Two Extraordinary Organizations Moving the Needle on Inclusion

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 with autism. At the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services located at 100 Dudley Road in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Dr. Christopher J. Manente commented "this center at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology offers adults on the autism spectrum a one-of-a-kind experience to lead as independent and fulfilling life as possible. The current absence of support and funding for most adults on the autism spectrum and their families is not acceptable. Our program and facility exists to stand for those adults on the autism spectrum who are not always able to stand up for themselves, and whenever possible, to amplify the voices of those who can."

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