Purpose Beyond Diagnosis expands access for families across South Jersey and beyond
Purpose Beyond Diagnosis, a year-round resource network for families of neurodivergent individuals, recently announced that its inaugural summit — originally planned as an in-person gathering at The College of New Jersey — will now be held virtually on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM ET. The shift removes geographic and travel barriers, allowing families, educators, and advocates beyond South Jersey to join the daylong event.
Themed “From Survival to Legacy: Empowering Families. Building Independence. Creating Legacies,” the Summit is designed as a professionally produced virtual conference, not a standard webinar — featuring a dedicated emcee, custom-branded graphics, live Q&A through chat, and a full recording available to attendees afterward.
Dr. Gladys A. David, a former attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate, founded and hosts the event, building Purpose Beyond Diagnosis from her experience raising a neurodivergent son. Dr. David is also the author of the upcoming book She Built It Anyway: Raising a Neurodivergent Child While Building a 7-Figure Business.
“Moving the Summit online means more families can be part of this conversation, not fewer,” said Dr. David. “Distance was never supposed to decide who gets access to hope, strategy, and community.”
Program highlights include:
● An opening reflection with Dr. David on seeing children beyond a diagnosis or label
● A special education rights session with SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
● A legal panel on special education and developmental disability law with Andrew I. Meltzer, Esq., of Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler
● A caregiver wellness and mental health conversation with Donna Williams of NAMI / Donna’s Touch
● A session on community, belonging, and independence with Nadine Thompson of Nassan’s Place
● A closing reflection with Dr. David connecting the day’s conversations to long-term family legacy
The Summit will also include a virtual Community Resource Marketplace connecting families with healthcare, education, legal, and support organizations. Registration is available at purposebeyonddiagnosis.org.
