Resources

Support Groups for Parents of Children with Autism or Related Disorders


The following is a list of support groups that are available to parents of children with autism and related disorders.  These support groups are not facilitated by COSAC.


Statewide


Fragile X Association of New Jersey
F-X Association of NJ is an organization of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by F-X Syndrome.  The group provides education and support and awareness through a variety of activities. All ages are served.
Contact Person: Jennifer Keenan at 856-985-3257.

Putting the Pieces Together Support Group
Meets every Thursday 7:00 p.m. for parents, grandparents, siblings, guardians and caregivers.
All couties welcome.
200 Ridge Road
La Salle Center
North Arlington, NJ 07031
Phone: 201-955-1407
Fax: 207-955-1407
Contact: Debbie Wertalik

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Atlantic County

FACES Families for Autistic Children Education and Support
Meetings are held in Ventnor.
Contact Person: Isabelle Mosca at 609-822-1735

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Burlington County

Githens Center
40 Cedar Street
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
Phone: 609-261-1667
Fax: 609-261-1844

Monica Catani-Fernandes
20 Fairmont Drive
Columbus, NJ 08022
Phone: 609-324-9745
Fax: 609-324-9745
Provides: parental support groups, family counseling and bilingual/multicultural services.
Ages served: early childhood and elementary school

PACT (Parents of Autistic Children Together)
Contact:  Monica Catani-Fernandes
20 Fairmont Drive
Columbus, NJ 08022
Phone: 609-324-9745
Fax: 609-324-9745
Provides:  Parental support groups, family counseling, and bilingual/multicultural services.
Ages served: early childhood and elementary school
Location/Time:  Christ Presbyterian Church in Marlton at 7:30 pm
Contact:  Alexa Golub at 856-427-2225 or visit their website at www.solvingthepuzzle.com

Parent's VOICE (Vocalizing Our Inner Concerns Effectively)
Meeting Dates:  Last Thursday of each month
Location/Time:  Burlington County Library, Cinnaminson Branch, 1700 Riverton Rd, Cinnaminson
Contact:  Marlene School, M.A., LTC, at 856-829-3287

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Gloucester County

Autism Connection of Gloucester County (ACG)
Meeting Dates:  Third Tuesday of each month
Contact:  Rosemary Nicklas at 856-227-7498

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Morris County

P.G. Chambers School
Quarterly speakers and workshops
15 Halko Rd.
Cedar Knolls, NJ  07927
Phone: 973-829-8484 Fax: 973-829-8485
Ages:  The program is geared towards parents of special needs children ages 2-5.
Contact:  Sarah Ehinger at 973-829-8484
Counties served: Morris, Essex, Union, and Sussex County.

The Special Needs Parent Resource Group
Meeting Dates:  Meets once a month
Location/Time:  Madison High School
Provides:  Support and host speakers
Contact:  Polly Scott at 973-377-2899 or Nancy DiPaola at 973-822-3378

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Ocean County

Families for Autistic Children Education and Support (FACES)
Meeting Dates:  Last Friday of the month
Location/Time:  Manahawkin at Southern Ocean County Hospital Resource Center from 6:30 to 8:30 PM

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Passaic County

Association for Special Children and Families
Meeting Dates:  Weekly and monthly support and/or information meetings are held
Provides:  Support groups are held for parents of children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. One-on-one peer parent support is also offered.
Contact:  973-728-8744

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Somerset County

Bedminster Parents of Exceptional Children (BPEC)
Meeting Dates:  First Thursday of each month from September through June
Location/Time:  Bedminster Township School from 7:15 to 9:00 pm
Contact:  Claudia at 908-719-4347

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Sussex County

SCAC: Support for Caregivers within the Autism Community
Meeting Dates:  Third Tuesday of the month
Location/Time:  Hopatcong Civic Center from 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Contact:  Mati Falconetti at 973-770-8334

Online Support Groups

The following is a list of a few online groups that are available to parents of children with autism and related disorders.  These links will take you to third-party websites and resources that have no formal affiliation with COSAC.

Parents of kids with autism (via MSN):  Click on the link to join now and mention that you were referred by COSAC.

The Autism Network:  Upon joining this group, messages from other members are sent to your email address rather than posted on a message board.

Online Asperger's Syndrome Information & Support (O.A.S.I.S): They offer a message board, chat rooms, and online support groups.


Independent Living on the Autism Spectrum:  Resource that offers a mailing list, message board and online support group for individuals with Autism or related conditions, including but not limited to Asperger Syndrome.

MOSAIC Group (via Yahoo Groups):  New Jersey parents-only support group (based in Bergen County, NJ) for parents of children diagnosed with ASD over the age of five

Adults with Autism (via Yahoo Groups):  An informal discussion group formed to provide information on adult issues and serve as a catalyst for discussion about issues related to services and legislation.

Other options:  Search sites such as www.yahoo.com, www.msn.com, www.google.com for groups relating to autism meeting your specific needs.