--- description: Learn what to expect at the free 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit, including expert sessions on research, diagnosis, treatment, advocacy and more. title: What to Expect at the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit image: https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/placeholder.jpg --- [Skip to content](#content) [Donate](https://autoimmune.org/blog/2026-autoimmune-community-summit/?campaign=697841) September 21, 2026 0 Share this article FacebookXLinkedIn # What to Expect at the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit - [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-community-summit/) ### Sign up for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit View the full agenda and [register here](https://autoimmune.vfairs.com/)! If you are living with an autoimmune disease, searching for a diagnosis, caring for someone with an autoimmune condition, or interested in the latest autoimmune research, the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit was created for you. Hosted by the [Autoimmune Association](https://autoimmune.org/), the **2026 Autoimmune Community Summit will take place October 14–16, 2026**. This free, three-day virtual event brings together leading researchers, physicians, patient advocates, policy leaders, and people with lived experience. What causes autoimmune disease? How can environmental exposures affect the immune system? Why are autoimmune diseases so difficult to diagnose? What does science know about autoimmune fatigue, brain fog, and sleep? How might artificial intelligence change autoimmune medicine? What should patients know about pregnancy, menopause, metabolism, and GLP-1 medications? The Summit will explore these questions through expert presentations, patient perspectives, moderated discussions, live Q&A sessions, practical resources, and an interactive virtual exhibit hall. **The Summit is free and fully virtual.** Every educational session will also be recorded and available on demand to registered attendees after the event. [Register free for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit](https://go.autoimmune.org/summit26). ## What is the Autoimmune Community Summit? The Autoimmune Community Summit is an annual patient education event focused on the science, treatment, management, and lived experience of autoimmune disease. Because autoimmune disease is complex, patients often spend countless hours searching across websites, medical journals, social media, forums, videos, and podcasts for reliable information. The Summit brings many of those conversations together in one accessible event. Whether you are newly diagnosed, have lived with autoimmune disease for years, are still seeking answers, or support someone with an autoimmune condition, you will find information designed to help you better understand your health, navigate the healthcare system, and prepare for conversations with your medical team. ## Seven important autoimmune disease topics you will explore The 2026 Summit is organized around seven major themes spanning research, daily life, healthcare access, and the future of autoimmune medicine. ### 1. New autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease research Scientists are identifying new antibodies, studying previously unknown immune diseases, and uncovering pathways that could lead to more precise diagnosis and treatment. [Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, MD, MHS](https://irp.nih.gov/pi/raphaela-goldbach-mansky), Chief of the Translational Autoinflammatory Diseases Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will explain how inflammation and the discovery of new immune diseases are changing scientific understanding—and why that research matters to patients. [Amanda Piquet, MD](https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/neuroimmunology/faculty), Director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program, Professor of Neurology, and Céline Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, will discuss what happens when the immune system affects the brain and nervous system. [Megan Smithmyer, PhD](https://www.benaroyaresearch.org/about-bri/faculty-scientific-staff/megan-smithmyer), a staff scientist at Benaroya Research Institute, will explore the **exposome**—the environmental exposures a person experiences throughout life—and what researchers are learning about its potential relationship to autoimmune disease. Sessions include: - **Understanding New Immune Diseases: Inflammation, Discovery, and What Patients Should Know** - **When the Immune System Affects the Brain** - **The Exposome and Environmental Impacts on Autoimmune Disease** For additional background, explore the Autoimmune Association’s information about [the environment and autoimmune disease](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/education/environment/) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ overview of [autoimmune disease and environmental health research](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune). ### 2. Environmental triggers, nutrition, and integrative autoimmune care Many people with autoimmune disease have questions about nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, environmental exposures, and other factors that may influence their health. This Summit theme will examine what research suggests, where evidence is still developing, and how lifestyle approaches can complement medical care. [Adam Schiffenbauer, MD](https://joinastudy.niehs.nih.gov/), an associate research physician at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will discuss environmental triggers and the immune system. [Neha Shah, MD](https://profiles.stanford.edu/neha-shah), Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford Medicine, will address nutrition and lifestyle considerations for people with autoimmune disease. [Mickey Trescott, MSc](https://autoimmunewellness.com/our-story/), a functional nutritionist, chef, and autoimmune health educator, will then lead a cooking demonstration featuring nourishing, allergen-friendly recipes designed for real life. Sessions include: - **Environmental Triggers and the Immune System** - **Nutrition and Lifestyle Considerations** - **Nourish to Flourish: Cooking for Autoimmune Wellness** You can also explore the Autoimmune Association’s [nutrition resources](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/patient-support/nutrition-resources/). ### 3. Autoimmune fatigue, brain fog, sleep, and limited energy Fatigue and brain fog are among the most common—and most misunderstood—symptoms reported by people with autoimmune disease. In the Autoimmune Association’s ongoing [chronic fatigue survey](https://autoimmune.org/research/chronic-fatigue/), 91% of participants said fatigue was a major issue, while 77% reported that it affected their ability to work. [Mark Zielinski, PhD](https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/mark-zielinski), Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Neuroimmunology and Sleep Laboratory at the VA Boston Healthcare System, will discuss research into the connections among immune activity, sleep, circadian rhythms, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms. [Julie Flygare, JD](https://project-sleep.com/our-leadership/), President and CEO of Project Sleep, will bring this science into daily life through a conversation about **energy economics**: understanding the energy available to you and making thoughtful choices about how and where to spend it. Sessions include: - **Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Sleep Science** - **Energy Economics: Living with Limited Energy** ### 4. Autoimmune diagnosis, artificial intelligence, and emerging treatments Autoimmune symptoms can be vague, change over time, affect multiple body systems, or resemble other conditions. Patients may see several healthcare professionals before receiving an accurate diagnosis. [Julius Birnbaum, MD](https://www.juliusbirnbaum.com/), Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, will examine why autoimmune diseases can be so difficult to recognize and diagnose. Patients who are currently seeking answers can also review our [autoimmune diagnosis tips](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/diagnosis-tips/) and [Question Prompt List](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/question-prompt-list/) before their next appointment. [Dajiang Liu, PhD](https://pure.psu.edu/en/persons/dajiang-liu/), Distinguished Professor at Penn State College of Medicine, will discuss how artificial intelligence could help researchers and clinicians analyze large collections of medical and biological data. AI is already being investigated for medical imaging, clinical decision support, health monitoring, and disease prediction. However, medical AI also raises questions about data quality, bias, privacy, transparency, and human oversight. The National Institutes of Health offers additional information about [artificial intelligence in biomedical research and healthcare](https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/artificial-intelligence-ai). [Marjolein A.Y. Klaassen, MD, PhD](https://microbiome.mit.edu/), a clinical scientist at the MIT Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, will complete the theme with a look at encouraging treatment approaches and emerging immune-system research. Sessions include: - **Why It Takes So Long to Get a Diagnosis** - **AI and the Future of Autoimmune Medicine** - **New and Encouraging Treatments and Immune System Research** ### 5. Health insurance, prior authorization, appeals, and advocacy Managing an autoimmune disease can also mean navigating health insurance requirements, medication coverage, prior authorization, treatment denials, and appeals. [Erin Bradshaw](https://uniting.patientadvocate.org/leadership/), Executive Vice President of Development and Strategy at the Patient Advocate Foundation, will provide practical guidance for understanding health insurance, responding to coverage barriers, and approaching an appeal. Patients can prepare by reading our guides to [prior authorization](https://autoimmune.org/advocacy/understanding-prior-authorization/) and [health insurance](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/health-insurance-guide/). HealthCare.gov also explains patients’ rights when [appealing a health plan decision](https://www.healthcare.gov/appeal-insurance-company-decision/). Sessions include: - **Tips on How to Navigate Your Health Insurance, Prior Authorization, and Appeals** - **Health Policy: Federal Advocacy at Home** Learn more with [Advocacy 101](https://autoimmune.org/advocacy/advocacy-101/) or take action to [help change autoimmune disease policy](https://autoimmune.org/get-involved/help-change-policy/). ### 6. Pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and autoimmune disease Autoimmune disease frequently intersects with major reproductive and hormonal transitions, yet questions about pregnancy and menopause have not always received the attention they deserve. [Jill Buyon, MD](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1316910169/jill-p-buyon), Director of the Division of Rheumatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Colton Center for Autoimmunity, will discuss reproductive healthcare and pregnancy considerations, including disease management, risk factors, monitoring, and medications. [Nanette Santoro, MD](https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ob-gyn/divisions/division-of-reproductive-sciences/our-faculty/nanette-santoro-md), E. Stewart Taylor Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, will examine perimenopause, menopause, and the immune system. Symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disruption, brain fog, joint discomfort, temperature changes, and mood changes may overlap with autoimmune symptoms. Understanding that overlap can help patients have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers. Sessions include: - **Reproductive Healthcare and Pregnancy Considerations** - **Perimenopause, Menopause, and the Immune System** ### 7. GLP-1 medications, metabolism, inflammation, and autoimmune disease GLP-1 medications may be best known for diabetes treatment and weight loss, but the scientific conversation extends beyond the number on a scale. GLP-1 receptor agonists can affect appetite, digestion, blood glucose, brain signaling, and metabolism. Researchers are also exploring possible connections to inflammation, although important questions remain about what these medications may mean for people with different autoimmune diseases. Through expert presentations, moderated discussion, and a patient perspective, this session will examine: - How GLP-1 medications work - Metabolism, appetite, reward, and behavior - What researchers are investigating about GLP-1s and inflammation - What is known—and still unknown—about GLP-1 medications and autoimmune disease - Questions patients may want to discuss with their healthcare providers The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also published safety information about [unapproved and compounded GLP-1 medications](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss). ## What else can attendees expect? The 2026 Summit uses a new interactive virtual platform. Registered attendees can participate in educational sessions and Q&As, hear patient perspectives, explore virtual exhibits and resource rooms, and access select speaker materials when available. Dedicated exhibit and activity periods are built into the schedule so attendees can explore without missing educational sessions. The Summit is designed for people living with diagnosed autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, those still seeking a diagnosis, caregivers, family members, patient advocates, healthcare professionals, students, researchers, and anyone looking for credible autoimmune disease information. ## Frequently asked questions ### When is the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit? The Summit will take place **October 14–16, 2026**. ### Is the Summit free and virtual? Yes. The Autoimmune Community Summit is completely free and takes place entirely online. Attendees can join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone using a modern browser. No special software is required. ### Do I need to register? Yes. Registration is required to attend the live event and access session recordings afterward. ### Will sessions be available on demand? Yes. Every educational session will be recorded and available on demand to registered attendees after the Summit. Register even if you cannot participate live. ### Can attendees ask questions? Many sessions will include opportunities to submit questions. Speakers will answer as many as time allows. ### Does the Summit provide medical advice? No. The Summit provides general education and information. Speakers cannot diagnose attendees or recommend individualized treatment plans. ### Where can I watch previous Summit sessions? Explore recordings from previous years on the [Autoimmune Community Summit page](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/autoimmune-summit/). ## Join the autoimmune community October 14–16 At the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit, you will hear what experts are learning about immune-system research, the brain, environmental exposures, fatigue, sleep, diagnosis, AI, emerging treatments, women’s health, GLP-1 medications, health insurance, and patient advocacy—and what those developments may mean for people living with autoimmune disease. **It is free. It is virtual. Every educational session will be available on demand to registered attendees.** [Register now for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit](https://go.autoimmune.org/summit26). Share this article FacebookXLinkedIn ## Join our email list Receive the latest blog articles, news, and more right to your inbox! [Sign Up](https://go.pardot.com/l/864732/2021-01-25/mnz6b3) - ### Categories - [Advocacy](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/advocacy/) - [Autoimmune Association News](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/aarda-news/) - [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-community-summit/) - [Autoimmune Heroes](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-heroes/) - [COVID-19](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/covid-19/) - [Featured Posts](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/featured-posts/) - [Founder's Corner](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/founders-corner/) - [Fundraising](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/fundraising/) - [General Autoimmune](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/general-autoimmune/) - [Immune System](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/immune-system/) - [Raising Hope](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/raising-hope/) - [Research](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/research/) - [Resources](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/resources/) - [Rheumatoid Disease](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/rheumatoid-disease/) - [Sin categorizar](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/sin-categorizar/) - [Uncategorized](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/uncategorized/) - [Young Adult Advisory Council](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/young-adult-advisory-council/) - ### ArchivesSelect Month/Year Month/Year October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 June 2023 May 2023 March 2023 January 2023 December 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 March 2022 February 2022 November 2021 August 2021 July 2021 April 2021 September 2020 April 2020 March 2020 November 2019 July 2019 February 2019 December 2018 August 2018 November 2017 March 2015 ## Related articles you might be interested in [![Autoimmune Community Summit Logo Color](https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Autoimmune-Community-Summit-Logo_Color.png)](https://autoimmune.org/blog/what-to-expect-at-the-autoimmune-community-summit/) ### [What to Expect at the Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/what-to-expect-at-the-autoimmune-community-summit/) September 23, 2024 [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-community-summit/) The Autoimmune Community Summit: Your Resource for Empowerment and Wellness Join Us Virtually on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18! 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[Learn More](https://autoimmune.org/blog/5-promising-areas-in-autoimmune-research/) [![Autoimmune Association Image Do Not Touch](https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/placeholder.jpg)](https://autoimmune.org/blog/third-annual-autoimmune-community-summit-informs-inspires-and-empowers/) ### [Third Annual Autoimmune Community Summit Informs, Inspires, and Empowers](https://autoimmune.org/blog/third-annual-autoimmune-community-summit-informs-inspires-and-empowers/) October 10, 2023 [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-community-summit/)   Last week, we held our virtual Autoimmune Community Summit, bringing together more than 2,000 people affected by autoimmune disease for educational and... [Learn More](https://autoimmune.org/blog/third-annual-autoimmune-community-summit-informs-inspires-and-empowers/) [![Autoimmune Association Image Do Not Touch](https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/placeholder.jpg)](https://autoimmune.org/blog/lee-thomas-will-deliver-keynote-at-the-autoimmune-community-summit/) ### [Lee Thomas Will Deliver Keynote at the Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/lee-thomas-will-deliver-keynote-at-the-autoimmune-community-summit/) September 5, 2023 [Autoimmune Community Summit](https://autoimmune.org/blog/category/autoimmune-community-summit/) Lee Thomas, news anchor and reporter at Fox 2 Detroit TV and national vitiligo advocate, will deliver the keynote address at the third... [Learn More](https://autoimmune.org/blog/lee-thomas-will-deliver-keynote-at-the-autoimmune-community-summit/) ## Find more resources on autoimmunity Learn more about autoimmunity, diagnosis tips, how to find a physician, and more. [Learn More](https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/) ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@graph":[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/2026-autoimmune-community-summit\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","name":"Autoimmune Association"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/category\/autoimmune-community-summit\/","name":"Autoimmune Community Summit"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/2026-autoimmune-community-summit\/","name":"2026 Autoimmune Community Summit | What to Expect"}}]}, {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/2026-autoimmune-community-summit\/#BlogPosting","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/2026-autoimmune-community-summit\/","inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/2026-autoimmune-community-summit\/","headline":"What to Expect at the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit","description":"Learn what to expect at the free 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit, including expert sessions on research, diagnosis, treatment, advocacy and more.","articleBody":"Sign up for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit View the full agenda and register here! If you are living with an autoimmune disease, searching for a diagnosis, caring for someone with an autoimmune condition, or interested in the latest autoimmune research, the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit was created for you. Hosted by the Autoimmune Association, the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit will take place October 14\u201316, 2026. This free, three-day virtual event brings together leading researchers, physicians, patient advocates, policy leaders, and people with lived experience. What causes autoimmune disease? How can environmental exposures affect the immune system? Why are autoimmune diseases so difficult to diagnose? What does science know about autoimmune fatigue, brain fog, and sleep? How might artificial intelligence change autoimmune medicine? What should patients know about pregnancy, menopause, metabolism, and GLP-1 medications? The Summit will explore these questions through expert presentations, patient perspectives, moderated discussions, live Q&A sessions, practical resources, and an interactive virtual exhibit hall. The Summit is free and fully virtual. Every educational session will also be recorded and available on demand to registered attendees after the event. Register free for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit. What is the Autoimmune Community Summit? The Autoimmune Community Summit is an annual patient education event focused on the science, treatment, management, and lived experience of autoimmune disease. Because autoimmune disease is complex, patients often spend countless hours searching across websites, medical journals, social media, forums, videos, and podcasts for reliable information. The Summit brings many of those conversations together in one accessible event. Whether you are newly diagnosed, have lived with autoimmune disease for years, are still seeking answers, or support someone with an autoimmune condition, you will find information designed to help you better understand your health, navigate the healthcare system, and prepare for conversations with your medical team. Seven important autoimmune disease topics you will explore The 2026 Summit is organized around seven major themes spanning research, daily life, healthcare access, and the future of autoimmune medicine. 1. New autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease research Scientists are identifying new antibodies, studying previously unknown immune diseases, and uncovering pathways that could lead to more precise diagnosis and treatment. Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, MD, MHS, Chief of the Translational Autoinflammatory Diseases Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will explain how inflammation and the discovery of new immune diseases are changing scientific understanding\u2014and why that research matters to patients. Amanda Piquet, MD, Director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program, Professor of Neurology, and C\u00e9line Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, will discuss what happens when the immune system affects the brain and nervous system. Megan Smithmyer, PhD, a staff scientist at Benaroya Research Institute, will explore the exposome\u2014the environmental exposures a person experiences throughout life\u2014and what researchers are learning about its potential relationship to autoimmune disease. Sessions include: \tUnderstanding New Immune Diseases: Inflammation, Discovery, and What Patients Should Know \tWhen the Immune System Affects the Brain \tThe Exposome and Environmental Impacts on Autoimmune Disease For additional background, explore the Autoimmune Association\u2019s information about the environment and autoimmune disease and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences\u2019 overview of autoimmune disease and environmental health research. 2. Environmental triggers, nutrition, and integrative autoimmune care Many people with autoimmune disease have questions about nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, environmental exposures, and other factors that may influence their health. This Summit theme will examine what research suggests, where evidence is still developing, and how lifestyle approaches can complement medical care. Adam Schiffenbauer, MD, an associate research physician at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will discuss environmental triggers and the immune system. Neha Shah, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford Medicine, will address nutrition and lifestyle considerations for people with autoimmune disease. Mickey Trescott, MSc, a functional nutritionist, chef, and autoimmune health educator, will then lead a cooking demonstration featuring nourishing, allergen-friendly recipes designed for real life. Sessions include: \tEnvironmental Triggers and the Immune System \tNutrition and Lifestyle Considerations \tNourish to Flourish: Cooking for Autoimmune Wellness You can also explore the Autoimmune Association\u2019s nutrition resources. 3. Autoimmune fatigue, brain fog, sleep, and limited energy Fatigue and brain fog are among the most common\u2014and most misunderstood\u2014symptoms reported by people with autoimmune disease. In the Autoimmune Association\u2019s ongoing chronic fatigue survey, 91% of participants said fatigue was a major issue, while 77% reported that it affected their ability to work. Mark Zielinski, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Neuroimmunology and Sleep Laboratory at the VA Boston Healthcare System, will discuss research into the connections among immune activity, sleep, circadian rhythms, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms. Julie Flygare, JD, President and CEO of Project Sleep, will bring this science into daily life through a conversation about energy economics: understanding the energy available to you and making thoughtful choices about how and where to spend it. Sessions include: \tFatigue, Brain Fog, and Sleep Science \tEnergy Economics: Living with Limited Energy 4. Autoimmune diagnosis, artificial intelligence, and emerging treatments Autoimmune symptoms can be vague, change over time, affect multiple body systems, or resemble other conditions. Patients may see several healthcare professionals before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Julius Birnbaum, MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, will examine why autoimmune diseases can be so difficult to recognize and diagnose. Patients who are currently seeking answers can also review our autoimmune diagnosis tips and Question Prompt List before their next appointment. Dajiang Liu, PhD, Distinguished Professor at Penn State College of Medicine, will discuss how artificial intelligence could help researchers and clinicians analyze large collections of medical and biological data. AI is already being investigated for medical imaging, clinical decision support, health monitoring, and disease prediction. However, medical AI also raises questions about data quality, bias, privacy, transparency, and human oversight. The National Institutes of Health offers additional information about artificial intelligence in biomedical research and healthcare. Marjolein A.Y. Klaassen, MD, PhD, a clinical scientist at the MIT Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, will complete the theme with a look at encouraging treatment approaches and emerging immune-system research. Sessions include: \tWhy It Takes So Long to Get a Diagnosis \tAI and the Future of Autoimmune Medicine \tNew and Encouraging Treatments and Immune System Research 5. Health insurance, prior authorization, appeals, and advocacy Managing an autoimmune disease can also mean navigating health insurance requirements, medication coverage, prior authorization, treatment denials, and appeals. Erin Bradshaw, Executive Vice President of Development and Strategy at the Patient Advocate Foundation, will provide practical guidance for understanding health insurance, responding to coverage barriers, and approaching an appeal. Patients can prepare by reading our guides to prior authorization and health insurance. HealthCare.gov also explains patients\u2019 rights when appealing a health plan decision. Sessions include: \tTips on How to Navigate Your Health Insurance, Prior Authorization, and Appeals \tHealth Policy: Federal Advocacy at Home Learn more with Advocacy 101 or take action to help change autoimmune disease policy. 6. Pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and autoimmune disease Autoimmune disease frequently intersects with major reproductive and hormonal transitions, yet questions about pregnancy and menopause have not always received the attention they deserve. Jill Buyon, MD, Director of the Division of Rheumatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Colton Center for Autoimmunity, will discuss reproductive healthcare and pregnancy considerations, including disease management, risk factors, monitoring, and medications. Nanette Santoro, MD, E. Stewart Taylor Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, will examine perimenopause, menopause, and the immune system. Symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disruption, brain fog, joint discomfort, temperature changes, and mood changes may overlap with autoimmune symptoms. Understanding that overlap can help patients have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers. Sessions include: \tReproductive Healthcare and Pregnancy Considerations \tPerimenopause, Menopause, and the Immune System 7. GLP-1 medications, metabolism, inflammation, and autoimmune disease GLP-1 medications may be best known for diabetes treatment and weight loss, but the scientific conversation extends beyond the number on a scale. GLP-1 receptor agonists can affect appetite, digestion, blood glucose, brain signaling, and metabolism. Researchers are also exploring possible connections to inflammation, although important questions remain about what these medications may mean for people with different autoimmune diseases. Through expert presentations, moderated discussion, and a patient perspective, this session will examine: \tHow GLP-1 medications work \tMetabolism, appetite, reward, and behavior \tWhat researchers are investigating about GLP-1s and inflammation \tWhat is known\u2014and still unknown\u2014about GLP-1 medications and autoimmune disease \tQuestions patients may want to discuss with their healthcare providers The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also published safety information about unapproved and compounded GLP-1 medications. What else can attendees expect? The 2026 Summit uses a new interactive virtual platform. Registered attendees can participate in educational sessions and Q&As, hear patient perspectives, explore virtual exhibits and resource rooms, and access select speaker materials when available. Dedicated exhibit and activity periods are built into the schedule so attendees can explore without missing educational sessions. The Summit is designed for people living with diagnosed autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, those still seeking a diagnosis, caregivers, family members, patient advocates, healthcare professionals, students, researchers, and anyone looking for credible autoimmune disease information. Frequently asked questions When is the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit? The Summit will take place October 14\u201316, 2026. Is the Summit free and virtual? Yes. The Autoimmune Community Summit is completely free and takes place entirely online. Attendees can join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone using a modern browser. No special software is required. Do I need to register? Yes. Registration is required to attend the live event and access session recordings afterward. Will sessions be available on demand? Yes. Every educational session will be recorded and available on demand to registered attendees after the Summit. Register even if you cannot participate live. Can attendees ask questions? Many sessions will include opportunities to submit questions. Speakers will answer as many as time allows. Does the Summit provide medical advice? No. The Summit provides general education and information. Speakers cannot diagnose attendees or recommend individualized treatment plans. Where can I watch previous Summit sessions? Explore recordings from previous years on the Autoimmune Community Summit page. Join the autoimmune community October 14\u201316 At the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit, you will hear what experts are learning about immune-system research, the brain, environmental exposures, fatigue, sleep, diagnosis, AI, emerging treatments, women\u2019s health, GLP-1 medications, health insurance, and patient advocacy\u2014and what those developments may mean for people living with autoimmune disease. It is free. It is virtual. Every educational session will be available on demand to registered attendees. Register now for the 2026 Autoimmune Community Summit.","datePublished":"2026-09-21T20:55:34-04:00","dateModified":"2026-10-12T16:55:23-04:00","author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Autoimmune Association","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/about-us\/","sameAs":[],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/70669a23ed731bc2425150828e604d97af2f2091c5569da962b68d3158801569?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"editor":{"@type":"Person","name":"Colleen Kmiecik","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/blog\/author\/colleen\/","sameAs":[],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/70669a23ed731bc2425150828e604d97af2f2091c5569da962b68d3158801569?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Autoimmune Association","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","logo":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo-horizontal.svg"}}, {"@type":"NGO","@id":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/#ngo","name":"Autoimmune Association","description":"The Autoimmune Association serves autoimmune patients through research, advocacy for healthcare access, and collaboration across autoimmune diseases. Founded in 1991 as the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), it now reaches over 60 countries.","url":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org","address":{"streetAddress":"19176 Hall Road, Suite 130","addressLocality":"Clinton Township","addressRegion":"MI","addressCountry":"US","postalCode":"48038"},"logo":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo-horizontal.svg","image":"https:\/\/autoimmune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo-horizontal.svg","founder":"Virginia T. Ladd","foundingDate":"1991","knowsAbout":"Autoimmune disease, autoimmune research, patient advocacy","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Autoimmunity","https:\/\/x.com\/AutoimmuneAssoc","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/autoimmuneassociation\/"],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer service","telephone":"+15867763900","email":"hello@autoimmune.org"},"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","telephone":"+15867763900","email":"hello@autoimmune.org"}]} ```