Children & Youth
Pre-conference sessions on December 11
Earn up to 13 contact hours
In-person and virtual option available
Five reasons to attend the Children & Youth Specialty Conference
- Elevate your clinical skills across pediatric settings
Earn up to 13 contact hours on sessions related to sleep, assistive technology, handwriting, and skilled documentation strategies. Grow as a practitioner and connect with peers who are shaping the future of pediatric occupational therapy practice. - Strengthen family-centered, trauma-informed practice
From addressing intergenerational trauma to supporting caregiver relationships, learn evidence-informed strategies that help children thrive through reflective, relational, and family-aware care. - Expand your impact in schools and communities
Discover innovative models for workload management, inclusive classroom practices, and intra-professional collaboration that make occupational therapy more accessible and effective for students. - Embrace neurodiversity and mental health advocacy
Gain tools to deliver neurodiversity-affirming care, address the global youth mental health crisis, and advocate for occupational therapy’s vital role in supporting children and families. - Experience Charlotte and connect with your community
Engage with peers and experts in the field who share your passion for children and youth practice, all while enjoying Charlotte's walkability, diverse dining options, and Southern hospitality.
Registration, Programming, Hotel, and Travel
Learn more about pricing and registration, view session descriptions and the program guide, book your hotel, and plan your airport and travel information for the conference.
The AOTA Specialty Conference: Children & Youth will take place in person in Charlotte, NC, December 12-13, 2025, with pre-conference sessions on December 11. All conference sessions will be held at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel.
NEW! Virtual Option - $350 members/$400 non-members
- Friday & Saturday sessions streamed live, December 12-13
- 10.5 contact hours (recordings available for one year)
- Member pricing: $350 | Non-member pricing: $400
(Please note: pre-conference sessions, poster sessions, and exhibitor access are available in person only. Virtual registration is for new registrations only.)
Early rates end on November 10 at 11:59 pm ET
Full: $365 member/$528 nonmember
Student*/Retired: $237 member/$528 nonmember
Regular rates start on November 11
Full: $420 member/$607 nonmember
Student*/Retired: $272 member/$607 nonmember
* Only AOTA student members are eligible to receive a discounted rate. Non-member students pay the non-member rate.
Daily Rates
Friday or Saturday: $220 member/$317 nonmember
Pre-conference Rates
Pre-conference #1: $99 member/$125 nonmember
Pre-conference #2: $99 member/$125 nonmember
Cancellation/Refund Policy
If you need to cancel your conference registration, notify AOTA by email at conference@aota.org. A $75 processing fee will be applied to all cancellation requests made through November 27, 2025. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations after November 27, 2025, or for “no-shows.” Substitutions are accepted with written notice. Send questions regarding this policy to conference@aota.org.
Keynote & Closing
Rising Together: Developing Our Collective Voice for Special Education
In an era marked by ongoing challenges in education—where the rights of students with disabilities and the needs of their families often feel overlooked—it’s more critical than ever that we unite our voices. This keynote explores the urgent need for a collective, powerful presence to advocate for equity, inclusion, and support in special education.
Together, we’ll reflect on how our organizations have partnered in the past and why continued collaboration is essential for the future. Through shared vision, coordinated action, and a commitment to lifting each other up, we can amplify our impact and drive lasting change in our schools, communities, and policies.
Join us as we reignite the purpose that brought us into this field—and strengthen the voice that will carry us forward.
Empowering Families: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Supporting the Mental Health of Children and Their Caregivers
Children with health care needs often face mental health issues. Parents of these children are also more likely to experience stress and poorer mental health. This course highlights occupational therapy’s role in supporting child and parent well-being holistically.
Exhibit/sponsor with us!
Reach 350+ Pediatric Clinicians and Educators
Brand Awareness Options:
Exhibit Space ($1,400):
- 6-foot skirted table to greet attendees and display corporate materials
- Exhibitor logo on agenda; signage at meeting
- Exhibitor receives attendee mailing list for post-event follow up
- One complimentary attendee registration
Shared Literature/Employment Table ($400)
- Literature table set up for attendees to review one corporate piece about your company or job opening
- Participants receive attendee mailing list for post-event follow up
Customized Opportunities Available!
Contact sales@aota.org today to craft your presence, and to discover new ways to access the occupational therapy practitioner audience throughout the year.
