavia and Susan Tatem
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual Event

​Bring Someone into the Conversation

​Some experiences are more meaningful when they’re shared.

​That’s why our early-bird offer gives you two general admission tickets for only $20.

​Bring someone who would benefit from these conversations. Invite a spouse, friend, parent, coworker, educator, manager, service provider, or community leader.

​Attend together. Compare what stood out to each of you. Continue the conversations after the summit ends.

​One purchase. Two attendees. One powerful day.

​get 2 tickets for $20

​Co-Hosted by Susan Tatem and Julie Lavia

​Susan Tatem and Julie Lavia created the Own Your Difference Summit to bring people together for conversations that are honest, practical, and capable of creating real change.

​The summit brings together lived experience, professional knowledge, diverse perspectives, and a shared belief that difference shouldn’t prevent anyone from experiencing dignity, opportunity, support, or belonging.