Families from across the region joined us last week for our Autism and Neurodiversity Expo!

The event provided a welcoming, supportive space for families of children on the neurodiversity spectrum to access resources, connect with professionals and strengthen their community network. About 150 people attended.

“Navigating services and supports can feel overwhelming,” Staff and Curriculum Development Specialist Chaz-Lit Droguett-Doyle said. “Many supports exist, but families are not always aware of them or how to access them. By bringing providers and organizations together, we wanted to help bridge that gap and ensure families have the knowledge they need to advocate for and support their children.”

During the expo, families visited information and activity stations around the Rossetti Courtyard, talking with representatives from nonprofit partners and MOBOCES staff about different services and things they can do at home. Nearly a dozen community partners set up tables, with a final station that featured Bluey and Bingo at a photo booth near the exit. Stewart’s Shops also donated hot dogs, water and ice cream for families, with several staff members manning an outdoor grill.

The event built on an autism awareness and resources fair that MOBOCES hosted last year at our North Broad location, specifically aimed at families in our own special education programs. We opened this year’s expo to our entire service region to help build a larger and stronger community and increase access to resources for all interested families.

“Families everywhere are seeking connection, information, and support, and we recognized the importance of breaking down district boundaries to serve all students and families,” Droguett-Doyle said.