Understanding Developmental Disabilities & Autism Across the Lifespan
 March 27, 2026, 9am - 11am
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This training will offer an overview of developmental disabilities and autism, with a focus on how individuals grow, learn, and experience the world across the lifespan. Participants will explore how developmental disabilities and autism may present differently from early childhood through adulthood, including strengths, challenges, and support needs at various life stages. The presenters will share real-world insights from their work in special education, highlight the importance of inclusive practices, and address common misconceptions. Emphasis will be placed on respectful language, person-centered supports, and the role families, educators, and community members play in fostering meaningful participation and independence.
Learning Objectives: - Identify key characteristics of developmental disabilities and autism and how they may change across the lifespan.
- Recognize common myths and misconceptions and replace them with accurate, respectful understanding.
- Understand the importance of inclusive, strength-based, and person-centered approaches to support.
- Describe ways families, schools, and communities can support individuals with developmental disabilities and autism at different life stages.
Presenter Bios
Jessica Antoniou, MA CCC-SLP/L, CAS is a Behavioral/Instructional Coach at Mid-Valley Special Education, where she is currently in her fourth year of coaching. As a Behavioral/Instructional Coach, Jessica works across multiple programs to support and mentor educators in implementing effective strategies for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Before becoming a coach, Jessie spent ten years as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative, primarily serving the New Pathways program, which is designed specifically for students with Autism. She also worked for two years in the Ball Chatham School District, supporting students with diverse disabilities. Her passion for coaching stems from her belief in the critical connection between communication and behavior. In 2021, Jessica earned a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State University. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development in the field.
She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Jessica lives in Geneva and is a mother to 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2.
Melissa Mills, MAEL, MATL, LBS1 is currently the Assistant Director at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative. This is her sixth year in the position. Prior to moving into Administration, Melissa was an Instructional/Behavioral Coach for three years and a Special Education Teacher for fifteen years. Twelve of the fifteen years she spent in the classroom were spent teaching in a kindergarten through second-grade instructional autism program. Melissa has her LBS1 (Bachelors in Special Education) from Illinois State University. She received a MATL Graduate Degree from St Xavier University and an MAEL Graduate Degree from Aurora University. She received her Director of Special Education endorsement from Aurora University. Melissa lives in Batavia and is a mother to three children, ages 13, 11, and 7.
Supporting Autistic Adolescents: Identity,
Independence, and Social/Emotional Health April 24, 2026, 9am - 11am
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This training will explore the unique strengths, needs, and experiences of autistic adolescents as they navigate identity development, growing independence, and social-emotional well-being. Participants will learn how adolescence can intensify sensory, emotional, and social challenges, while also offering opportunities for self-discovery, self-advocacy, and skill-building. The presenters will share practical, strengths-based strategies that promote autonomy, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships, while emphasizing the importance of acceptance, collaboration, and respectful support. Common misconceptions about autism and adolescence will be addressed, along with ways to create supportive environments at home, in schools, and within the broader community.
Learning Objectives: - Describe how autism may influence identity development, independence, and social-emotional health during adolescence.
- Identify strategies that support self-advocacy, autonomy, and decision-making in autistic adolescents.
- Recognize factors that impact emotional regulation, mental health, and peer relationships for autistic teens.
- Apply inclusive, strengths-based approaches to support autistic adolescents across home, school, and community settings.
Presenter BiosJessica Antoniou, MA CCC-SLP/L, CAS is a Behavioral/Instructional Coach at Mid-Valley Special Education, where she is currently in her fourth year of coaching. As a Behavioral/Instructional Coach, Jessica works across multiple programs to support and mentor educators in implementing effective strategies for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Before becoming a coach, Jessie spent ten years as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative, primarily serving the New Pathways program, which is designed specifically for students with Autism. She also worked for two years in the Ball Chatham School District, supporting students with diverse disabilities. Her passion for coaching stems from her belief in the critical connection between communication and behavior. In 2021, Jessica earned a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State University. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development in the field. She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Jessica lives in Geneva and is a mother to 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2. Melissa Mills, MAEL, MATL, LBS1 is currently the Assistant Director at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative. This is her sixth year in the position. Prior to moving into Administration, Melissa was an Instructional/Behavioral Coach for three years and a Special Education Teacher for fifteen years. Twelve of the fifteen years she spent in the classroom were spent teaching in a kindergarten through second-grade instructional autism program. Melissa has her LBS1 (Bachelors in Special Education) from Illinois State University. She received a MATL Graduate Degree from St Xavier University and an MAEL Graduate Degree from Aurora University. She received her Director of Special Education endorsement from Aurora University. Melissa lives in Batavia and is a mother to three children, ages 13, 11, and 7.
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