HP SEPAG
Autism Resources
Highland Park SEPAG Supports Families
At Highland Park SEPAG, we’re committed to helping families navigate the autism journey with information, advocacy, and compassion. Whether you're seeking guidance on acceptance, resources, or connecting with the community, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us at sepag.hp@gmail.com for support or to learn more.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning individuals experience it in unique ways, with varying strengths and challenges. Understanding this balance is key to supporting autistic children and their families.
Challenges Associated with Autism
Autism is characterized by a spectrum of challenges, which can include::
Communication Difficulties: Delayed speech or difficulty understanding nonverbal cues like facial expressions and gestures.
Social Interaction Struggles: Difficulty navigating social relationships or understanding social norms.
Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-reactivity to sensory inputs such as light, sound, textures, or smells.
Behavioral Challenges: Repetitive behaviors, rigidity in routines, or difficulty adapting to change.
Emotional Regulation: Trouble managing emotions, leading to frustration or anxiety.
Understanding and addressing these challenges with early intervention, therapies, and acceptance can significantly improve an autistic child’s quality of life.
Positive Traits and Strengths of Autistic Individuals
While ASD can present challenges, it is equally important to recognize the positive traits and unique strengths that many autistic individuals possess. Autistic children bring unique perspectives and talents to the world. Many display extraordinary qualities, such as:
Focused Interests: Deep passion for specific topics, leading to expertise and innovative thinking.
Attention to Detail: An ability to notice things others might overlook.
Honesty and Integrity: A straightforward and genuine approach to communication.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Viewing the world differently often leads to out-of-the-box thinking.
Loyalty and Kindness: Strong connections with those they trust and care about.
Strong Memory Skills: Remarkable recall of facts, patterns, or routines.
Recognizing these strengths fosters self-esteem and supports their personal growth.
Why Early Diagnosis and Acceptance Matter
An autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, as it often brings uncertainty, questions, and a range of emotions. However, it is also a moment of clarity—a chance to truly understand your child and begin a journey of support and growth together. Early diagnosis opens doors to essential therapies, educational accommodations, and community resources that help autistic children unlock their potential and thrive in their unique ways. Just as importantly, parental acceptance of the diagnosis can transform this journey into one of hope, connection, and celebration of who your child truly is.
Acceptance isn’t about fixing or changing your child; it’s about meeting them where they are and embracing their strengths, challenges, and individuality. It fosters a home environment where your child feels seen, valued, and loved for exactly who they are.
Here’s why early diagnosis and acceptance make a difference:
Empowered Parenting: With the right tools and resources, you gain the confidence to advocate for your child’s needs and ensure they have the support they deserve.
Improved Family Dynamics: Shifting the focus to your child’s strengths and unique qualities strengthens family bonds and creates a more positive, understanding environment.
Better Outcomes for Children: Early access to therapies like speech and occupational therapy, as well as behavioral support, helps your child navigate challenges, build skills, and thrive in school and life.
Remember, an autism diagnosis doesn’t define your child—it is simply a part of their story. With love, understanding, and the right support, the possibilities are endless.
Early Signs of Autism
While every child is different, here are some common early signs of autism to watch for:
Social Communication
Limited eye contact or avoidance of eye contact.
Lack of response to their name by 12 months.
Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversations or play.
Preference for playing alone rather than interacting with peers.
Trouble understanding or expressing emotions.
Language and Communication
Delayed speech or language development.
Repetitive speech patterns (e.g., echolalia, scripting from TV shows).
Unusual tone of voice (e.g., flat, sing-song, or robotic).
Limited gestures such as pointing or waving.
Behavioral Patterns
Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.
Intense interest in specific topics or objects.
Difficulty with changes in routine or transitions.
Unusual attachment to certain objects (e.g., a toy, household item).
Sensory Sensitivities
Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
Avoidance of certain foods due to texture or smell.
Fascination with visual stimuli, such as spinning objects or lights.
Motor Skills
Difficulty with fine or gross motor skills (e.g., handwriting, jumping).
Delayed milestones such as crawling or walking.
If you notice these signs, consult a pediatrician or specialist for evaluation.
Resources for Families in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a range of services and supports for children with autism and their families. Below is a list of helpful resources:
Statewide Resources
New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS): Provides services for children under 3 years old with developmental delays or disabilities. Visit NJEIS
Child Find: A federally mandated program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its purpose is to identify, locate, and evaluate children from birth through age 21 (usually for kids over 3 who do not qualify for early intervention) who may have developmental delays or disabilities and are in need of special education and related services. Contact your local school district or early intervention program.
NJ Department of Health resources for children and adults with Autism
Parents of Autistic Children in NJ (POAC): a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
PerformCare NJ: Offers a range of services for children with behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs.
Autism New Jersey: A nonprofit organization offering advocacy, information, and support.
The Arc of New Jersey: The state's largest organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
IncludeNJ: An organization that supports parents, guardians, caregivers, and families to advocate for inclusion, equity, and belonging in education for students with disabilities ages 3 to 21.
Educational Support
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI): Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) provides training and support for families.
Therapeutic and Behavioral Support
Children’s Specialized Hospital: Offers diagnostic and therapeutic services.
The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (Rutgers): Offers diagnostic and therapeutic services. Visit DDDC
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Providers: Organizations such as PerformCare can help connect families to ABA providers. Insurances often have behavioral specialists who can help you find in-network providers in your area.
Community and Recreational Opportunities
POAC Autism Services: Provides recreational events and parent trainings. Visit POAC
Information about Child Find
Child Find is a federally mandated program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its purpose is to identify, locate, and evaluate children from birth through age 21 who may have developmental delays or disabilities and are in need of special education and related services. Child Find ensures that all children, regardless of the severity of their disability, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Key Principles of Child Find
Inclusive Outreach:
Child Find is for all children, including those who are:Homeless or in foster care.
Enrolled in private or public schools.
Migrant or highly mobile.
From diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds.
Early Identification:
The program emphasizes the importance of identifying developmental delays as early as possible, starting at birth, to provide timely interventions that improve outcomes.Comprehensive Evaluation:
If a potential delay or disability is suspected, the child is evaluated at no cost to the family to determine eligibility for special education services.Parental Involvement:
Parents play a critical role in the Child Find process. Schools and agencies are required to inform and involve families every step of the way.
How Does Child Find Work?
Referral: A child can be referred to Child Find by a parent, teacher, physician, or other professional who notices developmental concerns.
Screening: Initial developmental screenings or observations are conducted to identify any areas of concern.
Evaluation: A formal evaluation is completed to assess the child's needs in areas such as speech, behavior, motor skills, or academics.
Eligibility Determination: Based on the evaluation, a team—including parents—determines if the child qualifies for special education services under IDEA.
Why is Child Find Important?
Equal Access: Ensures every child with a disability or delay is identified and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
Timely Support: Early identification allows children to access interventions and educational supports as soon as possible, improving developmental outcomes and academic success.
Legal Compliance: Schools and public agencies are required to follow Child Find mandates to remain in compliance with IDEA.
How to Access Child Find Services
If you suspect that your child or a child you know may have a disability or developmental delay:
Contact your local school district or early intervention program.
Request a screening or evaluation in writing, if possible.
Be proactive in collaborating with educators, healthcare providers, and Child Find representatives.
For more information, reach out to your local school district or visit the state’s education department website. Families in New Jersey can also consult resources like PerformCare NJ or The Early Intervention System (NJEIS).
Books, Movies, and Webinars
Books for Parents
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry M. Prizant
A compassionate guide to understanding and supporting autistic individuals.The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz. A resource for understanding sensory processing challenges and practical strategies to help.
Parenting a Child on the Spectrum: A Survival Guide by Janet Lintala. A practical book filled with tips and insights for parents navigating the autism journey.
An Early Start for Your Child with Autism by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara A comprehensive guide for parents to implement early intervention strategies at home.
Books for Children
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer. A heartwarming story about embracing differences and celebrating individuality.
I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas. A great introductory book explaining autism in a child-friendly way.
My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete. A story about a sister’s perspective on her brother with autism, promoting understanding and acceptance.
Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer Elder. Features famous individuals on the autism spectrum and inspires children to pursue their dreams.
Movies about Autism
Fictional Films
Rain Man (1988) – A man discovers his brother is an autistic savant, exploring connection and understanding.
Temple Grandin (2010) – Biographical film about Temple Grandin’s groundbreaking contributions.
Mozart and the Whale (2005) – A love story between two autistic adults.
The Accountant (2016) – A skilled autistic man balances a career as a forensic accountant and vigilante.
Adam (2009) – A romantic drama about an autistic man forming a relationship with his neighbor.
The Black Balloon (2008) – A family’s journey raising an autistic child and learning acceptance.
Please Stand By (2017) – An autistic woman embarks on an adventure to submit her Star Trek screenplay.
Documentaries
Life, Animated (2016) – The story of an autistic boy using Disney films to communicate.
The Reason I Jump (2020) – A visual exploration of the lives of nonverbal autistic individuals.
Autism: The Musical (2007) – Follows autistic children creating a musical.
A Mother's Courage (2009) – A mother’s quest to understand and support her autistic child.
Family-Friendly
Loop (2020, Pixar) – A short film about a nonverbal autistic girl finding connection.
Finding Dory (2016) – While not explicitly about autism, Dory’s traits resonate with the community.
These films offer diverse perspectives on autism, helping to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance.
Essay
Webinars