Autism Research
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) → Funds Studies on Subjects Such as Education, Communication, Parent and Teacher Training, Social Skills, Employment, etc.
Caregiver and Individual with DD Support and Assistance
Autism New Jersey → Information About Autism, Education and Training, Caregiver Support and Referral to Specialists
- Hotline: 1-800-428-8476
Canine Companions → Service Dogs
The Color of Autism Foundation → Provides Support to African American Families with Autism
Mom2Mom Helpline → Peer support to caregivers
- Hotline: 1-877-914-6662
New Jersey Autism Warriors → Facebook group that provides peer support to caregivers
Ocean County Family Support Organization → Peer support, family training
Employment Training and Assistance
Allaire Community Farm → Provides PreEmployment Training, Therapy Farm Animals
Community Options → Employment Training for High School Students, Employment, Housing
New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services → Employment Assistance
Water & Sims → Provides Supported Employment Services
Government Resources
The Americans with Disabilities Act → The ADA Law, first enacted in 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability
New Jersey ABLE → ABLE accounts enable those with disabilities and their caregivers to save private funds to supplement benefits provided through Social Security and Medicaid
New Jersey Department of Health → The New Jersey Autism Registry enables families to be referred to organizations that will assist them
New Jersey DHS – Division of Disability Services → Housing Resources for Individuals with Disabilities
New Jersey DHS – Division of Disability Services → Information on Education and Training Opportunities for Those with Disabilities, Families, and Service Providers
New Jersey DHS – Division of Disability Services → Resources for Financial Assistance
New Jersey DHS – Division of Disability Services → Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
New Jersey DOE – Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services
New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families → Works Directly with Individuals with Disabilities and Their Caregivers to Provide Essential Services
New Jersey Family Care → Health Insurance for Those Who Don’t Have Employer Insurance
Information and Referral
Autism New Jersey → Information and Referral, Public Policy
- Hotline: 1-800-428-8476
New Jersey DOE – Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services
New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families → Works Directly with Individuals with Disabilities and Their Caregivers to Provide Essential Services
Ocean County DHS – Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council → Consisting of Parents, Service Providers, and Others, CIACC Oversees Behavioral Health Services in Ocean County
Ocean County DHS – Office for Individuals with Disabilities → Information and Referral
Ocean County Health Department → Information and Referral
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network → Information and Referral, Caregiver Support and Resource Center
Toms River Mayor’s Advisory Council on the Americans with Disabilities Act → Advocacy and Assistance
Toms River Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities → Advocacy and Assistance
Legal Services
Community Health Law Project → Legal and Advocacy Services
Freeman Law Offices → Special Education Law, Estate Planning, Adult Services
Hinkle Prior & Fischer → Special Education Law, Estate Planning
Mack Rosenberg Law, LLC → Assists Families in Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage for Disability Services
The Matus Law Group → Special Education Law, Estate Planning
Sussan Greenwald, & Wesler → Special Education Law, Estate Planning
Medical Specialists
Children’s Specialized Hospital → Developmental Pediatricians, Neurologists, Psychiatrists
Children’s Wellness & Developmental Center → Developmental Evaluations, Holistic Evaluations, Nutritional Counseling, Individual and Family Counseling
Community Medical Center → Autism-Friendly ER
Developmental Pediatrics of Central NJ → Developmental Pediatrics
KidZdent → Special Needs Dentistry
The Milestones Center → Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
New Jersey Family Care → Health Insurance for Those Who Don’t Have Employer Insurance
NeurAbilities Healthcare → Diagnostic Services, Neurological Testing, Developmental Pediatricians, ABA Therapy
Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates → Special Needs Dentistry
Multiservice Organizations
Bancroft → Services for All Ages: Diagnostic Assessments, ABA Therapy, Assistive Technology, Severe Behavior Day Treatment Program, Residential Treatment
Community Access Unlimited → Services for All Ages: ABA Therapy, In-Home Respite, Support Coordination, Day Programs, Housing, Employment Services
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health → Summer Camp for Ages 6+, Behavioral Health Services, Residential Services, Day Programs, Supported Employment
Easterseals NJ → Summer Camp for Ages 6+, Behavioral Health Services, Residential Services, Day Programs, Supported Employment
Eden Autism → Services for All Ages: School for Ages 3 – 21, Home-Based ABA and Speech Therapy, Adult Employment Training and Housing
Enable → Services for Adults: Housing, Day Programs, In-Home Supports, Employment Training
Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled → Services for Adults: Residential Services, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
Ladacin Network → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, Child Care, School, Therapy, Day Programs, Vocational Therapy, Housing
MOCEANS Center for Independent Living → Independent Living, Support Coordination, Youth Transition, Education & Advocacy
New Jersey Institute for Disabilities → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, School, Day Programs, Employment Services, Residential Services, In-Home Supports, Life Skills Development
PCDI → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, School for Ages 3 – 21, Adult Life Skills Program, Housing
SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. → Services for All Ages: In-Home Services, Vocational Training, Residential Services
21 Plus, Inc. → Services for Adults: Residential Services, Vocational Services, Supported Employment
New Jersey State Services
For behavior therapy and respite for children under the age of 21, contact PerformCare (the New Jersey Children’s System of Care) at www.performcarenj.org or by calling 1-877-652-7624.
To inquire about home and community-based services for individuals 21 and older, contact the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd or by calling 1-800-832-9173.
To download the NJ Office on Autism’s publication Autism: A Family Guide to Navigating the NJ Service Systems for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities, click here.
Ability Advocates of New Jersey → Transition from Children’s System of Care to Adult Services, Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities
Assisting Hands Home Care → Services for Adults Through the DDD; Community-Based Support, In-Home Care, Respite
A Bright Tomorrow → Support Coordination for Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
A Care Connection of New Jersey → Support Coordination for Adults through the Division of Developmental Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Support Services → Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities
Ocean Partnership for Children → Care Management and Service Planning for Children with Behavioral and Emotional Challenges (accessible through PerformCare)
Owen Health Care → Children’s Behavior Therapy through PerformCare, Support Coordination for Adults through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Respite, Summer Camp, Supported Employment
PrimeTime Center → Adult Day Programs (Life Skills, Recreation, Social Skills, Vocational Skills, and More) (admission through DDD)
Prism Support Services → Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities
SPWA Services → Support Coordination for Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Public Policy
Autism New Jersey → Public Policy
New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities → Public Policy
Safety Agency
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office → Safety
Schools and Educational Resources (refer to “Multiservice Organizations” for additional schools)
The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey → An Organization Consisting of Private Special Education Schools in North and Central New Jersey. Provides a School Directory, and Offers Advocacy Support and Resources
The Alpha School → School for Ages 5 to 21
ASAH → A Nonprofit Organization Consisting of Private Special Education Schools in New Jersey. Offers a Toll-Free Parent Assistance Line, A Private School Placement Toolkit, and a School Directory
The Center School → School for Ages 5 to 21
Children’s Center of Monmouth County → School for Ages 3 to 21
Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center → School for Ages 3 to 21; Adult Program for Ages 21+ That Focuses on Employment Training
The Gateway School → School for Ages 5 to 21
The Harbor School → School for Ages 5 to 21
Hawkswood School → School for Ages 3 to 21
New Jersey DOE – Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services
New Jersey DOE – Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (In-State) → List of Private Special Education Schools That Have Been Approved by the State of New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support Regarding Special Education Rights and Services
Ocean County College → Education (Disability Services) and Summer Camp
The Shore Center for Students with Autism → School for Ages 3 to 21
Social/Recreation
By Design Social Skills → Social Skills Groups and Counseling for All Age Groups
Camp Jaycee → Summer Camp for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Camp Fatima → Free Summer Camp for Children with DD; Free Sleepaway Weekends for Adults with DD
Daniel’s Music Foundation → Music Classes (Including Free Online and In-Person Group Classes) for People with Disabilities
Easterseals NJ → Summer Camp for Individuals Ages 6+ with Disabilities
Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center → After School, Evening, and Weekend Programs for Students with Special Needs
The Friendship Circle of Central Jersey → Social and Respite Programs
HorseSense Therapeutic Center → Equine Therapy
Mosaic Music Therapy → Music Therapy
Music for Autism → Free Concerts for Individuals with DD and Their Caregivers (in-person AND virtual)
Ocean County YMCA → Adaptive Swimming and Exercise
POAC Autism Services → Recreational and Support Services, Family Training
Rising Treetops at Oakhurst → Summer Camp, Respite, After School Program
Special People United to Ride (SPUR) → Equine Therapy
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym → (Indoor Play
Therapy (ABA, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, DIR/Floortime, Occupational, Physical, Speech)
Autism Spectrum Diagnostics and Consulting → Evaluation and Diagnosis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Social Skills Groups
Bierman Autism Center → Diagnostic Assessments, ABA, Speech, OT
Brain Builders → ABA, OT, Speech, Social Skills Groups
Brett DiNovi & Associates → ABA Therapy
Caring Family Community Services ABA Therapy
Children’s Specialized Hospital → Speech, OT, PT, Feeding Therapy
Connect Plus Therapy → ABA Therapy, Social Skills Groups, After School Programs, Parent Training
The Family Resource Network (includes the affiliate Autism Family Services of New Jersey) → ABA Therapy
Graham Behavior Services → ABA Therapy
Helping Hands Family → ABA Therapy
Hybridge Learning Group → ABA, Speech, OT
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions → ABA Therapy
Links ABA Therapy Solutions → ABA Therapy
Mastermind Behavior Services → ABA Therapy
Positive Development → DIR/Floortime
Professional Therapy Associates → ABA Therapy, Speech, OT, PT, Social Skills
Proud Moments ABA → ABA Therapy
The Puzzle Place Center for Autism → Intensive Early Intervention, Speech, OT for Young Children
Rainbow ABA → ABA Therapy
Seashore Pediatric Therapy Center → Speech, OT, PT
Sensory Playground → ABA, Speech, OT, PT, Music Therapy
Social Behavior Learning Solutions → Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, School Readiness, Social Skills Groups for Young Children
Speech Language Associates → Speech Therapy
Speech Pathology Solutions, LLC → Speech Therapy
Step Up Family Services → ABA Therapy
Sunny Days Sunshine Center → ABA, OT, PT, Speech, Social Skiills
Unlocked Potential → ABA Therapy
Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital → Feeding, OT, PT, Speech
Autism Parents Support Group
Autism Society Southwest New Jersey Affiliate 532
New Jersey Autism Warriors
New Jersey Autism Moms
NJ Special Needs Connection
Parent to Parent NJ
Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Other Support Needs
Sensory Ideas for Kids
The apps listed below are free to download, although they may offer in-app purchases.
Attention
I’m On It: Focus Timer for ADHD & ASD (Android Only)
→ Helps individuals stay focused on tasks by allowing the user to set a timer for specific activities.
Caregiver Support
Autism Parenting Magazine (Apple and Android)
→ Helps caregivers get the latest solutions, news, and research every month.
MyAutismTeam (Apple and Android)
→ Caregivers can meet other people in similar circumstances, make friends, and get practical tips.
Education
Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism (Apple and Android)
→ Uses simplified animations and interactive characters to teach. Best watched with caregivers.
Cuedin (Early Intervention) (Android Only)
→ Works on academics, social skills, and daily routines. Contains visual cues, tactile tracing, and audio information.
Otsimo - Special Education AAC (Apple and Android)
→ Teaches letters, numbers, colors, animals, and more.
Functional Life Skills
Daniel Tiger for Parents (Apple and Android)
→ Develops areas such as sharing, trying new foods, and coping with emotions.
Sensory and Calming
Infant Zoo LITE for Babies (Apple Only)
→ Provides visual input through high quality illustrations, animal sounds, and stimulating bubbles.
Magic Fluids Lite (Apple and Android)
→ Promotes calming and relaxation by allowing users to create a dynamic wallpaper.
Speech and Communication
Avaz AAC (Apple and Android)
→ Provides assistance for those who struggle to interact with others. It can create a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) book.
Have questions about hoopla?
Go to → hoopla instructions.
Resources for Adults/Caregivers
-
The Autism Full Employment Act
By Michael Bernick & Louis Vismara
Impactful and integral to our economic recovery after the pandemic, The Autism Full Employment Act will rebuild and approve autism employment programs.
Employment remains the issue today for many adults with autism. Due to the pandemic of 2020, authors Michael Bernick and Dr. Lou Vismara set out to develop an Autism Full Employment Act. At the time, the national economy was decimated, and it was clear that it would need to be rebuilt, starting in 2021 and beyond. The Act will be an attempt not only to rebuild autism employment programs, but also to address the limitations and shortcomings of the current system.
The Autism Full Employment Act shows how there can be a place in the job world for the wide range of adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning and mental health differences-many of whom are not employed today. Bernick and Dr. Vismara review the autism employment initiatives in recent years among major employers, state and local governments, autism-focused businesses, and autism transition programs, and present strategies to build on these initiatives. They set out more fully the meanings of "autism talent advantage," "autism friendly workplace," and "employment for the more severely impacted."
-
The Autism Relationships Handbook: How to Thrive in Friendships, Dating, and Love
By Joe Biel and Faith G. Harper, PhD, LPC-S, ACS, ACN
Dr. Faith G. Harper joins autistic publisher and author Joe Biel to offer hard-won guidance on a wide range of topics about friendships, dating, and romance and answer a ton of questions. What do you want out of a relationship? What is the difference between flirting and harassment? How do you have a fun date and get to know someone when eye contact and prolonged conversation aren't your strengths? How do you change a casual acquaintance into friendship or dating? How do you express your needs and make sure you're hearing your partner when they express theirs? How do you maintain a healthy, happy long-term relationship? Autistic readers will find valuable answers and perspectives in this book, whether you're just getting ready to jump into dating, seeking to forge closer friendships, or looking to improve your existing partnership or marriage.
-
Autism Translated: 5 Keys to Help You Understand & Connect with Teens & Adults on the Spectrum
By Toni Boucher
Do you care about a teen or adult on the spectrum but have a hard time understanding why they do what they do? Do you wish you could have a better connection and feel the frustration of wanting to help but don't know how?
Then this book is for you.
It was created with the support of hundreds of autistic individuals and their families.
They share their wisdom and insight about growing up autistic so you can learn from their experiences.
This book reveals 5 little-known keys to help you build a better relationship with your autistic child, parent, partner or student. Learn to: 1- Eliminate harmful stereotypes from your thinking 2- Identify and harness autistic strengths 3- Understand what it feels like to be autistic 4- Communicate more effectively 5- Create an authentic & healthy bond.
-
Autism Dad: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son (Part 1 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
Follow the adventures of Autism Dad in this collection of essays by award-winning syndicated columnist Rob Errera. Funny, informative, poignant, and engaging, Autism Dad, Vol 1: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son explores the initial devastation of an autism diagnosis, the autism/vaccine controversy, autism in the media, education, therapy and treatments. Above all, Autism Dad, Vol. 1 is about living with, raising, and loving a child with autism, told from a father's perspective. These columns are revised and updated in Autism Dad, Vol. 1, along with three new essays and extensive behind-the-scenes notes that reveal the personal struggles and triumphs of raising a special-needs child.
-
Autism Dad 2: Continuing Adventures in Autism, Adolescence & Fatherhood (Part 2 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
The adventures of Autism Dad and Boy Rocco continue through the pre-pubescent years (age 8-12), leaping over autism's ever-changing obstacles, while stumbling through life's major milestones. Autism Dad and Rocco-along with Precocious Little Sister and Super Mom-tackle everything autism, from diagnosis to family dynamics, with grace and humor. Inside Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition, you'll find invaluable information on: The First 7 Steps To Take After Your Child's Autism Diagnosis; The Basics Of Biomedical Intervention; Firsthand Accounts Of The Latest Therapies And Treatments; Special Needs Education And Recreation; Near Death Experiences; And Medical Miracles! Above all, Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition is a testament to the healing power of love, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his extraordinary son.
-
Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons (Part 3 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
Teenagers with autism need life skills and job training. Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons: Preparing Our Special-Needs Child For Adulthood is a personal memoir told with humor and grace that looks at the unique challenges facing special-needs children transitioning into young adulthood. This collection of essays not only details a father's take on raising a special-needs child, but tells the story of a family shaped by the everyday challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism.
-
Autism: Unpacking the Puzzle (Oh the Possibilities)
By Stephanie L. Gooden
In this book, you will receive first-hand information on tools needed in raising a child(ren) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder starting from early childhood. This book discusses the topics of Early Intervention, the diagnoses, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Individualized Education Plans and so much more. You will read personal and real-life stories about navigating through different services and therapies to ensure that your child is receiving the best plan of care. This book will leave you both enlightened and motivated in knowing you have the tools to advocate for your child and balance self-care skills for yourself.
-
The Aspie Book
By Dee Jones
My clients over the years have repeatedly asked for an easy-to-read book, saying, "We want to take home what's in your head." So this is an everyday-language explanation of all things Aspie, written for Aspies and non-Aspies. Aspies repeatedly ask me to explain how non-Aspies think and work, and neurotypicals are often confused by Aspies. Many interesting case studies and illustrations (it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words) are included to aid these social understandings and interactions. Each chapter is self-contained, so that a reader can quickly get answers and tools in an overall synopsis contained in one section. The last chapter is a show-case collection of individual personal stories and expressions. The Aspie Book is written in non-academic language as much as possible, but also tries to demystify the academic language often used on this topic.
-
Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened
By Newfoundland and Labrador Autism Society
Families, world experts, and persons on the autism spectrum share their experiences in this collection of stories. With a focus on the positive aspects of autism and the importance of community involvement and early intervention, Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened is a resource whose aim is to improve the lives of parents, educators, and persons who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Awareness and advocacy for early diagnosis and treatment of autism have grown substantially over the past decade. According to Stephen W. Scherer, Ph.D., D.Sc., FRSC. There are new studies that show that every child who undergoes intensive behavioural intervention therapy improves in some way. In fact, I have heard rare stories of some children having full or near-full recoveries. The most important factor leading to positive outcomes, however, is to start such interventions early and, in the best-case scenario, even before the first signs of autism appear. These stories are inspirational and informative, while also serving as a reminder-indeed, as a rallying crythat individuals who have autism can, with the proper care and attention, lead full and productive lives and change the way we see the world.
-
How to Start Looking at Autism
By Greg Stucky
Have you heard about autism but don't know what it is? Does your child exhibit signs of autism, but you're not sure what to believe? Do you have a hard time around friends, coworkers or family that you suspect might be on the spectrum? This quick guide to autism is written with you in mind. After reading this book you'll not only understand how autistics think, but also how to engage with and succeed with them.
Resources for Teens
-
Handling Autism
By Racquel Foran
This book explores autism and how people diagnosed with the disorder manage it. It examines how autism affects daily life, work, and education, and it explains the latest interventions and therapies available. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
-
The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others
By Irene McHenry & Carol Moog
This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.
Resources for Children
-
Maybe Autism is My Superpower
By Ben Blanchet
After seeing a superhero movie, Ben Blanchet, a thirteen-year-old boy who has autism, claims that maybe autism is his superpower. This book details a fascinating conversation between Ben and his mom. Ben describes the unique ways he hears, sees, and thinks about the world around him. His amazing narrative of his special gifts will also have you wondering if autism really is a superpower. The commentary throughout the book is by his mom, Angela Blanchet.
-
Roaring for Autism Presents: K-Rex
By Tyeisha Brown
This book is about a big-hearted dinosaur named K-Rex. He is a kind dinosaur with many friends who go on many adventures. He also happens to be on the autism spectrum. Come with us on a journey as K-Rex takes you into his daily life on the spectrum.
-
Autism Doesn't Stop Me
By Gabby Duran
Gabby knows how hard it is to be different from others in the school. Sometimes her own experiences were painful and lonely. She was told she was autistic, and she felt very alone. Gabby rode a special bus to school and went to classrooms where there were few students. Other kids on the playground didn't include her. Even most adults didn't understand her. She wanted friends so badly, and she wanted to be included in schoolyard games! But things got better for her and it will get better for you too!
-
Understanding Autism
By Jessica Rusick
In this title, readers learn common symptoms and behaviors of autism and how it affects kids at school and in relationships. Text includes suggestions on how to be a kind and respectful friend to someone with autism and appropriate activities kids can enjoy together. A famous person who has overcome the challenges of autism is highlighted. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Resources for Educators, Health Professionals, and Therapists
-
Autism and Asperger’s Conditions: A Practical Guide for Nurses
By Christopher Barber
Autism and Asperger's Conditions covers a wide range of issues relating to the care and support of those with autism and Asperger's syndrome. This book aims to improve nurses' professional interactions with those with autism spectrum disorders through improved awareness, knowledge and understanding of what these conditions are and what they are not, possible causes, diagnostic issues, nursing interventions, the history of autism, and issues that affect children, adolescents and adults with these conditions and their families. A highly practical and accessible text, autism spectrum conditions are covered from a variety of perspectives, both within and outside of a learning disability setting.
-
Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Teachers, Counselors, and Psychologists
By Erin E. Barton & Beth Harn
Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is aimed at providing strategies for teachers, school counselors, and psychologists to help address the needs of children on the spectrum, as well as their families. Including forms, charts, and a range of classroom activities, this is a great resource you will need to gain the insight and tools for making a difference in the educational lives of young children with autism.
-
Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion
By Barbara Boronson
More students on the autism spectrum are taught in general education settings today than ever before, bringing an array of notable strengths and skills that add intriguing new dimensions to educational programs. But these students also present challenges that are broader, deeper, and more intractable than those of their typically developing peers. Because reaching and teaching students on the autism spectrum in an inclusive environment complicates the work of teachers, school and district administrators must be prepared to provide knowledgeable, mindful leadership.
Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion empowers school and district leaders to ensure that students on the spectrum are welcome, supported, understood, and set up for success. It's an essential resource for any education leader committed to achieving a differentiated, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students in their care.
-
Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition: Core Concepts & Principles for Practioners
By Mitch Fryling, PhD
Written by leading experts in language and cognition, this groundbreaking behavior analysis textbook brings the study of verbal behavior into the 21st century with cutting-edge research. Students and clinicians in the burgeoning field of applied behavior analysis will find the theoretical foundation they need to effectively help the increasingly diverse clients seeking their services.
-
Teaching Adolescents with Autism: Practical Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom
By Walter Kaweski
Award-winning educator Walter Kaweski offers secondary teachers practical strategies and heartfelt insights based on his extensive experience as an autism specialist, inclusion coordinator, and father of a son with Asperger syndrome. Teaching Adolescents with Autism offers hundreds of valuable ideas to help teachers. This unique book takes the mystery out of teaching adolescents with autism and inspires teachers to appreciate the individuality of each student.
-
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum
By Michael McCrearyLike many others on the autism spectrum, stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told that he doesn't look autistic. As he's quick to point out in this memoir, autism looks different for everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
-
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-year-old Boy with Autism
By Naoki HigashidaA journey into the mind of a remarkable thirteen-year-old boy with severe autism, this book offers insight into what it is like to have the disorder.
-
Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism
By Naoki HigashidaIn this book, Naoki Higashida shares his thoughts and experiences as a 24-year old man with severe autism. In short, powerful chapters, he explores education, identity, family, society and personal growth.
-
A Boy Called Bat
By Elana ArnoldFor Bat, life tends to be full of surprises. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk which she needs to take care of. He has one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a terrific pet.
-
Since We’re Friends
By Celeste ShallyThe narrator of this children’s book describes his friendship with Matt, an autistic boy.
-
Counting by 7s
By Holly Goldberg SloanWillow is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by sevens. Suddenly Willow's world is tragically changed when her parents both die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world.
-
In a Different Key: The Story of Autism
By John DonvanNearly seventy-five years ago, Donald Triplett of Forest, Mississippi became the first child diagnosed with autism. In A Different Key tells the extraordinary story of this often misunderstood condition, and of the civil rights battles waged by the families of those children who have it.
-
Rain Reign
By Ann M. MartinRose Howard has OCD, Asperger's syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms. She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.
-
Rules
By Cynthia LordFrustrated by life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence. Her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.
-
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
By Mark HaddonDespite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.
-
My Brother Charlie
By Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth PeeteA young girl describes what it is like to have a twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy.
-
Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism
By Temple GrandinGrandin writes from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person. Grandin charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words.
-
The Kiss Quotient
By Helen HoangStella has less dating experience than most thirty-year-olds because she has Asperger's. She decides to hire a professional escort to practice being in love.
- Autism NJ
- Provides guidance on preparing individuals with autism for the vaccine, wearing masks, adjusting to disruptions in their routines, coping with regression and challenging behaviors, remote learning resources, and useful apps. Also contains strategies for caregiver self-care, financial concerns, and practical information regarding COVID-19 and its effects on the delivery of therapies. Autism NJ also has a hotline: 1-800-428-8476.
- Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School
- An article containing tips for helping those with ASD cope with taking a COVID test and adjust to wearing masks.
- The Arc of New Jersey
- Contains COVID-19 resources for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers – and a video for those with developmental disabilities about taking a COVID test.
- New Jersey Division of Disability Services
- Contains an emergency preparedness checklist for people with disabilities.
- Autism Speaks
- Has a wide variety of resources geared toward families and toward adults who have autism. There is an Autism Response Team (ART) available to answer questions by phone, email, and live chat (1-888- 288-4762). Also contains tips for discussing COVID-19 with your child, a social story about wearing masks, guidance if your child needs to be hospitalized, behavioral resources, coping with stress, and parental training and support resources.
- Echo Autism
- Contains information about how to do ABA, OT, and speech therapy at home, how to teach at home, social stories, and parenting tips.
- Education.com
- Contains free printable worksheets on a wide variety of topics for children in preschool through fifth grade. Also has online games, songs, activities, and stories. Must create a free account to use.
iPads preloaded with apps: LAMP Words for Life, Tobii Sono Flex, & My First AAC are available for in-house use at the Brick, Little Egg Harbor, & Stafford branches.
Patrons with library cards in good standing will be able to trial the apps before making the purchase for their home devices or to trial for students or patients.
AAC devices are augmentative/alternative communication systems that allow a person to communicate with those around them without speaking. There are many different types of AAC but the most common are high-tech AAC Devices that allow a person to push a button to speak a message. These are helpful for children or adults who have either lost the ability to speak or who are not able to speak well enough to clearly communicate everything that they want to say. This includes some children with conditions such as autism, childhood apraxia of speech, and other types of speech/language delays. These devices are sometimes called “communication devices” or “talkers.”
These devices are supported in full with funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, award number LS-252474-OLS-22.

