About Autism and Autism New Jersey

Autism is a developmental disability characterized by atypical, repetitive behaviors and deficits in social and communication skills.

Current estimates suggest that 1 in 150 individuals in the United States (and 1 in 94 in New Jersey) are affected by autism. There is no known cure for autism at this time, but early diagnosis and intervention can be effective.

www.njcosac.org - OR -

Autism New Jersey is a non-profit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education and consultation. They encourage responsible basic and applied research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent, autism. They are dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhancing the general public's overall awareness of autism. Funds from the Ride for Autism provide important support for Autism New Jersey's mission to provide information, advocacy and support to New Jersey's Autism Community. Where does the money go? $50,000, the estimated net proceeds from the 2009 Ride, have an enormous impact in Autism New Jersey's budget. Such funding not only helps to sustain Autism New Jersey's general operations, but allows us to move forward on important new endeavors and assists with projects large and small.

Collected pledges fund the following activities:

$3 funds the creation a single DVD from Autism New Jersey's comprehensive series exploring the resources and services, residential and employment needs of New Jersey adults with autism.

$5 funds the printing of Autism New Jersey publications such as our "Autism: Basic Information" and "Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: An Introduction."

$12 funds the creation of an Autism Awareness Ambassador Kit, which is circulated to almost 500 volunteer "ambassadors" who raise awareness about autism in their local communities during April, National Autism Awareness Month. The kit contains posters, sample publications and tips and ideas for awareness projects.

$15 funds a parent information training binder used during Autism New Jersey's 18-hour instructional "Parent Series on Behavioral Teaching." The "Parent Series" provides helpful tools to parents looking to implement basic principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis at home and in the community.

$250 funds a Conference Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to parents who might otherwise not be able to attend Autism New Jersey's annual "Issues in Autism" Conference. The financial burden on families of individuals with autism can create extreme hardship. Autism New Jersey's conference scholarship fund allows for families to attend our conference free of charge and participate in an information exchange that can benefit their child.

$250 funds a Parent Support Group Meeting. Currently Autism New Jersey offers 17 professionally facilitated support groups monthly throughout New Jersey. These forums provide valuable assistance to families confronted with a variety challenges and in need of support.

$500 funds a Parent Support Group with an expert speaker. Past topics have included transition issues, social skill building, and safety issues.

$500 to $5,000 funds the translation of a single Autism New Jersey publication into Spanish.