Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the CDC, autism affects one in 59 children in the United States and is even more prevalent in the state of New Jersey, with one in 34 children diagnosed with it every year.
This month, we are celebrating those individuals and their families during World Autism Month. Because autism affects so many families in various capacities, overall awareness of autism is needed as professionals work to provide solutions for those with autism as well as information on how to detect if a loved one may be on the spectrum. We are proud to help shine a light on it by providing a round-up of the organizations in our area making a difference in the lives of those with autism and the people who love them. Read on to find out how to participate in World Autism Month in Hoboken + Jersey City:
Autism Speaks
One of the largest autism awareness organizations, Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism and related conditions. Autism Speaks was started in 2005 by the grandparents of a young child diagnosed with ASD and now, 14 years later, the organization has grown tremendously and continues to support research and provide resources for autism families across the country. There is a New Jersey chapter, based in Princeton, that does work on a local level. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved through donating time and financial resources.
Autism New Jersey
Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them. This organization celebrates the numerous contributions to society individuals with autism have made while providing resources for those individuals to live full lives by enhancing their resilience and abilities. Autism New Jersey relies on volunteers throughout the year to be able to continue their work. Volunteers are needed for office tasks, organizing fundraising efforts and helping at conferences. To learn more about Autism New Jersey and how you can get involved, visit the site here.
Autism Awareness Training
Locally {in Hoboken}, the Hoboken Board of Education and the Hoboken Fire Department will be hosting Autism Awareness Training on Saturday, April 27th. Taking place in the Wallace School Gymnasium {1100 Willow Avenue}, the training session will consist of two classes — Autism Shield for First Responders and Hidden Dangers {how to keep individuals with autism safe in the home}. For more information, email bcrimmins@hobokenfire.org or mark.mautone@hoboken.k12.nj.us. To register, click here.
The Arc of New Jersey
The Arc of New Jersey is one of Autism Speak’s top picks for families affected by autism. An affiliate of the national organization The Arc, The Arc of New Jersey is the state’s largest organization advocating for and serving citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families. Through its various programs, The Arc of New Jersey has various programs for individuals with autism such as ProjectHIRE, which places these individuals on career paths and provides training in areas that are most suitable, Self Advocacy which provides individuals with the tools needed to speak up for themselves and Governmental Affairs which works directly with law and policymakers to ensure the best protection and well-being. Joining the local chapter of The Arc of New Jersey is easy. Head to the website here to learn more about how to get involved.
Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped {ASAH}
ASAH is a not-for-profit organization that represents more than 125 different private schools and agencies in New Jersey. Recommended by Autism Speaks Inc., ASAH provides highly specialized services to over 11,000 infants, children and young adults with disabilities. One of ASAH’s key roles is to share information about special education services in New Jersey – they offer detailed reports for parents on preschool services, private school placement, parental rights, and other key topics. For more information on how to get involved, visit the website here.
Autism Family Services of New Jersey
Autism Family Services of New Jersey was founded in 2004 and is dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for individuals and their families affected by Autism and related disorders throughout the lifespan. It is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to developing programs such as respite care, after-school and recreation programs. Along with providing individuals with autism and their families with services like after-school care, Saturday recreation, and various training programs, AFSNJ holds the largest gathering of autism families in NJ each year at the Annual Autism Beach Bash in Belmar, New Jersey. To learn more about the Beach Bash and how to get involved all year, click here.
Eden Autism
Eden Autism offers a twelve-month school program for three-year-olds to 21-year-olds, vocational training for adolescents and adults, residential services for adults, and numerous other resources grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis. With a commitment to excellence in autism services, Eden has more than 40 years of clinical experience and success in educating individuals with autism and training family members, educators, and other professionals. Eden Autism began providing services in 1975 when resources were extremely scarce and continues to provide educational, professional and residential resources today. To support Eden Autism, visit here.
How are you planning to participate in Autism Awareness Month? Let us know in the comments!
