SJM April Autism dept_0426HozV2_Dept 4 / 21 / 26 10 : 49 AM Page 1 A W A R E N E S S A A Shift in dard 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 con - nections in the typical community , Support andwe get our people involved in that typical community . It’s a win - win situ - ation for both . They love us , we love stablished over 55 years ago , each AS SOCIETY CONTINUES themand it works out quite well , ” says April marks Autism Awareness TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Jensen . E Month , aiming to highlight and cele - Whilehelping individuals with brate the lived experiences of all those on AUTISM , MANY AREA ASDand their families is important , the autism spectrum to further promote ORGANIZATIONS ARE gettingsociety as a whole to create a inclusion , understanding and support , with moreaccepting and safe environment DIRECTING THE CONVER - the overall goal of creating acceptance is also a major aspect of helping those throughout society . SATION FROM AWARE - with disabilities . People of all ages , backgrounds , abilities and NESS TO ACCEPTANCE . The nonprofit Parents of Autistic genderscan be on the autism spectrum , and can Children ( POAC ) helps that mission By Abigail Twiford face a range of challenges depending on each through their first responder trainings , person’sunique situation , from sensory differences whichhelp EMTs , police and fire - tocommunication difficulties . fighters recognize those with autism Due to this range of experiences possible to those with autism spectrum disorder or while in the field . This helps to better ASD , there are a number of nonprofits based in South Jersey dedicated to helping those identify risks and behavioral triggers in of all ages and connecting families with the support they need . an effort to prevent escalating a situa - AutismSociety Southwest New Jersey Affiliate # 532 has two primary functions . The tion , learn behavioral de - escalation first is acting as a support group for the parents and caregivers of those with ASD , techniquesand enhance their com - working to educate and being a resource center for families to learn about legal rights , munication . programs for education and treatment options , while also helping them become the best “ We’vetrained over 79,000 police possibleadvocates for their loved ones . and first responders in the state of Theorganization also offers a volunteer - run program that sponsors and raises funds NewJersey in autism recognition and for a number of social activities throughout the year , usually on a monthly basis . These response.So really , anyone with help to create opportunities for those on the spectrum to engage with others in a sup - autism in the state can be impacted by portiveenvironment . that alone , ” says Simone Tellini , assis - “ Part of the reason that we pay for that person is that , if that person has had enough , tantdirector . thatfamily didn’t really waste any money . They just were able to say , ‘ OK , you came , you All of these steps help emergency didyour best and you’re ready to go home . ’ And there’s no big deal . You just go home and servicesrespond to specific incidents youcount that as a win . They got out of the house , they met other people , they saw like fires , medical emergencies , car somethingthey don’t always see . … They did something different , and then they get to go crashes , domestic violence or missing homeand relax a little bit , ” says the organization’s vice president Jennifer Naddeo . individuals , while also enhancing People21 - year - old or older with special needs are a more underserved community , communityengagement and the which is where Luke’s Place comes in , offering age appropriate programming and activi - safety of first responders themselves . ties that are socially and individually fulfilling . Dances , zoo outings , sporting events and Inaddition to this safety training , moreare organized , serving hundreds of families in the region . POACalso holds recreational events “ Theseare things we do , and when we do that , we do that gratis . … That’s just some - forindividuals and families alike , as thingwe do because we’re a nonprofit giving back to the community , ” says William C . well as informational sessions for par - Jensen , president . entsand caregivers on various topics Luke’sPlace also offers a day program Tuesdays through Thursdays which is designed like traveling with someone on the tohelp school districts and parents as they handle students transitioning from their stan - SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 23 issue 1 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 52 |