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. “
” Atlantic Monmouth Passaic Burlington Morris Somerset Gloucester Ocean Sussex Online Support Groups 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. E-mail: [email protected] 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 Website: www.puttingthepiecestogether.org “Back to top
Atlantic County
” FACES Families for Autistic Children Education and Support Meetings are held in Ventnor. Contact Person: Isabelle Mosca at 609-822-1735 “Back to top
Burlington County
Githens Center” 40 Cedar Street Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 Phone: 609-261-1667 Fax: 609-261-1844 Website: www.githenscenter.org e-mail: [email protected] Monica Catani-Fernandes 20 Fairmont Drive Columbus, NJ 08022 Phone: 609-324-9745 Fax: 609-324-9745 e-mail: [email protected] 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 e-mail: [email protected] 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 “Back to top
Gloucester County
” Autism Connection of Gloucester County (ACG) Meeting Dates: Third Tuesday of each month Contact: Rosemary Nicklas at 856-227-7498 “Back to top
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 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.ChambersSchool.org 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 “Back to top
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 “Back to top
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 E-mail: [email protected] “Back to top
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 E-mail: [email protected]. “Back to top
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 “Back to top
” 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. The Autism Home Page (via MSN 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. Back to top