Morning Keynote Session

ECHO Autism Communities - Bringing Autism Best Practices to All Communities

Presented by: Dr. Kristin Sohl, distinguished pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri

8:45 a.m., BEST Conference Center Auditorium

ECHO Autism Communities is a leading initiative enhancing access to autism best practices across healthcare, education, and advocacy. Discover how collaborative learning communities—bringing together specialists, generalists, and individuals with lived experience—are transforming autism services and fostering inclusive communities through empowered partnerships.

About the speaker: 
As the Founder and Executive Director of ECHO Autism Communities, she spearheads efforts to improve access to high-quality screening, evaluation, and longitudinal support for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved and rural populations. Under her leadership, ECHO Autism Communities has established partnerships with over 50 children's hospitals and autism centers across the U.S. and 30 international locations, creating a vast network of professionals committed to enhancing autism and disability services and research.

An influential advocate for children’s health, Dr. Sohl is the Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Missouri Chapter, and chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Subcommittee within the Council on Children with Disabilities. She also serves as the Medical Director for the MU Missouri Telehealth Network and the MU Office of Continuing Education for Health Professions. Dr. Sohl earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about engaging other healthcare professionals to elevate the discourse on children’s health and well-being.