The second annual Mid-South Autism Conference opens Monday at Landers Center in Southaven and continues through Wednesday.

Sponsored by Transformations Autism Treatment Center, the event is expected to attract hundreds of families and professionals alike.

"Last year, we had over 700 people attend the conference in Tunica," said John Holtzman, one of the conference coordinators and director of development at Transformations. "It made a big impact, and we hope to continue with this year's conference."

Holtzman said he and Transformations Center executive director Tracy Palm saw the need for the conference, and they hope it will help families learn about treatment options and also equip professionals with tools to help the families they serve.

He pointed to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data and statistics as the reason this conference and others like it across the country are vital.

"The CDC announced that autism is at an epidemic level. About 1 in 88 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder and 1 and 54 boys," he said.

The theme of this year's conference is "Reason for Hope" and that's what Holtzman hopes attendees take away with them.

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Carl Sundberg, president and executive director of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism in Fishers, Ind.

Sundberg will make his keynote address, "The Essentials of Effective Treatment," on Monday's opening day.

He will also speak Tuesday during a presentation titled "Teaching in the Natural Environment."

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Mid-South Autism Conference at Landers Center in Southaven