2026 Speakers
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shawna Fleming, MSc. BCBA

Shawna Fleming, MSc. BCBA

Hi, I’m Shawna Fleming, a Behaviour Analyst, co-founder of Elemenoe, and the co-host of Neurodiversally Speaking, the Official Podcast Partner of the Geneva Centre for Autism 2026 Symposium. I’m also a mom of two curious, hilarious kids who constantly keep me learning.

I’ve spent over 10 years supporting neurodivergent individuals across home, school, and community settings, and I’m still just as passionate today as I was when I started. I care deeply about therapy that’s practical, playful, and packed with purpose. I’m especially into early intervention, building school readiness, and helping kids develop the kind of emotional regulation and flexibility that sets them up for long-term success.


But here’s the thing: Behaviour doesn’t exist in a bubble. I believe real change happens when we zoom out and look at the whole child - communication, environment, relationships and all. That’s why interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t just something I talk about, it’s the foundation of everything we do at Elemenoe.


As a clinician and a parent, I know how overwhelming this journey can be. My mission is to turn that overwhelm into clarity, to keep things practical and positive and to help parents and professionals feel confident, connected, and empowered.

Sessions

Assent in Action: Rethinking Communication and Engagement in Autism Therapy 
Thursday November 12th, 2026 @ 3:30PM - 4:30PM


Communication is often reduced to spoken language or task compliance. However, many autistic individuals express assent, distress, and engagement through behaviours that are frequently misunderstood. 
 
This presentation introduces a neuroaffirming, interdisciplinary framework that expands how clinicians understand communication, focusing on agency, regulation, and functional expression. Drawing on both Speech-Language Pathology and Behaviour Analysis, we explore how to recognize and respond to assent in real time, including during moments of distress or refusal. 
 

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