Finding the Positive in the Power of Connection

Experience Our Power of Connection

During these tough times, do you find yourself seeking out uplifting “good news” stories for inspiration? We do! We thought we’d share some good news of our own!

Autism New Jersey’s tagline is “The Power of Connection” and during this time apart, we feel that power and value that connection more than ever.

Here are some recent happenings that may boost your spirits a bit:

A Policy Victory

NJ children with autism from low-income families now have insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the standard of care in autism treatment. The benefit was one of Autism New Jersey’s top public policy priorities for years, and we look forward to all the positive effects it will have on the autism community.

“If not for the efforts of Autism New Jersey, we probably would not be having this conversation that Medicaid will now pay for ABA therapy.” Nadine Wright- Arbubakrr, founder of Nassan’s Place, a nonprofit in East Orange that helps children and families affected by autism in and around urban communities.

Personalized Support Through our 800.4.AUTISM Helpline

Our Information Services team assisted the mother of a child with severe autism whose employer was denying personal leave and threatening termination. We put the mother in contact with an attorney who quickly resolved the situation and ensured she would remain employed.

“I am honestly blown away that someone went above and beyond to help me the way she did. It’s nice to share some really good news!”

Making Connections that Make a Difference

Autism New Jersey helped make a connection between Make Waves, a nonprofit that supports organizations focused on employment and community living for adults with autism, and several group homes in central and northern New Jersey via our friends at the Autism Society Southwest NJ Affiliate #532. About 2,000 masks will now be available to Direct Support Professionals and residents.

Spreading our Wings of Acceptance

Take the Butterfly Challenge! Accept the #AutismNJAmbassador Butterfly Challenge to show support for Autism New Jersey. Tag two friends and ask then to show off their butterfly. Look for butterflies on our Ambassador Facebook Page>>

We’re all in this together. As much as ever, Autism New Jersey will continue to be dedicated to The Power of Connection.  Your generosity and donation would have an immediate impact on our mission and help us continue this important work.

Donate Now

Did you happen to see our good friend Eddie?

Through raising awareness and educating others, we create communities that embrace and accept people with autism. Eddie Lin, the Ausome Balloon Creator, has been inspiring us for years.

We are excited to see the recognition Eddie has been receiving across multiple news outlets like ABC, CBS, Fox, Star Ledger, NJ101.5, NJNN and how it highlights the abilities, creativity, and kindness of individuals with autism.

Autism New Jersey first profiled Eddie in April 2015 as one of our Autism Awareness Ambassadors of the Week.

“People across the globe are reaching out to us and sharing how Eddie and his balloons have brightened their days and lifted their spirits,” said his mother, Jenny.