March 12–13, 2026
Speaker
Sam Mitchell
Podcaster and Motivational Speaker
About Sam Mitchell
Sam Mitchell is a motivational speaker, media creator, and disability advocate whose work has inspired countless individuals to reimagine how they view autism. As the Executive Director and founder of Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation, Sam has dedicated his career to breaking stereotypes, educating communities, and celebrating the strengths and voices of those on the autism spectrum. His journey is a living example that autism is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing and shaping the world.
Born and raised in Indiana, Sam was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Rather than letting the label define or limit him, he grew determined to carve his own path and help others see the possibilities that exist within neurodiverse communities. This determination fueled the creation of his nonprofit organization and multimedia platform, Autism Rocks and Rolls, which blends his talents in podcasting, public speaking, blogging and digital media production.
What began as a personal project has grown into a thriving movement. Through his podcast, available on Podbean and YouTube, Sam interviews celebrities, advocates and everyday individuals, highlighting their stories while weaving in his own insights. He has a unique ability to connect with others whether through humor, storytelling or honest dialogue.
He has been featured on television outlets such as WTHI-TV and WTHR, and his voice has resonated at conferences nationwide. Notably, he has spoken at the 2025 West Virginia Families Conference and the 2025 Online DEI Empowerment Conference, where his keynote presentations inspired audiences to think differently about inclusion, acceptance, and the power of perseverance.
Presentation
Success For All and How We Get There
Friday, March 13 | 4:00PM to 5:00PM | 60 MINUTES | LIVE
This presentation challenges the notion that autism itself is the greatest barrier faced by autistic individuals, instead highlighting how societal misunderstanding perpetuates stigma and exclusion. Drawing on lived experience as an autistic individual and founder of Autism Rocks And Rolls Corporation, the session integrates personal narrative, evidence-based research, and interactive dialogue to demonstrate how authentic voices paired with data can drive systemic inclusion. Through storytelling, multimedia engagement, and practical strategies, participants will explore how shifting the autism narrative from deficit to empowerment dismantles stereotypes, fosters acceptance, and creates opportunities across education, employment, and community life. Real-world examples illustrate measurable impact, showing how evidence applied in practice transforms perceptions and supports autistic individuals as valued, contributing members of society.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Objective 1:
Identify how research-based evidence and lived experience together create more effective advocacy and inclusion strategies for individuals with autism.
Objective 2:
Apply practical tools drawn from storytelling, media, and community engagement to reduce stigma and promote acceptance in diverse settings.
Objective 3:
Evaluate how integrating authentic voices into policies and programs strengthens outcomes in education, workplaces, and communities.
Objective 4:
Develop actionable strategies participants can implement immediately to foster empowerment, wellbeing, and sustainable inclusion for individuals on the spectrum.
Elevate Your Impact is Catalight’s annual virtual conference, dedicated to advancing person-centered care for individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Offering continuing education to those who qualify, the conference features a dynamic mix of live sessions and on-demand content, providing a flexible learning experience. Elevate Your Impact is an opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain insights and optimize care outcomes in behavioral health.