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I did not feel rushed, they took the time to understand the situation and offer suggestions.
They followed up in a timely manner with an email with resources and encouraged continued contact as needed.
[My Helpline staff member] was the exact right person with whom we needed to speak.
He listened. He understood. He asked great questions. And made sure we both had follow-up items to check off our lists before we speak again. I could not be happier with our interaction today. I felt heard and supported.
[Autism New Jersey] was amazing!
Informative and more than happy to assist me. Really took [their] time to understand what I was looking for. I am so happy I reached out.
The information was right on target and addressed everything that I needed to assist the parent and point her in the right direction.
Very thorough responses. I appreciate the level of detail and the thought and heart that went into responding.
I asked a couple of questions and I got answers to all of them and even additional information based on something read between the lines.
You answered all my questions and lead me to the right place for the information I was looking for to guide me in caring for my adult brother’s needs.
[My helpline staff member] was incredibly helpful and very nice.
I was so frustrated trying to find a provider and she was so knowledgeable. Thank you!
Honestly, someone got back to me within 24 hours. Not only did they answer my questions, they ran a search for me and actually gave me a place to start.
The email was very friendly and ended by saying that they would be here every step of the way and that was so refreshing. I will review the information that was sent, make some calls, and if I have anymore questions, I feel that I can just reach out to [Autism New Jersey] and know that they will be here for me.
Fueron muy pacientes y amables, me dieron mucha información muy útil y me brindaron ayuda inmediata.
[They were very patient and kind, they gave me a lot of useful Information and offered immediate help.]
Our 800.4.AUTISM Helpline offers practical information and emotional support.
We empower New Jersey residents with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them. Our skilled staff offers information on:
- Evidence-based treatment options
- Special education right
- Health insurance
- Financial planning
- Caregiver wellness
- Adult needs
- Navigating public and private services across the lifespan
- and more!
For more than 60 years, we’ve supported and advocated for New Jersey’s autism community. In continuous operation since 1989, our signature helpline has served more than 80,000 callers.
How it works
The Helpline team can be reached on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m by calling 800.4.AUTISM or emailing information@autismnj.org. While we try to live-answer as many calls as we can, we are a small team and each caller gets as much time as they need. If we’re not available to speak with you immediately, please leave us a voicemail. Inquiries are regularly returned during the week within 24 hours.
Contacting 800.4.AUTISM is always free of charge.
As Much Time As You Need
If you call the 800.4.AUTISM Helpline, you’ll be able to schedule a call with a member of our helpline team, who will give you as much time as you need. We can answer your autism questions, help you plan and build a road map of next steps, and engage in active problem solving every step of the way.
If you don’t know what question to ask, we’ll help you figure out which are the right ones. Whether it’s a question about special education, finding an effective treatment provider, or navigating health insurance issues, we can also help you unlock the structural issues that might be at play: what might the people across the table be thinking, and why do people, policies and institutions function the way they do?
Meet the 800.4.AUTISM Helpline Team
Jon Gottlieb, Esq.
Helpline and Family Advocacy Director
Jon leads the 800.4.AUTISM Helpline team, authors website content, delivers trainings, and solves complex problems for individuals, families, and the professionals that support them. Before joining Autism New Jersey, Jon built a private law practice dedicated to helping parents of children with disabilities. His background in the law and his familiarity with the needs of the autism community enable him to explain sophisticated legal concepts in easy-to-understand ways. Jon earned his law degree from Georgetown University and is admitted to the New York State Bar. Jon lives in Austin, Texas and loves movies, hiking, and warm weather. Learn more about Jon →
Anastasia Sanderson, MAC
Helpline Coordinator
Anastasia is a helpline coordinator at Autism New Jersey. Anastasia answers the 800.4.AUTISM Helpline, offering information, referrals, and compassionate guidance to our callers. Anastasia also attends information fairs and community events, and specializes in questions about supported employment, mental health, and post-secondary education for people with autism. A graduate of Arcadia University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling, Anastasia puts her education and diverse previous work experience in mental health counseling, supported employment, and public health to good use in her role at Autism New Jersey. Anastasia loves being a twin and spending time with her family. She also has a passion for cooking and has been known to bring a treat or two into the office for her colleagues.
Claire Wieczerak, MSW
Helpline Coordinator
Claire assists families and professionals who contact the agency’s 800.4.AUTISM helpline and provides information and referrals to parents navigating the various New Jersey service systems for children and adults, with a specialty in special education rights and adult benefits. Claire also presents workshops and authors content for Autism New Jersey’s website and publications. Prior to joining Autism New Jersey, she served as a teacher’s aide at an afterschool program for children with autism and as a child advocate at a domestic violence agency. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and living at the Jersey Shore.
Michelle Nini
Helpline Data Coordinator
Michelle serves as the operator of the 800.4.AUTISM Helpline and maintains the Autism New Jersey Referral Database. Michelle represents the organization at information fairs, helping to raise awareness and the resources available to the community. With a heart for service and dedication, Michelle is committed to providing a supportive environment for all.
Services are funded in part by the Special Child Health and Autism Registry, New Jersey Department of Health.