Parenting a child with special needs presents its own set of difficulties, hurdles and successes. Being able to network and interact with others in similar situations can help parents find solutions for struggles they face on a day-to-day basis.

The Team Up conference, hosted by the team at at UAMS James L. Dennis Developmental Center, in coordination with several other sponsors including Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Autism Team Network, and Autism Speaks, provides a space for learning and discussions about autism.

The conference will be held Nov. 6 and 7 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Benton Event Center. According to Kerin A. Smith, clinical coordinator at the Dennis Developmental Center, Team Up is geared toward professionals and parents of children with autism.

"The primary focus will be on behavior interventions for children with autism, but it will also be a wonderful opportunity for parents to network and congregate," Smith said in an e-mail.

Sessions will cover topics such as the transition to adulthood and first responders & autism.

Registration is now open and ranges from $100-$250 depending on the registrant and the time of registration; there are also a limited number of parent scholarships available. For registration information, contact Jackie Jagers at (501) 364-1248 or jagersJF@archildrens.org. Information and the application are also available here.