Mt. Laurel, NJ – Families, advocates, service providers, and experts came together at The Bancroft School on September 26, 2026 for Involved & Informed: Symposium for Autism Fathers and Autism Advocates, hosted by Bancroft in partnership with the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
The half-day event focused on the questions, decisions, and support needs for both children and adults with autism. Although fathers’ experiences and perspectives were central to the program, the event welcomed anyone who supports an individual with autism.
In his opening keynote, Bancroft Acting CEO and Chief Operating Officer Brian Hancock spoke about the importance of creating connections among families, professionals, and the broader community.
“We aren’t just a service provider. We’re not just a school. We’re not just a residential program. You all are not just health care providers. You’re not just parents. You are part of a community. And that’s what we want to do here today: create community.”
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy echoed that emphasis on community and shared some of the work she and the State of New Jersey are doing to support individuals with autism and their families throughout the state.
Practical Information for the Road Ahead
Three breakout sessions gave families and advocates practical information they could use now and as they plan for the future:
• Building Independence Through Smart Assistive Technology, presented by Smart CareGenius
• Confident Clicking: Building Digital Confidence for Safer, More Independent Online Living, presented by the I&O Wellness Center’s Just For Us Program
• Accessing DDD Services: There IS Life After Graduation!, presented by Disability Navigators
The sessions explored how technology can support greater independence, ways to make online experiences safer and more accessible, and what families need to know about accessing New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities services after graduation.
The sessions explored how technology can support greater independence, ways to make online experiences safer and more accessible, and what families need to know about accessing New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities services after graduation.
The Essential Role of Fathers
The panel discussion, Partnering for Progress: Research, Resources, and the Right Kind of Help, brought together John C. Barnard and Carolyn Piro, LCSW, of Bancroft; Melissa McClairen of Elwyn; Dr. John Herrington of the CHOP Center for Autism Research; and Philip J. Fizur, Psy.D., of Cooper and Rowan University.
The conversation validated the essential role fathers play in their children’s lives, encouraging them to remain actively involved at home, at school, during medical appointments, and within their communities. Panelists discussed the difference it can make when both parents are engaged and working together to understand their child’s needs, advocate for the right support, and help create opportunities for their child to thrive.
They also acknowledged that families do not have to find every answer on their own. Strong partnerships among families, schools, health care providers, community organizations, and the individuals receiving support can help families navigate changing needs and decisions over time.
Connecting Families With Resources
Throughout the morning, attendees also had the opportunity to meet with community organizations offering information, services, and support for individuals with autism and their families. Each organization was carefully selected to help attendees connect with trusted resources and leave with practical next steps.
Participating organizations included:
• Comfort Career Connections
• Reed AI
• Spectrum Sports (Canceled morning of)
• Kaleidoscope ABA Therapy Services
• Happy Noises LLC
• Brandstein Family Services
• Melissa Chalme- Special Education Advocate & IEP Coach
• Interactive Kids
• I&O Wellness Center
• OneWell Health Care
• Begley Law Group, PC
• OTC Services
• B’here With Me, LLC
• Avela Health
• ABA Centers of New Jersey
• Disability Navigators LLC
• AJ Drexel Autism Institute
• Golden Care Therapy
• Devereux
• Wings To Learning Advocacy
It Takes All of Us
Supporting individuals with autism throughout their lives cannot be the work of any one organization. It takes families, providers, advocates, elected leaders, and community partners working together to address challenges, strengthen support, and help individuals with autism live their best lives. The connections made through Involved & Informed are one part of Bancroft’s ongoing work to bring people together, share knowledge and resources, and build stronger communities.
