Workshops & Events

COSAC Workshops


For more details about any COSAC workshop, call COSAC at 1-800-4-AUTISM, 609-883-8100 or e-mail information@njcosac.org.  



For Parents


Autism Advocacy


Presented by Herb Hinkle & Valerie Powers, Hinkle & Fingles Law Firm
Topics covered in this workshop include Early Intervention Services, Health Insurance and its role, Full Day Preschool Programs, Discrete Trial Instruction and related methodologies, Private School Placements, Extended School Days, After-school Services and Residential Services.  Herb Hinkle and Valerie Powers will give you excellent advocacy advice relating to these issues.

Guardianship and Estate Planning


Presented by Herb Hinkle, Esq., Hinkle & Fingles Law Firm
Planning for the future of your child with autism can be complicated. Should you have bonds and savings accounts in your child’s name? Who should you designate as guardians for your child(ren)? When should you begin this process?  This seminar will help you to understand the issues surrounding your decisions when planning for the future.

IEP Clinics


COSAC’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Clinics provide parents with the opportunity to learn the components of an IEP as specified by the New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) 6A:14 and how to evaluate an IEP. Each session provides an opportunity to gather in small workgroups with other parents and COSAC staff to ask specific questions relating to your child’s IEP. All attendees are asked to bring a copy of their child’s IEP and a list of questions.  

Overview of Autism


Description coming soon.

Parent Series on Behavioral Teaching and Educational Rights


An 18-hour course that focuses on teaching a behavioral approach to parenting. Series topics include how to address and change behavior, teach new skills, and track progress. A special session is devoted to helping parents understand their child’s educational right in the public school system.  

Parent Workshops in English and Spanish


These workshops are designed for families with children with autism spectrum disorders. These FREE parent educational workshops are presented in English with Spanish translations made during the presentation. They will provide you with tools to increase appropriate behavior, address challenging behavior and learn more about your child’s educational rights.

Self-Nurture: Living Life to the Fullest


This open forum is designed to assist families dealing with stressful situations and teach practical strategies for coping with stress. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences about how they maintain energy, enthusiasm, humor and a positive outlook on life. The workshop is presented by Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA, COSAC's Director of Clinical Services.

Social Skills Training and Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Autism, Asperger’s and other Social-Communication Problems


Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially.  The first part of this workshop describes how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.  The second part of the presentation details strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.  Information will be imparted through lecture, interactive exercises, and video clips.

Transition IEP Planning


COSAC’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Clinics provide parents with the opportunity to learn the components of an IEP as specified by the New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) 6A:14 and how to evaluate an IEP. Each session provides an opportunity to gather in small workgroups with other parents and COSAC staff to ask specific questions relating to your child’s IEP. All attendees are asked to bring a copy of their child’s IEP and a list of questions.  



For Parents of Adults with Autism


Exploring The Untapped Potential of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Employment

COSAC is pleased to be able to offer this free workshop discussing the many initiatives impacting employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).  People with ASDs have unique strengths and needs within the workforce. Learn what efforts are currently in progress about  training for direct service providers, the Governors Comprehensive Employment Systems Grant,  the development of COSAC’s Employment Guide and more.


Medicaid, More than Just Health Insurance

COSAC is pleased to be able to offer this free workshop discussing Medicaid. Medicaid is one of the only “entitlements” available to transitioning adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A broad discussion of a key funding stream which impacts services for individuals with ASDs.

Overview of Adult Services in New Jersey


Presented by Leslie Long, Director of Adult Resources.
Planning and implementing adult services for your son or daughter can be a daunting task.  COSAC will try to make it a little easier by offering an overview of what services are available and how to obtain them. This overview will go through what the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services offers to adults with developmental disabilities.

Services & Resources for Adults and Adolescents

Description coming soon

Accessing Services for Adults with Autism: The Important Role of Medicaid

Presented by staff from COSAC's Adult Resources Initiative (ARI).
As families prepare for the transition from school to adult services, securing and preserving eligibility for key finding streams is vital.  Staff from COSAC's Adult Resources Initiative will explain the complex funding issues, available programs and eligibility criteria for services for adults with autism. Parents will also learn about the financial and legal implications of planning for adult services, particularly protecting the assets and income resources that will help ensure their son or daughters has the opportunity to lead a full life in the community.  Attorneys from the Disability Law Firm, Hinkle, Fingles & Prior will answer questions.

Services and Resources for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders


COSAC is pleased to be able to offer this free workshop offering guidance on how to navigate the New Jersey  adult service system. Knowing what services are available within your county and within the State of New Jersey can be vital to meet the daily needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Exploring the Untapped Potential of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and Employment

People with ASDs have unique strengths and needs within the workforce. Learn what efforts are currently in progress about  training for direct service providers, the Governors Comprehensive Employment Systems Grant,  the development of COSAC’s Employment Guide and more!

Housing, What are the options?

COSAC is pleased to be able to offer this free workshop on housing and how it impacts adults with autism spectrum disorders. A broad discussion will take place encompassing housing options, including the Division of Developmental Disability services.  Most importantly, we will explore ways to promote systems change for necessary funding.


For Professionals


Professional Workshop Calendar


COSAC’s Professional Workshops Series, held each Spring, are designed for professionals in the autism community looking for practical strategies for working with students with autism. Through our workshops, professionals learn to identify the sources of challenging behavior and positive management strategies to maximize learning and minimize disruptions in the classroom.

Overview of Autism


This free workshop is designed for professionals who are new to the field of autism. Topics for discussion include an in-depth overview of the diagnostic criteria for autism, Asperger's Disorder and PDD-NOS as well as a brief discussion of treatment strategies and components for an effective educational program.

Professional IEP Clinic Workshops


Professional IEP Clinic Workshops will afford professionals the opportunity to learn the components of an IEP, as specified by the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, and how to evaluate your students' IEPs.  We also will discuss strategies to increase collaboration between IEP team members.  This workshop is eligible for DOE Continuing Education Units.

Professional Transition Planning Workshops

Transition Planning Professional Workshops will afford professional the opportunity to learn about the required components of the IEP for children ages 14 and older.  Transition Planning is an integral part of preparing young students for independence after leaving the school setting.  Federal and State laws require that school districts deliver transition services to children during their teenage years.

For Parents Who Speak Spanish


Spanish Autism Series

The Spanish Autism Series is designed for Spanish-speaking families, with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  Many Latino families may encounter obstacles to accessing critical information and support services due to language and cultural barriers.  These FREE parent informational workshops are presented entirely in Spanish and address issues related to autism including gaining a greater understanding of the disorder, changing behavior in the home, and effectively advocating for children.

Parent Workshops in English and Spanish

These workshops are designed for families with children with autism spectrum disorders. These FREE parent educational workshops are presented in English with Spanish translations made during the presentation. They will provide you with tools to increase appropriate behavior, address challenging behavior and learn more about your child’s educational rights.