PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania Presents Inaugural Safety Expo in Concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
Monroeville, PA: Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, is proud to announce its first-ever Autism Safety Expo; a comprehensive two-day event devoted to promoting safety in the home and the community for people of all ages and stages on the autism spectrum and their families.
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’s Safety Expo is important because it brings together critical resources that help ensure the well-being of autistic people in nearly every aspect of life, from their homes to schools to public spaces. Many families and self-advocates struggle to navigate complex systems when it comes to legal rights, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and physical and social safety. This Expo offers a rare opportunity to access all of that information in one place, with trusted experts who understand the unique challenges faced by the autism community. By creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection, the event empowers individuals and families to proactively build safer, more supportive environments.
Dates & Location
- Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
- 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146
Expo Highlights and Resources
This “one-stop-shop” experience invites families, caregivers, autistic people, professionals, and community members to access vital safety solutions covering:
- Legal Safety: Guardianship, special education law, rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and access to legal aid organizations.
- Medical Safety: Including sensory-friendly best practices, medical ID tools, emergency-preparedness plans, and how to navigate healthcare settings comfortably
- Community and Social Safety: Safe travel, public‐space accessibility, social-skills training, and resources on self-advocacy and community inclusion.
- Technology and Adaptive Tools: Exhibitors showcasing assistive tech, safety-alert devices, home-monitoring systems, and calming sensory aids.
- First Responders Engagement: In person discussions with fire, police, and EMS personnel to build understanding of autism-friendly response protocols.
- Caregiving & Family Support: Peer support groups, respite resources, and guidance from social-service agencies.
Why Safety Matters
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania surveyed autistic people, families, and caregivers about their greatest concerns. Safety is the utmost priority for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas, and with different levels of need. In response, the Autism Connection is organizing this event to connect people with critical resources.
Safety is multidimensional: legal, medical, social, and environmental. By bringing together experts from each domain, the Autism Safety Expo offers resources to autistic people and families to proactively build environments, knowledge, and community systems that support neurodiverse safety.
About Autism Connection of PA
Since 1996, Autism Connection of PA has served as a trusted resource for families and professionals across the state, offering support groups, educational workshops and webinars, advocacy, and information on art, justice, school, and lifelong planning.
About Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
A division of Jefferson Health, the Center champions neurodiverse-aware design and clinical practices, highlighted by its sensory-inclusive Honickman Center in Philadelphia’s city center.
The official registration and financial information of Autism Connection of PA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
