COSAC Support Groups






COSAC Support Groups

COSAC sponsors sixteen 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 [email protected]. Click here for directions.

For additional support group resources, click here.

Bergen County

NEW TIME!
Meeting Dates: March 6, April 3, May 1
Location/Time: Mt. Carmel Church, Ridgewood from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Rory Panter, Psy.D.
Parent Contact: Gary Lahm 201-503-9476

Burlington County

NEW!
Meeting Dates: February 18, March 25, April 22
Location/Time: Olde York Country Club, Chesterfield from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Kimberly Rumaker, MSS, LSW
Parent Contact: Call Autism New Jersey, 609.883.8100, extension 45

Camden County

Meeting Dates: JFebruary 24, March 24, April 28
Location/Time: YCS Sawtelle South, West Collingswood, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA
Parent Contact: Autism New Jersey 609-883-8100, extension 45

Essex County

Meeting Dates: March 2, April 6, May 4
Location/Time:  Congregation Beth Ahm, Verona from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Group Facilitator:  Michele Havens, Ed.D.
Parent Contact:  Autism New Jersey 609-883-8100, extension 45

Hudson County

Meeting Dates: March 4, April 1, May 6
Location/Time: Jewish Community Center, Bayonne, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Tamara Bannon, LMSW, BCBA
Parent Contact: Patti Kennedy Calvo 201.823.9541

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Parents Who Speak Spanish – Hudson County

Padres Ayudando a Padres.
Dates: March 5, April 2, May 7
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

Parents Who Speak Spanish – Essex County

Padres Ayudando a Padres.
Dates: March 3, April 7, May 5
Location/Time: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Newark, 8:00 to 10:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Claudia Moreno, Ph.D.
Parent Contact: Autism New Jersey 609.883.8100, extension 45

Hunterdon County

Meeting dates: February 9, March 9, April 20
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)

Mercer County

Meeting dates: February 20, March 20, April 17
Location/Time: YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Hamilton, NJ  08620, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contact: Kelly Lutz 609-584-8825 (evening & weekends)

Middlesex County

Meeting dates: March 5, April 2, May 7
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

Meeting dates: February 26, March 26, April 23
Location/Time: Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Group Facilitator: Melissa DeWees, Psy.D.
Parent Contacts: COSAC (609) 883-8100 Ext. 45

Morris/Sussex/Warren Counties

Meeting dates: February 18, March 25, April 22
Location/Time: Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Roy Panter, Psy D.
Parent Contact: Jodi Pimentel 973-663-2505

Ocean County

Meeting dates: February 12, March 12, April 16
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: February 17, March 17, April 21
Location/Time:  Montclair Kimberly Academy, Montclair, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Group Facilitator: Barbara Wells
Parent Contact:  Alice Hirsh 973-324-2131

Parents of Adolescents

Meeting dates: February 20, March 20, April 17
Location/Time: Bergen Community College, C-Wing of Pitkin Education Building, C. Room C-325, Parking in “A” lot,  7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Parent Coordinator: Kathy Kientz
Parent Contacts: Kathy Kientz 973-655-8066 Mon-Fri, 6:30pm-10:00pm or Sat. & Sun, anytime. 

Somerset County

Meeting dates: March 2, April 6, May 4
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: February 24, March 24, April 28
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 Gale Rainier at [email protected]


Click below for additional listings of support groups: