Resources

For your convenience we have compiled a list of helpful resources to help guide you throughout your journey.

  • Rutgers, The Boggs Center on Development Disabilities: Learn the Signs. Act Early

    • The “Act Early Resilience Toolkit” from The Boggs Center offers tools and strategies to support developmental health and resiliency of children ages 3-5 and their families. This website provides evidence-based guidance, tip sheets, and activities designed to help families navigate challenges and build on their child’s strengths. It emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention, empowering parents to support their child’s development effectively. Parents can use this toolkit to access practical support, enhance their understanding of autism, and foster a positive, proactive approach to their child’s growth and well-being.

  • Rutgers, The Boggs Center on Development Disabilities: Next Steps When Developmental Concerns are Identified: County-Specific Flow Charts
    • The “Next Steps: When Developmental Concerns Are Identified” resource from The Boggs Center provides NJ country specific guidance for parents navigating the early stages of addressing developmental concerns in their child. This website offers clear steps to help parents understand what to do next, including accessing evaluations, seeking early intervention services, and connecting with support networks.
  • Autism Speaks
    • Autism Speaks is a comprehensive resource for families, providing information, tools, and support to navigate the journey of autism. The website offers resources on early signs, diagnosis, therapies, education, and advocacy, tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism and their families. It also features a resource guide, a 100-day toolkit for newly diagnosed families, and connections to local services. This website is valuable for parents seeking reliable, up-to-date information to help their child thrive.
  • TACA Now
    • The TACA (The Autism Community in Action) website is a resource dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and support needed to help their children with autism thrive. It provides practical guidance on navigating autism diagnoses, accessing therapies, managing medical needs, and fostering skill development. With its free Parent Mentor Program, local chapter events, and extensive library of resources, TACA offers parents a sense of community and tools to support their child’s unique journey. This website is a great starting point for families seeking personalized, hands-on support.
  • Autism One
  • Autism Research Institute
    • The Autism Research Institute’s website offers information on a wide range of topics, including diagnosis, treatment, education, and advocacy, with a focus on improving quality of life. The site also features local chapters, community events, comprehensive guides, and access to personalized support through their helpline. The Newly Diagnosed page is a helpful resource for parents navigating their child’s recent autism diagnosis. It provides clear, supportive guidance on understanding autism, accessing early interventions, and finding the right services to meet your child’s needs.
  • Family Support Center of NJ
  • The ARC of New Jersey
    • The Arc of New Jersey website provides information on advocacy, resources, and programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals and their families. With services like assistance navigating educational and legal systems, employment supports, and health care advocacy, The Arc of New Jersey empowers families to access critical services and opportunities.
  • Medicare and Medicaid Services
    • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website is a helpful resource for families seeking information on healthcare coverage and services for individuals with autism. It provides detailed guidance on accessing Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as information about federal healthcare policies and benefits. Families can use this site to explore available funding options for therapies, medical services, and community supports.
  • Understanding Autism Free Course at The Open University
    • The Understanding Autism course from OpenLearn is a valuable resource for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism. This free online course provides an accessible introduction to autism, exploring key topics such as the characteristics of autism, the diagnostic process, and the challenges individuals with autism may face. This resource can be a good starting point for parents seeking to build their knowledge and confidence in supporting their child’s development and well-being.
  • The Autism Society’s Training & Resource Center
    • The Autism Society’s Training & Resource Center is an online platform offering a variety of courses and resources tailored to support the diverse needs of the Autism community. It provides self-paced courses, such as the “Foundations of Autism” series, which introduces basic concepts and key characteristics of Autism.
  • The Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Early Intervention Program
    • The Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) provides early identification, evaluation and intervention for children up to three years of age who have a condition that impairs or has a high predictability of impairing normal development and/or who have measurable developmental delays.
  • Rutgers, The Boggs Center on Development Disabilities: Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents
    • The “Transition to Adulthood Timeline for Parents” from The Boggs Center is a guide designed to help families navigate the journey from adolescence to adulthood. This resource outlines key milestones and important steps to take, such as preparing for employment, higher education, independent living, and accessing adult services. It provides clear, actionable guidance to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition process. Parents can rely on this timeline to stay informed, organized, and proactive as they help their child achieve increased independence and success in adulthood.
  • Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
    • The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network offers support, training, and advocacy to help parents navigate complex systems. This website provides guidance on special education, healthcare, family engagement, and transition planning, empowering parents to advocate effectively for their child’s needs. With a focus on equity and inclusion, SPAN connects families to valuable resources, workshops, and personalized assistance.
  • State of New Jersey Services DDD Division of Developmental Disability
    • The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) website provides information on eligibility, services, and supports available through state programs, such as residential care, employment assistance, and community-based services. This website can be used to learn about applying for services, accessing Medicaid waivers, and navigating the system to meet loved one’s needs.
  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVRS)
    • The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services website provides information on vocational rehabilitation services, job placement assistance, and workplace accommodations to help individuals achieve their employment goals. It also connects users with specialized programs and support services tailored to their unique needs.
  • The New Jersey Department of Education Transition Toolkit
    • The New Jersey Department of Education Transition Services website is a helpful resource for families of students with disabilities, including autism, as they prepare for life after high school. It offers guidance on transition planning, including education, employment, independent living, and community participation. The website provides tools, resources, and information about individualized transition plans (ITPs) to help students achieve their post-secondary goals.
  • POAC Autism Services Workshops
    • POAC Autism Services offers a variety of workshops and conferences designed for parents, as well as educators, and professionals. These sessions cover topics such as internet and social media safety, creating effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and addressing hidden dangers to enhance safety at home, school, and in the community.
  • State of New Jersey Department of Education Special Education Learning Opportunities
    • The New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education website provides comprehensive information and resources on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), transition planning, and parental rights.
  • The New Jersey Action Blueprint for Transition to Adult Health Care
  • NJ Support Coordination & Guidance
    • The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Support Coordination page provides information about accessing Support Coordination services, that assists individuals in gaining access to needed program and State plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational and other services. This website also outlines the services available through the DDD system.
  • Rutgers, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development: Self-Advocate’s Guide to Choosing a Post-Secondary Program: Charting Your Course Through a New Landscape
    • The “Self-Advocate’s Guide to Choosing a Post-Secondary Program” from The Boggs Center is a resource for individuals who are considering post-secondary education. With a growing national trend toward creating more pathways for college participation for students with developmental disabilities, there has been a significant increase in programs available both in New Jersey and across the country. This guide helps self-advocates and families explore and evaluate these programs to determine which college experience aligns with their goals, interests, and support needs. Featuring practical advice, checklists, and tools, the guide empowers students to make informed decisions and navigate this exciting step toward independence and future success.
  • Support Coordination Q&A
    • The Support Coordination “Webinar Q&A” powerpoint from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is a comprehensive guide that addresses frequently asked questions about the Support Coordination process, offering detailed information on topics like service planning, eligibility, and accessing community resources. It provides clarity on how Support Coordination works and what families can expect throughout the process.
  • Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit
    • The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit is a resource designed to help families navigate the shift from adolescence to adulthood. It offers practical information and guidance on a range of topics, including employment, post-secondary education, housing, legal matters, and community living. The toolkit provides actionable steps, checklists, and resources to support a smooth transition and empower individuals with autism to achieve their goals.
  • Think College Postsecondary Education Directory
    • The Think College “College Search” page is a comprehensive directory featuring information on 355 postsecondary education programs across the United States designed for students with intellectual disabilities. This directory can be used to explore programs by state, program length, housing availability, and other key features to find options that align with your preferences. The site also offers resources such as frequently asked questions and a downloadable guide with over 50 questions to consider when evaluating college programs.
  • Eden Autism Adult Services
    • Eden Autism is based in Princeton, NJ and offers adult residential services, employment training, and day programs designed to promote independence and community engagement for adults with autism.
  • Spectrum360 Adult Services
    • Independence360, a program under Spectrum360, is a day habilitation initiative that emphasizes four key learning principles: life skills, socialization, health and wellness, and community integration. Additionally, Independence360 offers prevocational and vocational services, providing training for individuals seeking employment skills
  • Ask The Doctor: Questions you want your Developmental Pediatrician to answer
    • This document provides information about autism across the lifespan, focusing on core symptoms, associated challenges, and treatment strategies tailored to developmental stages. It emphasizes early diagnosis, intervention, and the importance of therapies, including behavioral, speech, occupational, and social skills training, to support long-term success.
  • NJ Department of Children and Families Hotlines
    • The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) Hotlines document provides a comprehensive list of hotlines covering a variety of needs, including support for families of individuals with disabilities. These hotlines connect families to vital services and resources, ensuring they can access necessary help.
  • Resources For Families
    • This document provides website links and phone numbers for various statewide agencies and disability related resources.
  • Special Needs Camp
    • This document provides information about special needs camps offered throughout the state of New Jersey.

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