Autism New Jersey, NJ Department of Health joined conversation on strategic collaboration, creating inclusive healthcare spaces, and removing barriers to care

(Mount Laurel, N.J.) – Bancroft, a clinical leader in providing care for those living with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, together with Cooper University Health System and Autism New Jersey, brought together more than 100 healthcare professionals from throughout the region last week for a conference focused on improving the healthcare landscape for people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, the half-day event spanned topics including integrated care for people with disabilities; creating spaces for people with autism and I/DD; current gaps in medical care; and a panel discussion on overcoming barriers to care, featuring experts from Bancroft, Autism New Jersey and Cooper, along with Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey’s Ombudsman for people with disabilities. 

“This is an incredibly important conversation for anyone who provides care to people with disabilities,” said Dr. Karen Lindgren, Bancroft’s Chief Clinical Officer. “This population often faces significant barriers to accessing medical care within the community; especially those with more severe behavioral needs.” 

“As leaders in this space, it’s crucial that we work together to create access to healthcare that is truly inclusive and accessible for everyone,” Lindgren said. 

The day’s keynote address came from Dr. Fred Volkmar, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology at the Yale University Child Study Center, School of Medicine, who provided an overview of the general challenges facing people with autism and I/DD, along with current autism statistics, research and outcomes.

Dr. Lindgren is available for interviews. Please contact Rebecca Fuller at rebecca.fuller@bancroft.org for inquiries. For more photos of the event, click here.