Stephanie Spear 
April is Autism Acceptance Month 2025, a nationwide initiative dedicated to celebrating and honoring individuals on the autism spectrum. According to the Autism Society, this month highlights awareness, inclusion, and support for the autism community. Here in Hudson County, local advocates are working year-round to advance autism acceptance — and are hosting events in Hoboken and Jersey City to further amplify their impact. In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re sharing a list of autism advocates to know in the area, along with upcoming events in Hoboken + Jersey City. Read on for more.
Editor’s Note: this is a growing list and exclusions are not intentional. If you have additions, please email [email protected].
Autism NJ | Nonprofit Organization
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Autism NJ is a state-wide nonprofit organization with the goal of providing support to individuals with autism and their families and autism professionals. Autism NJ also leads advocacy efforts to advance issues related to people living with an autism disorder, such as increased workforce training programs, funding for services, and more.
Read More: How to Support Autism Acceptance Month + Resources for Parents
Amanda Dale | Founder of Hoboken Foodie Fest for Autism
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Amanda Dale, also known as the Foodie Goddess, is the Vice President and Director of Creative Culinary Content at What Hoboken Sounds Like — a Hoboken nonprofit “on a mission for inclusivity & diversity.” Amanda is a parent of a child with Autism and a co-organizer of the second annual Hoboken Foodie Fest for Autism, taking place on April 25th, 2026. The festival will feature several local restaurants, a DJ, and a used children’s book drive, and will serve as a celebration of community, creativity, and spreading Autism awareness and acceptance.
Victor “Young Emeljay” Lopez Jr. | Founder of What Hoboken Sounds Like
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Victor Lopez Jr. — wife of Amanda Dale — is the founder of What Hoboken Sounds Like. The nonprofit organization was first founded in 2021, with a mission to showcase the music, culture, and untold stories of the Mile Square. Through community events like the Summer Blockfest, the organization curates digital content and cultural initiatives that bring people together. As a parent of a child with autism alongside Amanda, Victor is a co-organizer of the Hoboken Foodie Fest for Autism and looks to use his platform to raise Autism awareness and acceptance throughout Hoboken.
Dr. Kerry Magro | Author + Autism Advocate
Dr. Kerry Magro Ed.D. is a Hoboken resident, author, and autism advocate. He recently released his third book about living with autism — and has spoken nationwide at industry conferences and in educational settings.
“When inclusion works, it means getting everyone’s voices together to make positive change. I hope to be one of those voices for a place I enjoy living in,” Kerry previously told The Hoboken Girl.
Whole Spectrum Autism | Nonprofit Organization
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The Whole Spectrum Autism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by CEO + Board President Sherry Singh in 2016. The organization’s mission is to champion autism acceptance and inclusion by facilitating community engagement and serving as a voice for families whose loved ones are on the spectrum. The organization hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness and acceptance, offer programs for locals, and more — including the annual Autism Acceptance Gala. This year’s event will take place on June 5th, 2026, at Liberty House, and you can buy tickets here.
“Whole Spectrum Autism is not just an organization; it’s a lifelong mission,” Sherry told The Hoboken Girl. “We raise autism acceptance by hosting family-friendly, inclusive events throughout the year because autism isn’t just one day or one month – it is everyday living for so many of us.”
Sherry Singh | Founder + CEO, Whole Spectrum Autism
Sherry founded Whole Spectrum Autism with the belief that every individual on the spectrum deserves not just visibility, but celebration. Her leadership and advocacy have shaped programs, partnerships, and policies across the region. As the mother of her 39-year-old son, Ravi, who is on the autism spectrum and non-verbal, Sherry is determined to build truly inclusive communities that welcome her son and families just like hers.
Rachel Sieg | Executive Director, Whole Spectrum Autism
Rachel has spent over a decade standing beside founder Sherry in Whole Spectrum Autism’s mission. “Her passion for advocacy and connection-building fuels our growth and deepens our impact,” Sherry shared with HG.
See More: Autism Acceptance Month: Resources for Parents
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