The 3rd Annual Luv Michael Conference: Building a Blueprint for Life After School
For families raising autistic young adults, there’s a moment that arrives faster than anyone expects: the day school ends. What comes after is one of the most uncertain — and consequential — transitions of their lives, and for most families, there’s no map for it. Wait lists for quality adult programs stretch a decade or more. Options are scarce. Fear is constant.
On Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at The Muses in Southampton, NY, Luv Michael is bringing together clinicians, researchers, self-advocates, and families for Chapter Three: Setting Up for Success, the third installment of its annual conference on building an autism-friendly community model. This isn’t a day of theory. It’s a working blueprint that families and organizations can take home, so no one has to start from zero.
Why This Conference Matters
Luv Michael was founded in 2015 by two physicians who are also parents of an autistic young man named Michael. Their mission has always been practical: build what autistic adults need most and get least — a home, real work, and a community that understands them. The annual conference is an extension of that same instinct. Rather than talk about what adult autism care should look like, it presents a model that is already working, along with the science and systems behind it.
As co-founder Dr. Lisa Liberatore puts it, the goal isn’t just stability. “It’s not just maintaining a body at homeostasis — we’re seeing thriving, growth. For a lot of these guys, it’s a new beginning of possibilities.”
Three Pillars, One Day
The conference is organized around three commitments that shape everything on the agenda.
Together — We will collaborate. Conversations on the key components of building an autism-friendly model, and how to share them across organizations, regions, and families.
Practice — We will empower. Insightful talks, expert panels, and real-world case studies that give communities the tools to replicate and adapt models that actually work.
Joy — We will celebrate. A celebration of diversity, growth, and the transformative power of love in building resilient, compassionate communities.
Who’s Speaking
Chapter Three brings together a lineup of clinicians, researchers, founders, and self-advocates for a series of TED Talk–style 15- to 20-minute talks, followed by a moderated panel on residential models that are actually working.
Dr. Maria Kontaridis (Masonic Medical Research Institute) on the molecular biology and bench science of autism
Dr. Magery Satish (Physician) on comorbidities of autism too often overlooked in evaluation and adult care
Dr. Kimberly Reyes-Giordano (Luv Michael) moderating a panel on behavioral medicine in the autistic adult community
Dr. David Forlano, DDS PC on a better approach to dentistry for autistic adults
Jackie Ceonzo (CEO & Founder, SNACK) on thirty years of community classes and advocacy for adults with special needs
Alison Myers (Executive Director, Invictus Bakery) on supported communication and introducing communication tools to adults who’ve never had access to them
David Cooke, a self-advocate sharing his own voice on communication, autonomy, and what success looks like from the inside
Additional special guests will be announced ahead of the event.
How the Day Unfolds
The schedule is built for both depth and dialogue, with concise talks that leave real time for the conversations that matter most.
9:00 AM — Doors & Coffee: welcome, registration, community time
10:30 AM — The Science & The System: bench science, comorbidities, behavioral medicine, dentistry
12:00 PM — Lunch, provided, with networking and community time
1:00 PM — Voices & Communication: Invictus Bakery and David Cooke on self-advocacy and supported communication
2:00 PM — Models That Are Working: a moderated panel featuring SNACK, New England Center, Luv Michael, and Santa Barbara
3:00 PM — Close: thank you and what comes next
Who Should Be in the Room
Chapter Three is built for anyone shaping what comes next for autistic adults: parents and families, physicians, dentists, and clinicians, researchers and academics, behavioral specialists, educators and transition coordinators, program directors and residential providers, advocacy organizations, elected officials and policy staff, and donors and community supporters.
Reserve Your Seat
Tickets are $150 and include the full day of talks, panels, and lunch. Refunds are available up to seven days before the event.
Whether you’re a parent trying to plan for the years after school, a clinician looking to improve adult care, or a community member who wants to help build a better future for autistic adults, Chapter Three is a place to find real answers — and real community.
Reserve your seat for the 3rd Annual Luv Michael Conference — Monday, September 14, 2026, at The Muses, 111 St Andrew’s Road, Southampton, NY. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Reach out to Dr. Lisa for sponsorship information.
