Differently Wired Thriving is a live, interactive virtual summit hosted by STAR that brings together leading researchers, clinicians, advocates, and neurodivergent professionals to explore how connection, understanding, and thoughtful design can transform the way we support differently wired minds.

This summit centers the belief that thriving does not come from fixing individuals—but from rethinking relationships, environments, and systems. Through dynamic dialogue, applied learning, and intentionally paced conversations, participants will explore how sensory experience, co-regulation, and belonging shape learning, wellbeing, and participation across systems of care.

Rather than a traditional lecture-based conference, Differently Wired Thriving is designed as a relational learning experience. Science and lived experience are placed in conversation, allowing participants to slow down, reflect, and engage with complexity in meaningful ways. Co-regulated openings, facilitated dialogues, and application presentations support deep learning without overload, modeling the very approaches being discussed.

Across three days, the summit moves from understanding to exploring relationships and belonging, and finally to examining the broader ecological and cultural systems that influence whether people merely cope—or truly thrive. Participants leave not only with practical strategies but with renewed clarity, confidence, and alignment in their professional work.

This event is for professionals who want more than continuing education hours—it is for those seeking better questions, more ethical approaches, and a deeper connection in how they support neurodivergent individuals and communities. 

• Reconnect with purpose and meaning
  Differently Wired Thriving supports professionals who feel misaligned with traditional models and are seeking approaches that honor humanity, complexity, and dignity—without burnout or compromise.
   
• Learn through dialogue, not directives
  Instead of lectures alone, the summit centers conversation between researchers, clinicians, and neurodivergent voices, offering richer understanding and real-world relevance.
   
• Gain practical, ethical strategies you can apply immediately
  Application Labs translate reflection into action, helping participants adapt insights to their own settings without requiring unrealistic system overhauls.
   
• Experience neuroaffirming learning in action
  From co-regulated openings to intentional pacing, the summit models sensory-aware, relational practices—not just teaching them.
   
• Stay connected and revisit learning over time
  Participants receive access to an online community for continued connection and dialogue, plus on-demand session recordings to revisit insights, deepen understanding, and support ongoing integration into practice.

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What We'll Be Discussing - CONFIRMED TO DATE

DAY 1 | JUNE 10 | 8:00AM - 1:30PM MT | Understanding Ourselves – Our Bodies
The embodied experience of sensory differences and the meaning of regulation 

8:00am–8:30am | Welcome | Virginia Spielmann, Kieran Rose 

8:30am-9:00am | Short Presentation | TBA

9:05am–10:00am  Dialogue 1: What Does Regulation Mean for Different Bodies

10:05am–10:20am | Break 

10:20am-11:05am | Application Lab 1

11:10am-11:40am | Short Presentation | TBA

11:45am-12:45pm | Dialogue 2: Authenticity, Energy, and Masking 
Exploration of authenticity, energy management, and identity. 

12:45pm-1:30pm | Application Lab 2

1:30pm | Close | Dr. Virginia Spielmann

 

DAY 2 | JUNE 11 | 8:00AM-1:30PM MT | Understanding Each Other 
Relationship, Co-regulation, and Belonging 

8:00am–8:30am | Welcome | Virginia Spielmann, Kieran Rose 

8:30am-9:00am | Short Presentation | TBA

9:05am–10:00am | Dialogue 1: Co-Regulation and Belonging in Relationships and Systems 

10:05am–10:20am | Break 

10:20am-11:05am | Application Lab 1

11:10am-11:40am | Short Presentation | TBA

11:45am-12:45pm | Dialogue 2: Validating Not Belonging 

12:45pm-1:30pm |  Application Lab 2

1:30pm | Close | Dr. Virginia Spielmann

 

DAY 3 | JUNE 12 | 8:00AM-1:30PM MT | The Ecological Context 
Designing environments and cultures that sustain difference and thriving 

8:00am–8:30am | Welcome | Virginia Spielmann, Kieran Rose 

8:30am–9:00am | Short Presentation | TBA

9:05am–10:00am |  Dialogue 1: Imagining Systems That Feel Like Home 

10:05am–10:20am | Break 

10:20am-11:05am | Application Lab 1

11:10am-11:40am | Short Presentation | TBA

11:45am-12:45pm |  Dialogue 2: Accountability, Culture, and Sustainability 
Translating diversity work into lasting change ethically. 

12:45pm-1:30pm | Application Lab 2

1:30pm | B

 

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Get to Know Our 2025 Speakers - CONFIRMED TO DATE

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Attendance Policy

Participants may join the conference at any time during the live broadcasts and/or view the recorded presentations for 60 days after the livestreamed event.

To receive the Certificate of Completion, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Purchase the AOTA/ASHA CEU Add-on
• Attend the live event or watch the recordings
• Complete and pass a brief quiz for each approved presentation by July 13, 2026
  • A passing score is 80% or higher
  • Quizzes must be completed in the order of the presentations
  • Quizzes may be retaken as needed

If you would like STAR Institute to report your credits to the ASHA CE Registry, please submit the ASHA CE Registry Reporting Form by July 13, 2026

Please note:

• All participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance
• Access to Presentation Recordings - Recordings will be available from June 12, 2026, through August 11, 2026. Live sessions are scheduled for June 10-12, 2026, with recordings uploaded incrementally after each session.

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Do you have a disability that would require special accommodations?

Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we can help accommodate your needs.

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Cancellation Policy

Since this program is recorded and available for on-demand access, cancellations are generally not accepted. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with education@sensoryhealth.org.

In the rare event that this program must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, fire, strikes, war, acts of God, or other disruptions beyond our control, STAR Institute will make every effort to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, all registration fees will be refunded.