Resources for Individuals with Autism and Their Caregivers

Listed below are resources that are designed to assist both individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them. These resources are divided into seven sections:

  • Links to the websites of autism-related organizations.
  • Autism-Related Facebook Groups.
  • A list of “The Best Autism Apps” (published in Autism Parenting Magazine in May 2020).
  • Titles of autism-related ebooks that can be borrowed though the Library’s hoopla app. Have questions about hoopla? Click here.
  • Booklist curated by Ocean County Library staff.
  • Resources for coping with COVID.
  • Printable DIY sensory activities for all ages.
Part 1: Autism-Related Organizations

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 Office of the Ombudsman → Provides Lists of Resources for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Caregivers

New Jersey Family Care → Health Insurance

 

Information and Referral

Autism New Jersey → Information and Referral, Public Policy

  • Hotline: 1-800-428-8476

New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families → Provides Support and Resources to Those with Developmental Disabilities and Their Caregivers

Ocean County Department of Human Services (Children’s InterAgency Coordinating Council, Office of Individuals with Disabilities) → Information and Referral, Advocacy, Community Education

Ocean County Health Department → Information and Referral

SPAN 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

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

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

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)

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 Commission on Child Safety and Awareness → Safety

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office → Safety

 

Schools and Educational Resources (refer to “Multiservice Organizations” for additional schools)

To view a comprehensive list of schools, visit Autism NJ’s Directory of Schools Serving Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

The Alpha 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 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

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 (held virtually during the pandemic)

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

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 Solutions  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

Part 2: Autism-Related Facebook Groups

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

Part 3: "A Selection of the Best Autism Apps" According to Autism Parenting Magazine (Republished March 2022)

The apps listed below are free to download, although they may offer in-app purchases.

 

Behavior

Chronaly: Powered for Autism (Android only)

→ Track behavior and health. Share data with teachers and therapists. Also allows you to create a schedule.

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

MyAutismTeam (Apple and Android)

→ Caregivers can meet other people in similar circumstances, make friends, and get practical tips.

 

Education

Aiko & Egor: Animation for 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.

 

Games

Animals Puzzle for Kids (Android Only)

→ Users identify, match, and arrange the puzzle pieces. It helps develop hand-eye coordination and improve cognitive skills.

Infant Zoo LITE: Visual Stimulation 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.

MouseTrial Lite (Android Only)

→ Teaches children to identify animals, food, letters, numbers, clothes, shapes, colors, and more.

 

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.

Part 4: Autism Resources Available on hoopla

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 2 Awesome: Allow Your Greatest Crisis to Become Your Greatest Miracle

    By Kerry L. Brooks

    In 2003, Kerry L. Brooks's son was diagnosed with autism, devastating his family. Their physician offered only two recommendations: prepare their son for a group home, and focus on having other children.

    Kerry was no medical expert, but he was a determined father and his son's biggest advocate. Refusing to follow the doctor's orders, he and his wife continued to search-not for a cure, but for strategies that would help their son reach his highest potential.

    In Autism 2 Awesome, Kerry shares these strategies and his family's journey from devastating diagnosis to high school honors graduation. No matter the challenge, every parent can benefit from looking within, trusting their instincts, and most importantly, celebrating every miracle.

  • Surviving Autism

    By Judith Gompf

    You will find tips on what to look for in your child, help with doctors and specialists, how to manage the day to day, what resources your child may need and how to get them. What agencies you may want to work with and how to get the resources. Help with the public school system, getting your child an Individual Education Plan (IEP), how to manage bad behaviors, meltdowns, schedules and finances.

  • 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 Aspie Teen’s Survival Guide: Candid Advice for Teens, Tweens, and Parents, from a Young Man with Asperger’s Syndrome

    By J.D. Kraus

    The teenage years are a time when being social is the #1 priority for kids. But for kids with Asperger's, who have acute social challenges, these years can be the most difficult, confusing time in their lives. Enter J. D. Kraus, a young man who has been there, done that! He offers practical advice to his peers so they can get the most out of middle school and high school, both academically and socially. Parents and teachers will love seeing life through J.D.'s eyes, plus "Notes to Parents" sections offer great advice for caregivers and educators alike.

  • 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.

Part 5: Books Pertaining to Autism
  • Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum

    By Michael McCreary

    Like 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 Higashida

    A 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 Higashida

    In 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 Arnold

    For 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 Shally

    The narrator of this children’s book describes his friendship with Matt, an autistic boy.

  • Counting by 7s

    By Holly Goldberg Sloan

    Willow 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 Donvan

    Nearly 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. Martin

    Rose 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 Lord

    Frustrated 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 Haddon

    Despite 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 Peete

    A 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 Grandin

    Grandin 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 Hoang

    Stella 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.

     

Part 6: Guides for Coping with the Pandemic and Resources for Remote Learning
  • 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.
  • University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
    • Contains a social story designed to prepare those with ASD to receive the vaccine.
  • 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 and their caregivers – including plain-language explanations, a list of 75 stay-at-home activities, housing updates, and income support.
  • 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.
Part 7: Sensory Cookbook
Part 8: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

iPads preloaded with apps: LAMP Words for Life, Tobii Sono Flex, & My First AAC will soon be 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.

 

The information provided in this document is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice, or treatment for specific medical conditions.

 

Click here for a downloadable PDF version of this information.