Resources

COSAC Support Groups

COSAC sponsors thirteen parent and family support groups throughout New Jersey.  Support groups provide opportunities for parents to learn more about autism, to access information about services and treatments, and to offer and receive support.  Most groups meet once per month with the facilitation of a professional who is hired and supervised by COSAC. Some meetings feature guest speakers on various autism-related topics. All parents and family members of individuals with autism are welcome to attend.

If you have any questions about a support group, feel free to call the contact person for that group. To be added to the mailing list for the group in your area or to confirm any dates, locations and times, please call COSAC's Support Group Information line at 609-883-8100, ext. 28 or e-mail supportgroups@njcosac.org. Click here for directions.



For additional support group resources, click here.



Bergen County


NEW TIME!
Meeting Dates: May 2, June 6
Location/Time: Mt. Carmel Church, Ridgewood from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Claudia Moreno, Ph.D.
Parent Contact: Gary Lahm 201-503-9476

Burlington County

NEW!
Meeting Dates: April 23, May 28, June 25
Location/Time: Olde York Country Club, Chesterfield fom 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Kimberly Rumaker, MSS, LSW
Parent Contact: Call COSAC, 609.883.8100, extension 45

Camden County

Meeting Dates: April 22, May 27, June 24
Location/Time: M YCS Sawtelle South, West Collingswood, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA
Parent Contact: COSAC 609-883-8100, extension 45

Essex County


Meeting Dates: May 5, June 2
Location/Time:  Congregation Beth Ahm, Verona from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Group Facilitator:  Michele Havens, Ed.D.
Parent Contact:  COSAC 609-883-8100, extension 45

Hudson County - English Speaking


Meeting Dates: May 7, June 4
Location/Time: Jewish Community Center, Bayonne, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Tamara Bannon, LMSW, BCBA
Grandparent Contact: COSAC, (609) 883-8100 Ext. 45

Funding for the Hudson County Support Group is generously provided by the Simpson Baber Foundation

Hudson County - Spanish Speaking


Spanish Language Support Group
Padres Ayudando a Padres.
Dates: May 1, June 5
Location/Time: Iglesia San Augustin, de 7:00 pm a 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Claudia Moreno, Ph.D.
Parent Contact: Susana Albistur 201-864-7262

Hunterdon County


Meeting dates: April 14, May 12, June 9
Location/Time: JW Tumbles, Clinton from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Group Facilitator: Nancy Arvizzigno, MA, LPC
Parent Contact: Mary Beth Ruchlin 908-730-7002 (day) or 908-387-1383 (evening)
Funding for the Hunterdon County Support Group is generously provided by the Matthew Ruchlin Foundation for Autism

Mercer County


Meeting dates: April 18, May 9, June 20
Location*/Time: Mercer County Community College - Student Center Room SC108, West Windsor, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contact: Kelly Lutz 609-584-8825 (evening & weekends)
*Starting May 9, the Mercer County Support Group will be meeting at the YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Hamilton, NJ  08620.

Middlesex County


Meeting dates: May 1, June 5
Location/Time: Raritan Valley Academy, Piscataway, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Contact: Laura Turci (732) 980-9008

Monmouth County

NEW TIME!
Meeting dates: April 24, May 22, June 26
Location/Time: Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, 6:30 to 8:35 PM
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contacts: COSAC (609) 883-8100 Ext. 45

Morris/Sussex/Warren Counties


Meeting dates: April 23, May 28, June 25
Location/Time: Hackettstown Hospital, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Cindy Chiariello, LSW
Parent Contact: Jodi Pimentel 973-663-2505

Ocean County


Meeting dates: April 10, May 8, June 12
Location/Time: Children's Specialized Hospital, Toms River
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contacts: Maria and Brandon Chornobroft 732-363-6228

Parents of Adults


Meeting dates:  April 15, May 20, June 17
*November 20th - Heather Smith-Bermudez from NJ Transit will be speaking on transportation issues for individuals with disabilities.
Location/Time:  Montclair Kimberly Academy, Montclair, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator:
Parent Contact:  Alice Hirsh 973-324-2131

Parents of Adolescents

Meeting dates: April 10, May 8, June 12
Location/Time: David Gregory School, 347 N. Fairview Ave., Paramus, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm (New Location)
Group Facilitator: Claudia Morano, Ph.D
Parent Contacts: Kathy Kientz 973-655-8066 Mon-Fri, 6:30pm-10:00pm or Sat. & Sun, anytime. 

Salem County


Meeting dates: April 9, May 14, June 11
Location/Time:  Small Wonders Preschool, Pennsville, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Group Facilitator:  Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA
Parent Contact:  Nancy Galey 856-678-5741 (day) or 856-678-4534 (evening)

Somerset County

New Dates
Meeting dates: April 14, May 5, June 2
Location/Time: Clarence Dillion Public Library, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Nancy Arvizzigno, M.A.
Parent Contacts: Please call COSAC, (609) 883-8100, ext. 45

Union County


Meeting dates: April 22, May 27, June 24
Location/Time: Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Group Facilitator: Nancy Arvizzigno, MA, LPC
Parent Contacts: Deb Ritter at 908-233-8510 (1:00 to 5:00 PM only)





COSAC's Sibling Pen Pal Program


COSAC operates a pen pal list for sisters and brothers of individuals with autism or related disorders.  To join the program, please download and complete the sign-up form.  For more information, contact Barbara Wells at barbara.wells@njcosac.org.

Click below for additional listings of support groups: