Center for Autism Research at CHOP

02/20/2026

🚨 Registration is now OPEN 🚨

I’m proud to officially share that registration is now open for Involved and Informed: A Conference for Autism Fathers and Autism Advocates, hosted by the Center for Autism Research (CAR) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

As an Autism father, this conference represents something I care deeply about—creating spaces where fathers, advocates, professionals, and community partners can come together to learn, connect, and strengthen support for Autistic individuals across the lifespan.

This conference is a collaborative effort with trusted partners Montclair University, Nemours Swank Center, and Autism Delaware and ABA Centers of Delaware and Pennsylvania, bringing together research, clinical insight, and lived experience to support meaningful impact.

New to the conference, is our "Welcoming Night"! A dinner that will Elevate, celebrate, and Acknowledge YOU! Hosted by ABA Centers of Delaware and Pennsylvania, get ready for food, panel discussions, prizes, and community!

📅 Friday, March 27, 2026
🕘 5:00PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Eastside Charter School | Wilmington, DE

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Eastside Charter School | Wilmington, DE

We also welcome resource organizations and community partners interested in exhibitor booths, sponsorships, and branded opportunities.

I encourage Autism fathers, advocates, professionals, and allies to register early and be part of this important day.

👉 Registration link:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/centerforautismresearch/involved-informed-conference

01/30/2026

Talking About Sexuality - Free virtual workshop for parents, guardians, caregivers, and family members of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Two dates available: February 11 and May 11. Space is limited, so don't wait to register: https://buff.ly/u26mRhE

Talking about sexuality with your young and grown loved ones with disabilities can be difficult. As parents, guardians, and family members, we often worry whether talking about it gives permission and whether they can be safe from harm when they are in relationships. This workshop written and designed by Elevatus Training LLC will help you become more comfortable and prepared for these conversations.

01/29/2026

Autism Delaware's Empowered Connections series connects individuals with autism together with their parents/caregivers and professionals to share information and resources to help families achieve positive outcomes on their autism journeys.

Join a discussion TONIGHT designed for co-parents and fathers of children on the autism spectrum. Share experiences, explore challenges, and celebrate the unique strengths of parenting our diverse and unique children. Whether you’re navigating co-parenting from the same household or across two homes, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and practical tools. Fathers, mothers, and all co-parents are welcome. Come connect, learn, and walk away with renewed confidence and a stronger support network.

Tonight, January 29th, 2026 from 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AtT1yWfMXWbVDHT3fKFY0lfbpqWrO5rtK0xTd54JCOUc3YuCslpN~AkTaf_dqDwupIALPtl89v_jd8aJEISjVL0eG75zwH2TYROOsr7-AL-iqVQ

01/29/2026

01/15/2026

We are excited to be in Mount Laurel, NJ for the annual Mount Laurel special education parent advisory committee resource fair at the Harrington Middle School. If you’re in the area, stop by.

01/14/2026

Mattel, Inc. unveiled today its first-ever autistic Barbie doll created with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them

01/14/2026

Barbie's first autistic doll has been developed with sensory-sensitive features in mind. See how.

01/13/2026

💙 Hearts at Work 💙

Join Family Matters, for a special day of connection, service, and community as Family Matters (a JAFCO Support Network) opens the doors to our new space!

In honor of MLK Day, they’re inviting families, neighbors, and community partners to come together for an afternoon of fun and meaning, including:

✨ Activities for kids
✨ Local nonprofit partners
✨ A calming sensory room
✨ Our “I Have a Dream” Butterfly Wall—share your hopes and dreams with us

This is a family-friendly celebration focused on unity, giving back, and new beginnings. Come spend the day with them and be part of something special.

📅 January 19, 2026
🕛 12:00–4:00 PM
📍 2004 Renaissance Blvd, King of Prussia, PA

👉 Bring the kids, invite a friend, and help celebrate community—together! 💙

01/12/2026

Researchers at CHOP are partnering with the University of Illinois Chicago to study how care coordination that includes mental health services can benefit teens with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They want to know if care coordination plus participation in a mental health program helps teens gain skills to be healthier and happier.

Individuals living in PA, NJ, IL and AZ who are between 13 to 20 years old who have an I/DD diagnosis and receive care coordination, and their parent/ caregivers are invited to learn more about this research study.

To learn more, visit: https://www.redcap.ihrp.uic.edu/surveys/?s=YWCY9NYXXHPDTTJ9

01/09/2026

Join us for Involved and Informed: A Conference for Autism Fathers and Autism Advocates — a first-of-its-kind conference elevating the role of fathers in the autism community while welcoming advocates, caregivers, and organizations who support families.

Learn from leading researchers and advocates, connect with families and peers, and access resources that support inclusion and family well-being. Lunch will be provided.

📍 Date: Saturday, March 28th from 9AM - 2PM
📍 Location: Eastside Charter School, 3000 N. Claymont Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
📍 Cost: $20 (scholarships available)

‼️ New this year: Pre-Conference Welcome Party! Registrants are invited to join us the evening of Friday, March 27th from 5:00-8:00 PM for a relaxed space to connect with other attendees, meet speakers, and build community.

Hosted by CHOP’s Center for Autism Research, this conference is made possible through a collaborative partnership with Autism Delaware, Montclair University, Alternative Choices, Nemours Swank Center, and ABA Centers of Delaware.

Come as we unite, share, and grow together in an atmosphere of understanding and hope.

📢 Calling Resource Organizations! Booths, program sponsorships, and branded opportunities available. Are you part of an organization that offers valuable resources for families and fathers in the autism community? We invite you to be a part of our event! We’re seeking vendors who are committed to supporting others and making meaningful connections.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/involved-informed-conference