Resource HUB Created to Support NJ Families with Childcare, Education, Health and Sustainability Resources

New Jersey offers many resources and supports to help navigate the early years of parenthood, but finding them isn’t always easy—and knowing if you’re eligible or the program is a right fit—can be challenging. Knowing where to turn for answers helps families connect with the right supports and saves busy parents precious time.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey has therefore created this Family Resources HUB to help NJ families discover a range of essential resources and support to help them navigate their parenting journey.

You can reach the HUB

HERE

New CAPE Chat Podcast

New CAPE Chat Podcast

Social Skills Spotlight with JDK Station

Join Nicole as she chats with Jenna and Donna from JDK Station about their social skills programs!

JDK Station offers a variety of services designed to help individuals thrive, including social skills groups, an engaging summer camp, and private ABA services tailored to meet individual needs.

Tune in to hear how their innovative programs empower children to build confidence, make connections and develop lifelong skills!

Click Here to listen to Podcast 

Click here to visit website

New Jersey Resources ---- VERY HELPFULL!!!!

DDS is proud to announce the release of a newly reformatted resource directory, NJ Resources. The new look was developed with a focus on enhanced accessibility, including features like clickable links and redirects, convenient bookmarks to aide in navigation, and alternative text to name a few. Also, instead of updating this useful guide only once per year, the web version will be updated as changes occur. 

Click Here 

The ARC of New Jersey Calander of Events

Click Here

A New Safety Tool For The Autism Community, The Gizmo Watch 3

The Autism Society of America is excited to announce our partnership with Verizon, featuring the Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure, a kid-friendly smartwatch designed to help keep your loved ones safe and foster independence. 

As many in our community know, wandering and elopement are significant concerns, with children and people with Autism being four times more likely to wander than their neurotypical peers. Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 - Adventure provides an extra layer of security with features like real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts, and easy communication tools that allow loved ones to stay connected. 

After a week-long trial, two Autism Society families shared their experiences using the Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure and highlighted these key features: 

• Real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts to help monitor your child’s whereabouts—especially useful for trick-or-treating. 

• Messaging and speech-to-text capabilities to stay connected without the need for a smartphone. 

• Routine-building tools like timers and checklists to support independence and daily activities. 

• Step counters and jump timers to encourage physical activity, especially important for children with Autism. 

• A durable and scratch-resistant design with a diamond-like carbon coating that stands up to active kids and is comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities.

You can check out the full article here, along with the testimony directly from your care givers. 

Did you know? Our nationwide network of affiliates offers local connections through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming. Connect to a local Autism Society affiliate here. 

Get Connected

Click Here

NJCDD Releases New Enhanced Family Support Crisis Handbook

The purpose of the expanded version of the NJCDD's Handbook is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family and professional caregivers. The Handbook provides information to more effectively advocate for persons with complex severe behavioral health conditions (which we formerly referred to as “dual diagnosis”) for treatments, supports, services and the conditions that promote mental wellness.

Available in Spanish and English.

New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters

Are You On the List?

“Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters” allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends, caregivers and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.

The information collected is confidential and will not be available to the public. The information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning.

Sign Up Here

The Arc’s Virtual Program Library

PLAN/NJ Podcast Series

The Together We PLAN podcast, hosted by Ellen Nalven, M.Ed., Executive Director of PLAN|NJ, is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting individuals with disabilities and their families. Episodes featuring disability rights advocates, family members, and legal experts delve into the unique experiences of those living with disabilities.

Register Here

Law Enforcement Initiative Seeks To Improve Interactions -

         Please participate in the information-gathering survey.

Law Enforcement Initiative seeks to improve interactions

Launched in 2024 Autism New Jersey's Law Enforcement Initiative seeks to help better the interactions between people with Autism, their families and law enforcement professionals. The program will feature three phases and take multiple years including information gathering and advocating for better practices. New Jersey Autism knows that there isn't just one solution to fit the needs of people throughout the state.

  Click Here