GMercyU Hosts 19th Annual Autism Conference

Gwynedd Mercy University hosted the 19th annual Autism Conference as part of Autism Acceptance Month on Saturday, April 11. The all-day conference, hosted by GMercyU's Autism Institute, featured 25 expert-led workshops for specific audiences, including educators, health care professionals, and families.

Featuring presenters from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), PaTTAN, the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support and more, the conference serves as a major regional forum for autism education, advocacy, and family support. Led by Dr. Deborah Schadler, founder and director of GMercyU’s Autism Institute, it offers a curated program of sessions designed to educate and champion appreciation of diversity in abilities.

This year, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis was in attendance, meeting with GMercyU's chapter of Best Buddies. (See above photo)

1 in 21 8-year-old children in Pennsylvania have autism, a higher rate than the nation’s average. The need for understanding, inclusion, and support has never been greater. GMercyU's Autism Conference is just one of the many resources and services the Institute provides that contributes to the development and educational progress of person's on the autism spectrum.

Dr. Schadler saw the need to provide research-based best practices for students majoring in special education, as well as teachers, administrators, and parents of children on the autism spectrum and any interested community members. All programs emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of children showing symptoms of ASD, as well as the presentation of evidence-based best practices for use across the lifespan of a person on the spectrum.

The signature offering of the Institute is the annual Conference held each April. The Conference is free and offers ACT 48 credits and babysitting services were provided by GMercyU education majors for parents and caregivers.