Autism Acceptance: As Explained By A 10-Year-Old and AutismNJ.org
AutismSpeaks.org NJ Resources · NJ Autism Family Services.org · Autism Speaks · AutoSportHonda.com
Jackson Kreifels, a 10-year-old from Maple Shade School District in New Jersey who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum right before he turned 4 years old shares with his classmates about his autism diagnosis. Jackson was diagnosed on the autism spectrum right before he turned 4 years old.
Jackson’s former 3rd grade teacher approached him about speaking to the current 3rd graders about autism. At first, he was very nervous because “speaking to strangers is a lot easier than talking in front of my friends!” Jackson wrote his speech and spent hours reciting it over and over was looking forward to sharing his story.
Autism Speaks New Jersey has developed a vast service network for people with autism and their families. In great measure, the citizens of New Jersey have been effective advocates in creating and maintaining early intervention, pre-school, public and private schools that have become world class models of success. That continues to be provided by parents and concerned New Jersey citizens through dozens of organizations and agencies.
Schools, adult services, residential programs- these are the building blocks of our service delivery system. Autism Family Services of New Jersey is looking to become the cement between those blocks, offering additional services and supports needed to sustain families in their efforts to provide an enriched life for their sons and daughters with autism. The need is obviously there, as is our desire to do so.
Autism New Jersey ensures that the needs of its constituents are addressed through meetings with legislators and government officials, testimony and written comments on pending initiatives and participation on committees and coalitions addressing topics such as: early intervention, special education, adult services and health insurance.
We facilitate collaboration with government and private agencies to promote easier access to services. We also educate and advise elected and appointed officials on issues that impact the autism community.
Autism New Jersey thoughtfully selected the following priorities to increase access to and funding for medically necessary, educational, behavioral, and residential services: Health Insurance; Increasing Availability and Quality of Behavioral Services; and Adult Services.