Center for Autism Research at CHOP

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

01/09/2026

Come join the Open House Resource Fair presented by Mount Laurel Special Services and Special Education Parent Advisory Committee next Thursday, January 15th from 6:00 to 8:00PM.
Vendors will be available to meet and discuss their services and support activities. Come, enjoy, and learn about community programs which are available to your children.
We hope to see you there!

01/09/2026

Devereux is hosting their inaugural Family Resilience Conference: Stronger Together - The Power of Resilience for Families, Caregivers, and Care Teams.

Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2026 from 11 AM - 4:15 PM EST

This FREE VIRTUAL conference is open to any parent, caregiver, sibling, advocate or a professional in the disability field, this event offers a valuable opportunity to connect, learn and grow.

Attendees will discover practical strategies for building resilience in everyday life. Through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive wellness activities and meaningful lived-experience panel discussions, you will gain tools to combat compassion fatigue, foster optimism and strengthen your support network.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApLKmify38VePJhxuCgTnypROdYc_d87yP00irL5haKA94BcIBpM~AkHhGQBy-LNBkFZZCiaN0ibIcx4VIfwnKs3HxGtjE3k2ZUw-RkKN9vb8-g

01/08/2026

Free virtual workshop!

ABA Explained: Where it Started, Where it Struggled, and Where it is Today

Date: Thurs. March 19, 2026 from 12-1 PM

This presentation offers a balanced, accessible overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed for both caregivers and professionals. We will explore the historical roots of ABA, how early practices shaped the field, and the controversies and criticisms that continue to influence important conversations today.

Participants will gain an understanding of how ABA has evolved over time, including shifts toward trauma-informed, consent-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. The presentation will highlight what ethical, modern ABA looks like in practice, how it differs from outdated models, and what safeguards are in place to center dignity, autonomy, and quality of life.

Caregivers will leave with tools to ask informed questions, advocate effectively, and recognize supportive versus harmful practices. Professionals will be encouraged to reflect on ethical responsibility, ongoing learning, and collaboration with families and neurodivergent individuals.

Register today: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/aba-explained

01/07/2026

01/06/2026

Researchers are studying what makes conversations successful, like what talking styles and techniques help teens have more effective, enjoyable interactions. Ready to Connect is an online study open to families of autistic and non-autistic teens who are 12-15 years old.

Participation includes online surveys and 1–3 remote sessions. Families are compensated.

To learn more or enroll, email readytoconnect@chop.edu, call 267-425-0304, or visit https://www.research.chop.edu/ready-to-connect-conversation-and-language-in-teens