Prioritize Safety, Health, and Happiness for All – Donate Today!

Your donation allows us to continue our mission in support of New Jersey’s autism community.

This year, our free 800.4.AUTISM Helpline received more than double the volume of callers. These helpline calls and conversations with our colleagues about the many unmet needs across the state inspire us to make a difference – this year and every year.

Autistic individuals and their families deserve to feel SAFE, have their HEALTH prioritized, and pursue HAPPINESS. Autism New Jersey is ringing in the New Year with initiatives to make these a reality.

People with autism are reported to be seven times more likely to have police encounters.

“Your Autism and Law Enforcement Initiative is already benefitting individuals with autism and officers. We need so much more communication and consistency to guide law enforcement interactions with the autism community, and Autism New Jersey is making that happen.”

What we have done so far

• We are bringing together law enforcement entities to encourage autism-friendly practices.
• On October 18th, we hosted a Leadership Roundtable for statewide law enforcement. Topics included autism training, special needs registries, driving-related issues, and working with families and group homes.
• Dedicated helpline, clinical, and public policy staff to lead Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative in collaboration with law enforcement leaders.

Individuals with autism need more healthcare and receive less. Parents of children and adults with autism consistently report that their healthcare providers lack an understanding of autism.

“Our experience has been inconsistent. Generally, hospital policies are not friendly to specific needs. We have been saved by compassionate staff.”

What we have done so far

• Putting our Power of Connection to work, we seek to improve the healthcare landscape for individuals with autism in New Jersey in meaningful and lasting ways.
• Our Advancing Healthcare Initiative is going strong and now includes a statewide consortium.
• We are leading a workgroup to address access to timely autism diagnostic evaluations.
• We are elevating the conversation on autism and health disparities through our Annual Conference and other presentations throughout the state.

Autism can be isolating and take a heavy toll on families.

“Autism New Jersey helped me feel like I have a resource at the ready. In the autism parent advocacy world, it often feels overwhelming and confusing. It’s so nice to know you’re there to help – even calling to ensure we know we aren’t alone.”

What we have done so far

• Our new Director of Family Wellness will create programs that focus on the well-being of caregivers and the entire family.
• We expanded our Information Services team from three to five professionals.

There remains much work to be done
and we need your help.

Please show your support by investing in our mission.

Donate Today

	Our 800.4.AUTISM Helpline answered more than 2,200 calls, spending more than 800 total hours on the phone with parents, professionals, and self-advocates to listen, troubleshoot their problems, help them through crises, and make their lives better.
	We supported 1,000 Ambassadors in their efforts to raise autism acceptance and promote a message of respect, diversity and inclusion.
	Our staff actively participated in a prestigious position on an Attorney General committee to address safety.
	We've launched our Healthcare Consortium focused on the health and healthcare needs of autistic individuals as part of our a Advancing Healthcare Initiative.
	We hosted more than 1,400 attendees at our 41st Annual Conference and trained both parents and professionals on best practices in autism.