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First 5 Contra Costa
May 5, 2025

Inclusion Convening on Neurodiversity—Meet our Keynote Speaker

Big news: TV star Dani Bowman to headline event about supporting neurodiverse children

We are excited to coordinate an event for child care providers that focuses on inclusion strategies for neurodiverse children in child care. The Inclusion Convening on Neurodiversity is on Saturday, May 17 in Concord  from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Space is extremely limited, so register today! Attendees will receive a bag of inclusion resources for providers and the children they serve and be entered into a special raffle.

Inclusion Convening on Neurodiversity
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Willow Pass Community Center
2748 East Olivera Road, Concord CA 94519

Registration: Closed, currently at capacity

 

Keynote Speaker Spotlight

We are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Dani Bowman, Founder and CEO of DaniMation Entertainment and cast member of Love on the Spectrum. Dani Bowman is a young and talented animator, artist, and entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is passionate about using her skills to help others and her dedication to inclusion and diversity. 

Despite being diagnosed with autism at age 3 and nonverbal until 6, Dani has overcome these challenges to become an accomplished artist, animator, and inspiring speaker. She founded her own company, DaniMation, when she was just 14 years old, and DaniMation UK in 2019.  Dani has taught animation to over 3000 students with autism and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. As a national speaker and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, Dani uses her platform to inspire and mentor others.

 

Agenda Preview:

Understand the power of inclusive approaches for neurodiverse children ages 0–5 through a keynote speaker, two workshops, and a panel discussion with real families. You’ll also connect with local early intervention providers and community organizations during our lunch-time resource fair.

  • 9:00 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
  • 9:25 AM: Keynote Address from Dani Bowman; Inspiration and insights on supporting neurodivergent children and families.
  • 10:35 AM: Workshop on Understanding Neurodivergence in Children Ages 0–5 by Stephanie Tangsombatvisit, MD, a developmental pediatrician; Explore developmental diversity and practical tools for early identification and support.
  • 11:35 AM: Lunch & Resource Fair; Connect with local agencies and organizations during a catered lunch.
  • 12:35 PM: Workshop on Self-Awareness Leads to Better Services for Families by Amanda Campbell, Center for Early Childhood Connections; learn to develop the reflective capacity needed to foster truly inclusive classroom environments.
  • 1:45 PM: Panel on Parents Sharing Their Experiences; Hear firsthand experiences and insights from parents raising neurodivergent children in our community. 
  • 2:25 PM: Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway
(Left) Stephanie Tangsombatvisit, MD, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, and (Right) Amanda Campbell, Co-founder and Director of Clinical Services at the Center for Early Childhood Connections

 

Registration: Closed, currently at capacity

Inclusion Convening on Neurodiversity
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Willow Pass Community Center
2748 East Olivera Road, Concord CA 94519

 

To learn more about Dani Bowman:

 

For more information about the event,  please contact Daryn Nabeta, Program Assistant II, at dnabeta@first5coco.org