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A Shift in Support
As society continues to learn more about autism, many area organizations are directing the conversation from awareness to acceptance.
Established over 55 years ago, each April marks Autism Awareness Month, aiming to highlight and celebrate the lived experiences of allthose on the autism spectrum to further promote inclusion, understanding and support, with the overall goal of creating acceptance throughout society.
People of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and genders can be on the autism spectrum, and can face a range of challenges depending on each person’s unique situation, from sensory differences to communication difficulties.
Due to this range of experiences possible to those with autism spectrum disorder or ASD, there are a number of nonprofits based in South Jersey dedicated to helping those of all ages and connecting families with the support they need.
Autism Society Southwest New Jersey Affiliate #532 has two primary functions. The first is acting as a support group for the parents and caregivers of those with ASD, working to educate and being a resource center for families to learn about legal rights, programs for education and treatment options, while also helping them become the best possible advocates for their loved ones.
The organization also offers a volunteer-run program that sponsors and raises funds for a number of social activities throughout the year, usually on a monthly basis. These help to create opportunities for those on the spectrum to engage with others in a supportive environment.
“Part of the reason that we pay for that person is that, if that person has had enough, that family didn’t really waste any money. They just were able to say, ‘OK, you came, you did your best and you’re ready to go home.’ And there’s no big deal.You just go home and you count that as a win. They got out of the house, they met other people, they saw something they don’t always see. ... They did something different, and then they get to go home and relax a little bit,” says the organization’s vice president Jennifer Naddeo.
People 21-year-old or older with special needs are a more underserved community, which is where Luke’s Place comes in, offering age appropriate programming and activities that are socially and individually fulfilling. Dances, zoo outings, sporting events and more are organized, serving hundreds of families in the region.
“These are things we do, and when we do that, we do that gratis. ... That’s just something we do because we’re a nonprofit giving back to the community,” says William C. Jensen, president.
Luke’s Place also offers a day program Tuesdays through Thursdays which is designed to help school districts and parents as they handle students transitioning from their standard routine to life as young adults outside of the primary school system.
“The community really accepts us, and we love that.We have a lot of connections in the typical community, and we get our people involved in that typical community. It’s a win-win situation for both. They love us, we love them and it works out quite well,” says Jensen.
While helping individuals with ASD and their families is important, getting society as a whole to create a more accepting and safe environment is also a major aspect of helping those with disabilities.
The nonprofit Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) helps that mission through their first responder trainings, which help EMTs, police and fire-fighters recognize those with autism while in the field. This helps to better identify risks and behavioral triggers in an effort to prevent escalating a situation, learn behavioral de-escalation techniques and enhance their communication.
“We’ve trained over 79,000 police and first responders in the state of New Jersey in autism recognition and response. So really, anyone with autism in the state can be impacted by that alone,” says Simone Tellini, assistant director.
All of these steps help emergency services respond to specific incidents like fires, medical emergencies, car crashes, domestic violence or missing individuals, while also enhancing community engagement and the safety of first responders themselves.
In addition to this safety training, POAC also holds recreational events for individuals and families alike, as well as informational sessions for parents and caregivers on various topics like traveling with someone on the autism spectrum.
One of their biggest events throughout the year are their walkathons held throughout the state, taking place this year between April 25 to May 31.
“It's how we get our funding. And each walkathon also has a resource there, which is a great place for parents and educators and everyone to come to get information and also to support our organization. And each [event] has inflatable rides, we have food, we have a DJ and it's a colorful atmosphere,” says Tellini.
There can be many questions about autism that come up whether from autistic people themselves, their families, teachers and caregivers or even doctors and legislators, which is why Autism New Jersey’s free helpline can be so useful to many. This service operates as a resource and information center.
"When in doubt, call that number, and they will direct you to whatever resource you might need,” says Stacie Sherman, communications director.
Primarily working to help families, understanding their needs and working to change policies if necessary, Autism New Jersey's overall goal is to make New Jersey an accepting and inclusive place for the 240,000 autistic children and adults throughout the state.
“We have a goal of making New Jersey the most autism-friendly state in the nation, and we're making good work with that, and educating people about the autism community and helping them to understand their needs and their value in the community. … They want to be part of the community just like any other individual, and with support and with understanding they can be part of the community. … It serves us all if we are more inclusive and welcoming,” says Sherman.
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 1 (April 2026)
Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 1 (April 2026)
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