Autism New Jersey

New Jersey's Autism Resource Since 1965

WHAT IS AUTISM?

  • Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by severe impairments in social interaction and communication, and by the presence of unusual and repetitive behaviors. To date, there is no known cause or cure. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is an umbrella term, which includes autism, Asperger's Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. The Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 150 children nationally and 1 in 94 in New Jersey. An estimated 87,000 New Jersey residents are affected by autism spectrum disorders.

WHAT IS Autism New Jersey?

NEW JERSEY'S AUTISM RESOURCE

  • Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education and consultation to individuals and families affected by autism. Autism New Jersey encourages responsible basic and applied research that would lead to a lessening of the effects and potential prevention of autism. Autism New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential as well as to enhancing the overall awareness of autism in the general public.

A COMMUNITY RESOURCE

  • Since its inception in 1965, Autism New Jersey has been New Jersey's premier resource for accurate autism information, compassionate support and effective advocacy for the autism community.
  • Distinguished as the nation's largest autism symposium, Autism New Jersey's annual "Issues in Autism" conference attracts more than 1,300 participants from across the country.
  • In addition to its 2,000 members, Autism New Jersey response to than 6,000 calls per year through its toll-free helpline (1.800.4.AUTISM) make it the largest network of parents and professionals concerned about autism in New Jersey.
  • Autism New Jersey provides parent training on topics including: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); Educational Rights and Individual Educational Plans; Adults Services; Guardianship and Estate Planning; Individualized Educational Program (IEP) clinics; and more.
  • Autism New Jersey's website (www.autismnj.org) provides accurate autism information and a diversity of current resources for families affected by autism, including those in the Latino community, concerned citizens, healthcare professionals, children and the media.

A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION

  • Autism New Jersey Spanish-speaking parents publications and a Support Group.
  • Autism New Jersey provides parents of children and adults with autism Support Groups in most NJ counties.
  • Autism New Jersey offers parents many high-quality workshops on effective teaching strategies, family care and legal issues.
  • Autism New Jersey provides children and adolescents a Sibling Pen Pal program.
  • Autism New Jersey provides teachers and other professionals responsible for educating children and adults with autism workshops and special training.
  • Autism New Jersey offers on-site information and advocacy services at Children's Specialized Hospital locations throughout New Jersey.
  • Autism New Jersey educates legislators and other state officials about issues affecting New Jersey's autism community.

A RESOURCE FOR MEDIA

  • Featured on CNBC and MSNBC segments that were integral parts of NBC Universal's week-long series, "Autism: The Hidden Epidemic?"
  • Featured on CNN, CNN Headline News, Comcast, WPIX, WNET, WWOR, Fox News, PBS, New Jersey Network Nightly News, WMGM, WZBN, Telemundo 47, Old Bridge Cable TV, New Jersey Access Group stations WPVI, WTXF, and others.
  • Featured on National Public Radio's "Voices in the Family," a weekly discussion program.
  • Featured on "Giving Hearts," an international Passionate Internet Radio Voices program reaching 37 countries.
  • Featured on New Jersey Public Radio stations.
  • Highlighted in national and state magazines including: American Baby; Woman's Day; NJ Golf Magazine; Mercer Business Magazine; NJ Business Magazine; Exceptional Parent Magazine; Current Health Magazine; Weekly Reader; South Jersey Magazine; and SpecialKIDS Magazine.
  • Featured in national, regional, state and local newspapers including: The New York Times; The Newark Star Ledger; The Bergen Record; The Asbury Park Press; The Press of Atlantic City; The Home News Tribune; The Trenton Times; The Trentonian; The Record Press; The Cranford Cronicle; and others.
  • Participants in the online community calendars of the Associated Press and WNBC.
  • Autism New Jersey produced an English and Spanish DVD highlighting agency services, and helpful to families of newly diagnosed children with autism, families with adult children with autism, new Autism New Jersey employees, legislators, the media and the community.
  • Autism New Jersey's Media Specialist directory offers reporters contact information for North, Central and South Jersey families affected by autism, and the professionals who work with individuals with autism.

A MODEL OF NATIONAL AND GLOBAL EXCELLENCE

  • Autism New Jersey regularly collaborates with Autism Speaks, Inc., the Autism Society of America and other national organizations to support the autism community.
  • Autism New Jersey has consulted with organizations from Pennsylvania to Japan about their autism programs, and provided helpful information to families in a variety of countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, Egypt, and others.

AN INNOVATIVE, FORWARD-THINKING AGENCY

  • Staying ahead of the evolving needs of the autism community, Autism New Jersey's Department of Public Policy & Systems Advocacy addresses the increase in population of children with autism who are transitioning into adulthood, as well as educates parents, service agencies, businesses and government on issues that impact adult services.
  • Autism New Jersey produced a White Paper that will serve as a blueprint for current and future support needs for adults with autism in New Jersey. Autism New Jersey also produced an award-winning, three-part DVD series exploring the residential, employment and services and resources needs of NJ adults with autism. This pro-active approach to advocacy is one of the defining characteristics of Autism New Jersey's commitment to advancing the quality of life for NJ's citizens with autism.
  • Given the wide array of intervention topics marketed for the autism community, Autism New Jersey proudly endorses only state-of-the-art, research-based treatments.
  • Each April, Autism New Jersey recognizes National Autism Awareness Month by executing its Autism Awareness Ambassador Program, which involves more than 600 adults and children who educate their communities about autism.
  • Autism New Jersey expands its statewide scope of influence by continually identifying the thousands of families in New Jersey that need its help and support by working with agencies, schools, healthcare providers and researchers.
  • Autism New Jersey partners with colleagues in the scientific, medical, clinical and educational communities to promote best practices.

A PARTNER IN THE COMMUNITY

  • Autism & Faith Task Force
  • Center for Childhood Neurotoxicology and Exposure Assessment
  • Children's Specialized Hospitals
  • Educational Testing Service
  • Latinos and Disabilities Network
  • New Jersey Governor's Council on Autism
  • NJ Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE)
  • NJ Coalition of Inclusive Ministries
  • NJ Disability Budget Coalition
  • NJ Girl and Boy Scouts
  • NJ Kiwanis
  • NJ Latinos With Disabilities Network
  • NJ Medicaid Advocates Coalition
  • NJ Medicare Dual Eligibles Coalition
  • The Arc of New Jersey
  • University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ