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RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISMThe coronavirus has had drastic effects upon people with autism andtheir caregivers. The disruption in routines, as well as the introduction ofnew societal norms such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing,is extremely difficult for individuals with ASD. In addition, many caregivershave found themselves thrust into the roles of their children’s teacher andtherapists – experiences that present their own challenges.Listed below are resources that are designed to assist both theindividual with autism and his or her caregivers. These resources aredivided into five sections: Information geared toward the pandemic.Links to the websites of local and state autism-related organizations.Autism-Related Facebook Groups.A list of “The Best Autism Apps” (published in Autism ParentingMagazine in May 2020). Titles of autism-related ebooks that can be borrowed though theLibrary’s hoopla app. Have questions about hoopla? Go files/Hoopla-Instructions.pdfPART 1: GUIDES FOR COPINGWITH THE PANDEMIC ANDRESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLING1) Autism NJ. Provides guidance on assisting individuals with adjusting to thedisruption in their routines, social stories, coping with challengingbehaviors, homeschooling resources, and useful apps. Also containsstrategies for caregiver self-care, support for self-advocates, financial1
concerns, and practical information regarding COVID-19 and itseffects on the delivery of therapies. Autism NJ also has a hotline:1-800-428-8476.2) Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical and-covid-19-tests2020061020089An article containing tips for helping those with ASD cope with takinga COVID test and adjust to wearing masks.3) The Boggs Center on Developmental fA social story about wearing masks for adults with developmentaldisabilities.4) Education Law s-what-you-need-to-know.htmlContains information about the rights of students with disabilitieswhile schools are closed.5) Ocean County Family Support Organization. www.oceanfso.orgProvides peer support, dissemination of information, and trainings forfamilies who have children with developmental, behavioral,emotional, mental health, and substance abuse needs.2
6) Community Health Law Project. www.chlp.orgProvides legal assistance to individuals with disabilities.7) POAC Autism Services. www.poac.netOffers free live online events – including music classes, storytimes,yoga, and Zumba. Also has free webinars and an online supportgroup.8) New Jersey Autism Warriors.This Facebook group is the online caregiver support group for POACAutism Services. Learn how other people have coped with thechallenges that you are encountering, and provide advice to others.9) Mom2Mom Helpline. www.mom2mom.us.comProvides peer support to mothers of children and adults with specialneeds. Can also be reached by phone at 1-877-914-6662.10) The Arc of New Jersey. www.arcnj.orgContains COVID-19 resources for individuals with disabilities and theircaregivers – including plain-language explanations, links to mentalhealth services, the hospital visitor policy, homeschooling tips, virtualevents, and information from state and federal government agencies.3
11) The Boggs Center on Developmental -F.pdfAn emergency planning document for when a primary caregiver isunable to provide support.12) New Jersey Division of Disability tains an emergency preparedness checklist for people withdisabilities.13) Autism nd-resourcesHas a wide variety of resources geared toward families and towardadults who have autism. There is an Autism Response Team (ART)available to answer questions by phone, email, and live chat (1-888288-4762). Also contains tips for discussing COVID-19 with your child,guidance if your child needs to be hospitalized, behavioral resources,coping with stress, and parental training and support resources.14) Child Mind Institute’s Autism ces-for-parentsOffers suggestions for talking to your children about the coronavirus,teaching handwashing techniques, developing routines and creatingschedules, and writing an emergency plan.4
15) Echo covid-19Contains information about teaching handwashing to children, howto do ABA, speech, and OT therapy at home, behavior managementtechniques, how to teach at home (including links to websites onvarious subjects), and more.16) Wolf Friends.Available as a free app through the App Store and Google Play, thisresource enables you to meet moms in your area who are raisingchildren with special needs. Contains homeschooling resources, freearticles, Zoom video chats, and a directory of specialists in particularfields.17) Education.com. www.education.comContains free printable worksheets on a wide variety of topics forchildren in preschool through fifth grade. Also has online games,songs, activities, and stories. Must create a free account to use.18) SplashLearn. www.splashlearn.comUses fun, online games to teach math to children in grades 1 to 5. Afree account is necessary to access some of the resources.5
PART 2: LOCAL AND STATEAUTISM-RELATED ORGANIZATIONSEMPLOYMENT TRAINING AND ASSISTANCEAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEAllaireCommunity FarmProvides PreEmployment Training,Therapy Farm Animalswww.allairecommunityfarm.orgCommunity OptionsEmployment Trainingfor High SchoolStudents, Employment,Housingwww.comop.orgNew Jersey Division ofVocationalRehabilitation Services(closed during thepandemic)Employment Assistancewww.careerconnections.nj.gov6
INFORMATION AND REFERRALAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEOcean CountyDepartment ofHuman Services(Children’s InterAgencyCoordinatingCouncil, Office ofIndividuals withDisabilities)Information andReferral, CDHS/frmOFID.aspxOcean CountyHealth DepartmentInformation andReferralwww.ochd.orgSPAN AdvocacyNetworkInformation andReferral, CaregiverSupport andResource Centerwww.spanadvocacy.orgToms RiverMayor’s AdvisoryCommittee on theAmericans withDisabilities ActAdvocacy dvisory-Committee-on-the-ADAToms RiverMayor’s AdvisoryCommittee onDevelopmentalDisabilitiesAdvocacy mentalDisabilities-Committee7
LEGAL SERVICESAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEHinkle Prior & FischerSpecial Education Law,Estate Planningwww.hinkle1.comThe Matus Law GroupSpecial Education Law,Estate Planningwww.matuslaw.comSussan, Greenwald,& WeslerSpecial Education Law,Estate Planningwww.sgwlawfirm.comMEDICAL rgChildren’sWellness ic, utism-FriendlyMedical CenterERDevelopmentalPediatrics ofCentral alpediatricsnj.com8
HackensackMeridianHealth – K.HovnanianChildren’sHospitalAutism cs, s/autismthe-child-evaluation-centerKidZdentSpecial terOceanPediatricDentalAssociatesSpecial NEOUSAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITECanine Companionsfor IndependenceService Dogswww.cci.orgEncouraging KidsFamily ResourceCenterAfter school,Evening, andWeekend Programsfor Students withSpecial programs%26-servicesThe FriendshipCircle of CentralJerseySocial and RespiteProgramswww.friendsnj.com9
Mosaic MusicTherapyMusic Therapywww.mosaicmusictherapy.comNew JerseyCamp JayceeSummer Campwww.campjaycee.orgNew Jersey Councilon DevelopmentalDisabilitiesPublic Policywww.njcdd.orgRising Treetops atOakhurstSummer Campwww.risingtreetops.orgWe Rock theSpectrum Kid’s GymRecreation(Indoor Play)www.werockthespectrumwaretown.comMULTISERVICE ORGANIZATIONSAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEEasterseals NJSummer Camp,Behavioral HealthServices, ResidentialServices, Day Programs,Supported Employmentwww.easterseals.com/njLadacin NetworkServices for All Ages:School, Therapy, DayPrograms, VocationalTherapy, Housingwww.ladacin.orgSERV BehavioralHealth SystemsServices for All Ages:In-Home Services,Vocational Training,Residential Serviceswww.servbhs.net10
21 Plus, Inc.Residential Services,Vocational Services,Supported Employmentwww.21plus.orgNEW JERSEY STATE SERVICESFor behavior therapy and respite for children under the age of 21, contactPerformCare (the New Jersey Children’s System of Care) atwww.performcarenj.org or by calling 1-877-652-7624.To inquire about home and community-based services for individuals 21 andolder, contact the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) atnj.gov/humanservices/ddd/home or by calling 1-800-832-9173.A “Transition to Adulthood Timeline for Parents,” which begins at age 14, isavailable on The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities’ website. To viewthis document, click here:http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/departments e-2019-12-F.pdfAGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEAbility Advocates of NJSupport Coordinationfor Division ofDevelopmentalDisabilities Serviceswww.abilityadvocatesofnj.orgA Bright TomorrowSupport Coordinationfor Division ofDevelopmentalDisabilities Servicesabrighttomorrow.org11
A Care Connectionof New JerseySupport Coordinationfor Division ofDevelopmentalDisabilities Serviceswww.accofnj.orgOcean Partnershipfor ChildrenCare Management andService Planning forChildren withBehavioral andEmotional Challenges(accessible throughPerformCare)www.oceanpartnership.orgOwen Health CareChildren’s BehaviorTherapy throughPerformCare, SupportCoordination forDivision ofDevelopmentalDisabilities Services,Respite, Summer Camp,Supported Employmentwww.owenhhc.comPrimeTime CenterAdult Day Programs(Life Skills, Recreation,Social Skills, VocationalSkills, and More)(admission throughDDD)www.primetimecenter.orgSPWA ServicesSupport Coordinationfor Division ofDevelopmentalDisabilities Serviceswww.spwaservices.org12
SAFETYAGENCYNAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEOcean CountyCommissionon Child dsafetyandawarenessOcean CountySheriff’s OfficeSafetywww.co.ocean.nj.us/ocsheriffSCHOOLSTo view a comprehensive list of schools, visit Autism NJ’s Directory of SchoolsServing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at rens%20Specialized/files/Autism NJ School List 2010.pdf.AGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEThe Alpha SchoolSchool for Ages 5 to 21www.alphaschool.comChildren’s Center ofMonmouth CountySchool for Ages 3 to 21www.ccprograms.comThe Gateway SchoolSchool for Ages 5 to 21www.thegatewayschool.comThe Harbor SchoolSchool for Ages 5 to 21www.harborschool.comHawkswood SchoolSchool for Ages 3 to 21www.hawkswoodschool.net13
Ocean County CollegeEducation(Disability Services)and Summer umdisorder-steam-campsThe Shore Center forStudents with AutismSchool for Ages 3 to 21www.theshorecenter.orgTHERAPY (ABA, OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL, SPEECH)AGENCY NAMEDESCRIPTIONWEBSITEBrain BuildersABA, OT, Speechwww.brainbuildersnj.orgBrett DiNovi &AssociatesABA Therapywww.brettdassociates.comBuildnCare TherapyABA Therapywww.buildncare.comCaring FamilyCommunity ServicesABA Therapywww.caringfamily.orgChildren’s SpecializedHospitalSpeech, OT, PT,Feeding The Family ResourceNetworkABA resourcenetwork.orgGeorgian CourtUniversity ABA ClinicABA Therapywww.georgian.edu/abaclinic14
Graham BehaviorServicesABA Therapywww.grahambehaviorservices.comHybridge LearningGroupABA, Speech, OTwww.hybridgelearning.comKaleidoscope FamilySolutionsABA Therapywww.kfamilysolutions.orgLimitless VictoryTherapy ServicesOccupational Therapywww.limitlessvictory.comThe Puzzle PlaceCenter for AutismABA, Speech, OTwww.thepuzzleplace.orgSensory PlaygroundABA, Speech, OT, PTwww.sensoryplaygroundtherapy.comSocial BehaviorLearning SolutionsABA Therapywww.socialbehaviorlearning.comSpeech LanguageAssociatesSpeech Therapywww.speechlanguageassociates.comSpeech PathologySolutions, LLCSpeech Therapywww.speechpathologysolutions.comSunny Days SunshineCenterABA, OT, PT, Speechwww.sunnydayssunshinecenter.comUnlocked PotentialABA Therapywww.unlockedpotential.comWeisman Children’sRehabilitationHospitalFeeding, OT, PT,Speechwww.weismanchildrens.com15
PART 3: AUTISM-RELATED FACEBOOK GROUPSAutism Parents GroupAutism Society Southwest New Jersey AffiliateCentral NJ Special Education Parent Leaders GroupNew Jersey Autism WarriorsNew Jersey Parents of Children with Special NeedsNJ Special Needs ConnectionParent Advisory Group of Toms River Special EducationParent to Parent NJSensory Ideas for KidsSPAN Parent Advocacy Network16
PART 4: THE “BEST AUTISM APPS” ACCORDING TOAUTISM PARENTING MAGAZINE(MAY 2020)The apps listed below are free to download, although they may offerin-app purchases.CATEGORYAPP NAMEAPPLE ORANDROIDAutism SupportGroupsMyAutismTeamApple andAndroidCaregivers can meet otherpeople in similarcircumstances, make friends,and get practical tips.BehavioralInterventionPlanI’m On It: FocusTimer for ADHD& ASDAndroid OnlyHelps individuals stay focusedon tasks by allowing the userto set a timer for specificactivities.Autism EarlyInterventionAppAndroid OnlyWorks on academics, socialskills, and daily routines.Contains visual cues, tactiletracing, and audioinformation.AutEdu(AutismEducation)Android OnlyEnables communicationbetween caregivers andteachers.OtsimoApple andAndroidEducationDESCRIPTIONTeaches letters, numbers,colors, animals, and more.Also provides Alternative andAugmentative Communication(AAC), which is often used inspeech therapy.17
FunctionalLife SkillsGamesHealthManagementDaniel Tiger forParentsApple andAndroidHelps develop skills such assharing, potty training, andworking through emotions.Aiko & Egor:Animation 4AutismApple andAndroidUses simplified animationsand interactive characters toteach. Best watched withcaregivers.Infant Zoo LITEfor BabiesApple OnlyProvides visual input throughhigh quality illustrations,animal sounds, andstimulating bubbles.Magic FluidsLite (in AppStore) /Magic FluidsFree (in GooglePlay)Apple andAndroidPromotes calming andrelaxation by allowing users tocreate a dynamic wallpaper.Touch the screen and watchbeautiful motions of colorfulsmoke and water.Chronaly:Powered forAutismApple andAndroidTrack behavior and health.Share data with teachers andtherapists. Also allows you tocreate a schedule.18
PART 5: AUTISM RESOURCES AVAILABLE ONHave questions about hoopla? Go files/Hoopla-Instructions.pdfRESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERSSchool Success for Kids with Autismby Andrew Egel, Katherine Holman, and Christine BartholdBy outlining the best practices found in today's classrooms,School Success for Kids With Autism describes how parents andteachers can work together to create nurturing, supportive, andeffective classroom environments from preschool to high school.With practical tools and advice from leaders in the field of autismeducation, this book is sure to give these students, their parents,and their teachers guidance for success.An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using EverydayActivities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and LearnBy Geraldine Dawson & Sally Rogers, Audiobook Read by Ann MarieLeeThis encouraging guide from the developers of a groundbreakingearly intervention program provides doable, practical strategies youcan use every day. The authors make it surprisingly simple to turndaily routines like breakfast or bath time into fun and rewardinglearning experiences that target crucial developmental skills. Vivid examples illustrate proventechniques for promoting play, language, and engagement. Get an early start and give yourchild the tools to explore and enjoy the world.19
Coloring Outside Autism’s Lines: 50 Activities, Adventures, andCelebrations for Families with Children with AutismBy Susan WaltonThis book is packed with exciting ideas for families living with autism,with everything you need to know to make them a reality. Including:unconventional backyard fun, easy ways to adapt public places intostress-free outings, surprising activities that can lead to lifelonginterests, and special activities for grandparents and extended familymembers, with tips and advice from dozens of creative families whohave found fun with autism and want you to do the same!Tic Toc Autism Clock: A Guide to Your 24/7 PlanBy Elizabeth Obrey & Linda BarboaAutism does not sleep. When night falls, families everywhere tuck theirchildren into bed for what will typically be a good night's sleep, but thecare required by the child with special needs continues around theclock. Like Grandfather's pocket watch, if not wound consistently, theticking will stop. Teachers and therapists often provide some servicesduring the day, but the family is the 24/7 team.A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individualswith AutismBy Beth Fouse & Maria WheelerA cornucopia of ideas, strategies, and concepts that will apply tovirtually any situation! The authors address sensory,communication, and physical and social-emotional issues byincreasing desired behaviors and decreasing unwantedbehaviors. Whatever problems you face, you'll find helpful solutions to them inthis book. This book should be on every teacher's and parent's bookshelf.The Parent’s Guide to College for Students on the AutismSpectrumBy Jane Thierfield Brown, Ed.D.; Lorraine E. Wolf, PhD; Lisa King,MD; and Ruth Kukiela Bork, M.Ed.Arranged in the order that students and their family will go throughduring the college process, each chapter of this book begins with anoverview and a vignette of a student and where he or she is in thecollege process. This parent-friendly book, written by parents who arealso autism professionals, takes the fear and mystery out of thecollege experience in a world that sees an increasing number of individuals with autismspectrum disorders attending college.20
RESOURCES FOR TEENS & ADULTSThe Autism Job Club: The Neurodiverse Workforce in the NewNormal of Employmentby Michael S. Bernick & Richard HoldenThe Autism Job Club is a groundbreaking book for bringing adults withautism and other neuro-diverse conditions into the work world. Theauthors review the high unemployment rates among adults with autismand other neuro-diverse condition, and outline and explain six strategiesthat, taken together, will reshape employment for adults with autism.The Autism Job Club will be a vital resource for adults with autism, theirfamilies, and advocates who are committed to neuro-diverse employment, not unemployment.The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based MindfulnessActivities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect withOthersBy Irene McHenry & Carol MoogThis book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens withautism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills,strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in eachchapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives,sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teenswith autism bring to their encounters with the social world. This is the onlybook available for teens with autism that specifically integratesmindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities forbuilding authentic social experiences.The Aspie Teen’s Survival Guide: Candid Advice for Teens,Tweens, and Parents, from a Young Man with Asperger’sSyndromeBy J.D. KrausThe teenage years are a time when being social is the #1 priorityfor kids. But for kids with Asperger's, who have acute socialchallenges, these years can be the most difficult, confusing time intheir lives. Enter J. D. Kraus, a young man who has been there,done that! He offers practical advice to his peers so they can getthe most out of middle school and high school, both academicallyand socially. Parents and teachers will love seeing life through J.D.'s eyes, plus "Notes toParents" sections offer great advice for caregivers and educators alike.21
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORSTeaching Children with Autism in the General Classroom:Strategies for Effective Inclusion and Instruction in theGeneral Education ClassroomBy Vicky Spencer & Cynthia SimpsonTeaching Children With Autism in the General Classroomprovides an introduction to inclusionary practices that servechildren with autism, giving teachers the practical advice theyneed to ensure each student receives the quality education he orshe deserves. Promoting field-tested strategies and techniques, this book offersteachers sound advice for creating a classroom environment conducive to learningsuccess for children with autism spectrum disorders.Social Skills Games & Activities for Kids with AutismBy Wendy Ashcroft, Ed.D., Angela M. Delloso, andAnne Marie K. QuinnThis book provides complete instructions for using fun,engaging games and activities to teach social skills to childrenwith Autism Spectrum Disorder. Perfect for teachers strugglingto help their students with autism learn to interact socially withtheir peers, these games are sure to become a much-loved part of students’daily routines.Teaching Adolescents with Autism: Practical Strategiesfor the Inclusive ClassroomBy Walter KaweskiAward-winning educator Walter Kaweski offers secondaryteachers practical strategies and heartfelt insights based onhis extensive experience as an autism specialist, inclusioncoordinator, and father of a son with Asperger syndrome.Teaching Adolescents with Autism offers hundreds of valuable ideas to helpteachers. This unique book takes the mystery out of teaching adolescents withautism and inspires teachers to appreciate the individuality of each student.Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: AGuide for Teachers, Counselors, and PsychologistsBy Erin E. Barton & Beth HarnEducating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is aimedat providing strategies for teachers, school counselors, andpsychologists to help address the needs of children on thespectrum, as well as their families. Including forms, charts, and arange of classroom activities, this is a great resource you will need22
to gain the insight and tools for making a difference in the educational lives of youngchildren with autism.Managing the Cycle of Meltdowns for Students with AutismSpectrum DisorderBy Geoff Colvin & Martin R. SheehanThis practitioner-friendly guide provides special and general educationteachers of autistic students with a six-phase positive behaviorsupport model that includes interventions for each phase. This bookoutlines practical steps for preventing and responding to the variousphases of meltdown behavior in students with autism spectrumdisorder. Teachers will find experienced guidance for providing asupportive environment in which students with ASD can succeed.Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You KnewBy Ellen Notbohm & Veronica ZyskFor the teacher in all of us comes Ten Things Your Student withAutism Wishes You Knew. The unique perspective of a child'svoice helps us understand the thinking patterns that guide theiractions, shape an environment conducive to their learning style,and communicate with them in meaningful ways. This bookaffirms that autism imposes no inherent upper limits onachievement, that both teacher and child "can do it."Practical Solutions for Stabilizing Students with ClassicAutism to be Ready to Learn: Getting to Go!By Judy Endow, MSWThis user-friendly book presents evidence-based, easy-to-usestrategies within two major areas of stabilization found criticalfor students on the autism spectrum: sensory regulation anduse of visual supports. With proper use of these strategies, thestudent with classic autism can get to GO! – feeling regulated and supported and,therefore, ready to learn and participate.The information provided in this document is intended for your general knowledge onlyand is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice, or treatmentfor specific medical conditions.8/31/202023
Aug 31, 2020 · 7) POAC Autism Services. www.poac.net Offers free live online events – including music classes, storytimes, yoga, and Zumba. Also has free webinars and an online support group. 8) New Jersey Autism Warriors. This Facebook group is the online caregiver support group for POAC Autism
