The 5th edition of the International Forum Bridging the Gap, hosted by Naked Heart France on the theme of “Making culture inclusive: for a better quality of life for autistic individuals”, will take place on May 22nd 2025.
Time outside of structured settings such as school and work is a significant part of every one’s life. Even when we refer to it as “free time”, this time plays a key role as it offers invaluable opportunities to connect, explore, and express oneself. These experiences vary widely from individual to individual - especially for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through firsthand accounts and experiences, our speakers will go beyond discussing challenges and will share evidence-based practices that promote meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable engagement in everyday life beyond structured routines.
A vital part of this unstructured time involves participation in cultural life. Culture plays a key role in how we connect with others, express ourselves, and experience the world. Yet, for many autistic individuals, access to cultural spaces and activities—such as museums, music events, festivals, and theatre venues—remains limited or difficult to navigate.
Our Forum will bring together autistic individuals, families, professionals, researchers, educators, and all those engaged in cultural inclusion and support practices.
Date and time: Thursday, May 22nd, from 15:30 to 20:30
Place: Auditorium of the LVMH headquarters, located at 22, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Forum programme:
15:30 – 16:00 Registration and welcome coffee
16:00 – 19:00 Forum
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Opening speech: Natalia Vodianova, founder of Naked Heart France.
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Presentation of Culture Relax: Culture Relax is a resource-based organization that supports cultural institutions in making their programmes accessible to individuals whose disabilities may lead to atypical behaviors — including people with autism, multiple disabilities, or intellectual, cognitive, or psychological impairments.
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Contribution from Professor Kristin Nicole O’Guinn, M.A, Ph.D., BCBA-D on “Advances in Teaching Skills to manage free time to Autistic Individuals”. While focusing on one of the most challenging aspects for many autistic individuals—time outside of structured settings such as school, education programs, and workplaces—her talk will offer valuable insights into effective strategies and their practical applications. Kristin Nicole O’Guinn will explore research-supported approaches for developing meaningful skills that foster autonomy and enjoyment across all levels of support and throughout the lifespan. The presentation will include concrete examples and efficient teaching procedures, with an in-depth discussion of evidence-based methods for helping individuals engage in cultural events and institutions during unstructured time. Strategies to promote joy, engagement, and personal fulfillment will also be shared.
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First-hand talk: “What People with Autism Can Teach Us About Free time”. Alec Villarreal, a 23-year-old autistic self-advocate and Senior Self-Advocate Mentor for an Autism Class at the University of New Mexico, joins Kathleen “Mo” Taylor, OTR/L, an occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience supporting individuals with autism. Together, they will offer a unique perspective on inclusive culture and share practical insights into promoting meaningful participation in cultural and community-based activities for young adults with autism.
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“Opening Culture for Everyone – Through the Lens of Autism”. This panel brings together representatives from major French cultural institutions (names to be announced) to explore current practices, challenges, and opportunities for transformation across museums, theaters, and other cultural spaces. Panelists will share their experiences and evidence-based strategies, illustrating how inclusive cultural practices can enrich the lives of autistic individuals. From exhibitions to live performances, making culture more accessible and welcoming not only benefits people on the autism spectrum — it enhances society as a whole.
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Q&A session
19:00 – 20:30 Cocktail reception
Our speakers:
Nicole O’Guinn, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine, working within the Skill Acquisition Program at Marcus Autism Center. Dr. O’Guinn completed her doctorate in educational psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis from Baylor University. Dr. O’Guinn’s research interests include increasing skill acquisition, teaching leisure and social skills to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and teaching caregivers and future practitioners to effectively use applied behavior analysis strategies.
Alec Villarreal is a 23 year old self-advocate with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADD, currently working as a Senior Self-Advocate Mentor for an Autism Class at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Alec is also currently enrolled as a third year college student at Arizona State University, living away from home.
Alec was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 and ADD at 16, and has extensive knowledge and experience in building adaptational/inclusive environments. Upon his first diagnosis, he was enrolled in a number of supportive and adaptational programs including Occupational therapy and adaptive sport programs including swimming and skiing etc. One of these programs was a special week-long summer camp tailored towards children and teens with autism, called Camp Rising Sun (CRS). Alec learned a great deal about his own autism and how it also affects others differently, and gave him a greater understanding of the meaning of inclusion and options for leisure skills.
Once CRS had concluded, Alec was recruited along with other peers to go and give talks to different camps around the state of New Mexico about autism and inclusivity. They had taken it upon themselves to make other camps more inclusive like CRS. This in turn allowed Alec the chance to speak in front of a national conference in the US for the American Camp Association (ACA), where he and his peers gave similar talks and were able to travel and attend 3 years in a row. From this experience.
Kathleen “Mo” Taylor, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a 40+ year history of supporting children, adolescents, and adults with autism (ASD). She is a part-time faculty at the University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy Department, teaching an Autism course with individuals with autism. In addition, she is the owner and lead therapist of her private practice, Theraplay, LLC, where she provides therapy and consultation for people with autism, sensory processing disorder, and behavioral differences across the lifespan.
Mo facilitates sensory/social motor groups in various environments and consults within the community to help provide appropriate evidence-based support and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals. She is also the co-author of Social Engagement & the Steps to Being Social, A Practical Guide for Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Throughout her career, she has received a variety of ACA (American Camping Association) awards for innovative program development, and articles addressing leisure, inclusion, and quality of life. She has shared her experiences through trainings across New Mexico, nationally, and internationally. Her career has been devoted to better “real life” outcomes for all individuals.