Dear Support Group Attendees,
As of September 30th, Autism New Jersey will no longer host Support Groups. For the past 25 years, the “group” model of support has offered many parents the opportunity to share their experiences, obtain information and network. The nature of how parents receive support today continues to evolve. With many more online resources and increased awareness many parents are finding other means of support more accessible.
We recognize the benefits that Support Groups have brought to so many parents over the years. In upcoming months, our signature services will offer other venues for parents to receive some of the benefits afforded by Support Groups.
Toll-free information and advocacy support 800.4.AUTISM Annual Conference on October 7 – 9, 2010 in Atlantic City Workshops for parents and professionals Public policy initiatives
Autism New Jersey will continue to provide information regarding Support Groups in your local area. Many of the groups previously hosted by Autism New Jersey will continue to meet independently. In the next few weeks, we will be sending out an email with specific contact information pertaining to those groups who wish to continue meeting.
We recognize that you have many connections in the autism community and hope you will continue to use us as a resource and referral. Please do not hesitate to contact 800-4-AUTISM or visit www.autismnj.org if you are interested in finding a group in your area.
Click here for directions.
For additional support group resources, click here.
Bergen County
Meeting Dates: September 3
Location/Time: Mt. Carmel Church, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Rory Panter, Psy.D.
Parent Contact: Gary Lahm 201-503-9476
Camden County
Meeting Dates: August 24, September 28
Location/Time: YCS Sawtelle South, West Collingswood, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA
Parent Contact: Anita Renzetti 856.349.2942 or 609.519
Essex County
Meeting Dates: No Meeting in August, September 13
Location/Time: Congregation Beth Ahm, Verona from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Group Facilitator: Michele Havens, Ed.D.
Parent Contact: Contact Autism New Jersey
Gloucester County
NEW GROUP!
Meeting Dates: September 14
Location/Time: Weisman Children’s Rehab Center, Sewell, 7:00-9:00pm
Group Facilitator: Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA
Parent Contact: Contact Autism New Jersey
Hudson County
Meeting Dates: September1
Location/Time: Jewish Community Center, Bayonne, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Tamara Bannon, LMSW, BCBA
Parent Contact: Patti Kennedy 201.823.9541
Hunterdon County
Meeting dates: September 13
Location/Time: JW Tumbles, Clinton from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Group Facilitator: Nancy Arvizzigno, MA, LPC
Parent Contact: Mary Beth Ruchlin 908-730-7002 (day) or 908-387-1383 (evening)
Mercer County
Meeting dates: September 10
Location/Time: YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08620, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contact: Kelly Lutz 609-584-8825 (evening & weekends)
Middlesex County
Meeting dates: August 5, September 2
Location/Time: Raritan Valley Academy Professional Development Center, 1690 Stelton Road, Conference Room A, Piscataway, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Contact: Laura Turci (732) 980-9008
Monmouth County
Meeting dates: August 26, September 23
Location/Time: Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contacts: Contact Autism New Jersey
Morris
NEW GROUP!
Meeting dates: September 20
Location/Time: The Calais School in Whippany from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Rory Panter, Psy. D.
Parent Contact: Contact Autism New Jersey
Ocean County
Meeting dates: September 16
Location/Time: Children's Specialized Hospital, Toms River, 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contacts: Maria and Brandon Chonobroff 732.961.7189
Union County
Meeting dates: August 24, September 28
Location/Time: Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Group Facilitator: Nancy Arvizzigno, MA, LPC
Parent Contacts: Please call Autism New Jersey, 609.883.8100, ext. 45
Parents of Adults
Meeting dates: September 21
Location/Time: Montclair Kimberly Academy, Montclair, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Barbara Wells
Parent Contact: Alice Hirsh 973-324-2131
Parents Who Speak Spanish - Hudson County
Padres Ayudando a Padres.
Dates: September 2
Location/Time: Iglesia San Augustin, de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Claudia Moreno, Ph.D.
Parent Contact: Susana Albistur 201-864-7262
Parents Who Speak Spanish - Essex County
Padres Ayudando a Padres.
Dates: No meeting in August, September 7
Location/Time: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Newark, 8:00 to 10:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Claudia Moreno, Ph.D.
Parent Contact: Contact Autism New Jersey
Autism NJ's Sibling Pen Pal Program
Autism NJ operates a pen pal list for sisters and brothers of individuals with autism or related disorders. To join the program, please download and complete the sign-up form. For more information, contact Gale Rainier at mailto:grainier@autismnj.org
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Click below for additional listings of support groups
:
Support Groups for parents of children with autism or related disorders
ASPEN Support Groups for parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome, and for Adults with Asperger's and High Functioning Autism
Additional Support Groups