Families from across South Jersey are invited to attend a special Burlington County event devoted to increasing understanding about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the many resources that can assist those impacted by the condition.
The Autism In My Shoes symposium will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM at the Burlington County Special Services School District’s Westampton Campus, 20 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton.
The free event is organized by the Special Services School District in partnership with the Burlington County Commissioners and the Township of Willingboro. It is designed to provide families impacted by ASD with information about support services, resources, education and strategies.
There will also be opportunities for families to meet, connect and share their experiences with other parents, caregivers and instructors.
“We are building a stronger, more inclusive community for our students and neighbors by working together,” said Burlington County Special Services School District Superintendent Dr. Ashanti Holley. “At BCSSSD, our autism program is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), ensuring every student receives individualized support in communication, social skills, and daily living. This symposium extends that work beyond our classrooms to support families across the county.”
“As the father of a child diagnosed with autism, I know how daunting the learning curve can be for those impacted and how easily families can feel overwhelmed,” added Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo, a planned participant in panel discussions at the event. “One of the main objectives of this symposium is to let families know they are not alone. Our County and communities will work together to ensure everyone feels welcome, accepted and supported with easy access to the resources available.”
Willingboro Councilwoman Rebecca Perrone said the event marks the first time Burlington County and the Special Services School District have partnered with Willingboro Township to organize an autism awareness event.
“The first Autism In My Shoes Symposium was held in April 2023 in Willingboro. It was created through the Willingboro Parades & Events Committee to foster understanding and strengthen connections without our community around autism,” said Councilwoman Perrone. “As a Councilwoman serving a community of hundreds of residents currently living with autism, and as a mother of a daughter on the spectrum, this work is deeply personal. It brings me great joy to partner with Burlington County and Burlington County Special Services District to continue our mission to build awareness, empathy and inclusion throughout the community. This symposium is designed to bring people together to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen our collective ability to support individuals on the autism spectrum in all areas of life.”
According to the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, about 1 in 31 children are now identified with ASD.
The event will feature a variety of opportunities for attendees to interact, learn and access resources, including:
- A keynote address from Jamiel Owens, Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the founder of the Autism Fathers Conference
- Expert Panels and Discussions: Sessions will be led by professionals sharing current approaches, strategies and insights on a number of subjects, including the transition from pediatric to adult care, guardianships, how to navigate the process of applying for services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and other available autism supports and services
- Interactive Workshops: Practical, hands-on learning opportunities for parents, caregivers and educators
- Resource Fair: Access to state, county and local agencies and community organizations offering direct support to families.
Other presenters include:
- Burlington County Surrogate Brian Carlin and staff from the Surrogate’s Office will deliver a presentation on adult Guardianship and New Jersey Superior Court procedures;
- Stuart Altshuler, President of Disability Navigators; and
- Virtua Health nurses Connie Blanchard and Kristie Johnson, who will present on Virtua’s early identification programs and other autism supports and resources.
The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, go to bit.ly/autisminmyshoes .
