An archive of all RCAAS-related news, from Rutgers University publications (i.e., Rutgers Today and Rutgers Magazine), research publications, and more!
In the News
4.21
April is widely known as Autism Awareness month. Many advocates for persons with autism would rather see April declared as Autism Acceptance month. Regardless of your leaning, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.
In New Jersey there are two extraordinary organizations moving the needle on acceptance and inclusion of persons... read more
4.21
Life-changing news came on a Thursday just before Christmas, in an email so unexpected I nearly deleted it as spam. The subject line: "We have found a genetic cause for your autism."
In 2016, I sent a saliva sample to the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge -- better known as SPARK -- for an autism research study, becoming one of its first participants. After five years of waiting, I assumed that SPARK didn't have any genetic answers about my autism. Even though a personal result would have been amazing, what mattered to me more was what this study could mean for our... read more
4.21
The Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS), a center within the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), researches and finds ways to support adults on the autism spectrum by "...providing assistance and support in all aspects of participants' lives," which is achieved through the programs RCAAS has available.
Dr. Christopher Manente, executive director of RCAAS, shared some highlights about the RCAAS, the Center's progress, and future program development. The Center works to identify and share best practices for meeting the needs of... read more
4.21
The Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS), a unit of GSAPP since its inception in 2016, is thrilled to be featured in Rutgers Today! The article focuses on the opening of our new community center, a welcoming space for the entire Rutgers and local community, not just adults with autism. According to RCAAS Executive Director, Christopher Manente, PhD, BCBA, “There is no other university program as comprehensive and ambitious in terms of focusing on the success of adults on the autism spectrum in a multifaceted way. We hope this community center will serve as a model for other... read more