Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. The following list summarizes our efforts. Clicking on the links below will take you to additional information about these services:
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Toll-free Information & Referral Line, 1-800-4-AUTISM, responds to more than 6,000 callers per year.
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Education workshops for parents and other family members of children with autism.
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Professional resources for teachers and other professionals responsible for educating and caring for children and adults with autism.
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Assistance with advocacy and legal rights issues for parents and guardians of individuals with autism of all ages.
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Promotion of autism awareness to the general public through collaboration with the media, businesses, and concerned citizens.
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Community outreach and partnerships to provide autism information to diverse populations and groups.
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Dissemination of current information about autism-related topics and events. Informational publications to educate readers about autism.
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Referral lists to link families with service providers.
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Education of legislators and state officials about issues that affect New Jersey's autism community.
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Annual Conference, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, with more than 1,400 attendees.
History
In 1965, a group of concerned parents, frustrated by a lack of programs and support from their local school districts, met to discuss ways to support their children and each other. That first parent support group was known as the Council of Schools for the Emotionally Disturbed (COSED) and officially incorporated in 1967. As its scope broadened and the definition of autism became more uniform, the agency decided to focus its energy upon autism, and changed its name to the Council of Schools and Agencies for Autistic Children (COSAC) in 1974. More support groups were formed, and Autism New Jersey began to organize service providers around legislative and government issues.
The organization underwent a name and concept change again in 1991, when it became the Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC), as it was known until 2009. In lieu of a 2007 Centers for Disease Control report indicating that New Jersey has the nation’s highest autism prevalence rates, the agency began to renew its commitment to reach thousands of additional families, particularly those from minority communities and diverse backgrounds, who require our assistance. The agency initiated a comprehensive rebranding effort in mid-2008 to improve its public perception and better represent its services and capabilities in the most optimal way. In 2009, the organization changed its name to Autism New Jersey, reaffirming its devotion to creating a compassionate society for individuals affected by autism and their families.
Awards
2010 MarCom Platinum Award for Connecting with Autism: A Blueprint for the Future
2008 Videographer Award of Distinction for a 3-part DVD series, "Untapped Potential: New Jersey Adults on the Autism Spectrum".
2008 MarCom Honorable Mention for a three-part DVD series, "Untapped Potential: Adults on the Autism Spectrum".
2008 MarCom Gold Award for the agency's bi-monthly newsletter.
2006 Videographer Award of Distinction for Agency Overview DVD.
2005 Ann Klein Advocate Award
2005 New Jersey Association for Persons in Supported Employment's Special Tribute Award
2004 Servicios Latinos De Burlington County's Breaking Down Barriers Award
2002-2003 New Jersey Kiwanis Charity of the Year
2000 New Jersey Association of Student Councils