Center for Autism Research at CHOP

09/08/2025

Want to learn more about your infant’s brain and behavior development? Our study is for you! We are enrolling infants up to 6 months of age whose older sibling has autism. Expectant mothers are encouraged to reach out.

Families will make up to 3 visits to CHOP to complete developmental testing and a non-invasive MRI. You’ll receive verbal feedback about your child’s developmental milestones and a written report with personalized recommendations. In addition, we compensate for time, travel, and meals.

Fill out this form to get in touch with the study team: https://redcap.link/10llhmxm

You can also call (215)-796-3144 or email ibis@chop.edu.

09/05/2025

CAR is hosting a free 1-hour virtual workshop as part of our Next Steps Series!

Caring for the Whole Family: Supporting Siblings of Autistic Individuals

Thursday, September 25th from 1-2pm EST

This workshop will focus on:
- Understanding the experiences of siblings
- Strategies for supporting siblings’ needs and wellbeing
- Opportunities to hear directly from siblings about their stories

There will also be a Live Q&A! Whether you are a sibling yourself, a self advocate, a parent, or a professional, this session will provide valuable insights into the sibling experience and practical ways to foster resilience and connection.

Register here: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/next-steps-the-sibling-experience

08/06/2025

We're hosting a VIRUTAL Next Steps for Families with a New Diagnosis workshop!

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 12pm-3pm EST

This virtual workshop is geared towards parents/caregivers of toddlers through elementary school-aged children who have recently been diagnosed with autism. Topics will include an overview of autism, tips for accessing community supports and resources, common interventions, and a parent panel discussion.

There is a nominal charge of $10 for sessions but please reach out if this causes a financial hardship.

Registration: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/next-steps-new-diagnosis-9-24-25

Questions? Please contact Jamiel Owens at owensjd@chop.edu.

07/29/2025

We had an amazing time visiting Center for Autism Research at CHOP this week!
(A special full-circle moment for Jen, CAR+IBIS study alum 💙) Follow Beyond and CAR to stay tuned for some exciting collaborations coming soon! 👀✨

07/25/2025

ALL ARE WELCOMED, but today is your last chance to register, and be entered into our raffles and more!

🚀✨ Join the Galactic Celebration at the 8th Annual Autism Play Date! ✨🚀

🗓️ Date: Saturday, August 2nd
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive, Phila. PA 19121
🎉 Admission: FREE!

Prepare your young Padawans for an unforgettable day of fun, friendship, and family connection in a galaxy not so far away...

💫 What's on the Intergalactic Itinerary?

🔹 Opening Ceremony with Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Frances Hoover (Smith Playground), Jamiel Owens (CHOP), & more

🔹 Special MCs: Kerwin & Keith Yarde from “Father.Son.Galaxy”

📚 Storytime with Philly's own Chase from “Chase Books”

🎩 Live Magician Show to dazzle kids of all ages

🎧 DJ Blake spinning the best beats across the galaxy

💇 Free Haircuts by the Jedi barbers of “AusomeCutz”

🎁 Raffle Prizes: Amazon gift cards, gift baskets & more for those who register.

🍪 2 FREE Cookies for everyone from Glassy Brown Cookies

🚚 Food Trucks Galore:
▪ Corney’s
▪ P*e Wee’s Ice Cream
▪ Pink’s Water Ice
▪ Diamond Duchess

🍔 Each registered child receives 1 FREE food item (while supplies last)

🎖️ Certificate Presentation by Councilmember Kendra Brooks' Office
💙 Sponsor Shout-Out to Bancroft, ABA Centers of America, Elwyn, AbbyCare, Aurora HealthCare, Neurabilities, Presteige Home Care, and Your Care at Home for fueling the mission!

🪐 This is a celebration for every family, every child, and every journey on the spectrum.

🛸 May the Fun Be With You!

🔗 Register with this link: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/8th-annual-autism-play-date?mc_cid=29b23b6406

07/23/2025

There's still time to register for Next Steps into Adulthood!

Monday, August 11th, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Roberts Center for Pediatric Research

The workshop will have two tracks: one for family members/providers and one for autistic young adults. Young adults will participate in small-group discussions related to navigating adulthood and what this means.

Cost:
- Parent, Caregiver, Teen/ Young Adult: $10
- Family of 3 or more people: $25
- Parking passes are available to purchase in advance for $5.

Register today: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/next-steps-into-adulthood

07/16/2025

Parenting a neurodivergent child can come with beautiful highs and heavy moments that are hard to name. In this thoughtful piece, Jane Kim, a CHOP colleague, reflects on 10 honest, validating truths that many families may relate to.

Read her blog post here:

A list of 10 things to be okay with if you are raising a neurodivergent child, including giving yourself grace and patience.

07/11/2025

The ASERT Collaborative and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services, provide resources for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities and the providers who support them.

07/09/2025

Our 2nd Annual Autism Fathers conference was nothing short of amazing! As we prepare for our 3rd conference in Newark, Delaware, we would like to thank all of our continued sponsors and partners that work with us to make this space safe for all of our attendees.

A highlight of an amazing event and experience. Awesome fathers come together in a judge free space where they can share their journeys. Have access to an ab...

06/18/2025

Get ready for an out-of-this-galaxy experience at the 8th Annual Autism Play Date! This year, we’re bringing a childhood favorite to life with a Star Wars theme!

Join us on Saturday, August 2nd at Smith Memorial Playground from 1-5pm as we channel the power of the Force to uplift, support, and celebrate the incredible Autism community. Whether you're a Jedi Master, Rebel, or Wookiee at heart, this event promises fun, connection, and meaningful memories for the whole family!

Attendance to the event is FREE and open to all families touched by autism. Whether you're looking to connect with others, enjoy a day out, or learn about local resources, there's something here for everyone.

Register today: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/centerforautismresearch/8th-annual-autism-play-date

06/10/2025

06/10/2025