Autism New Jersey at a Glance

Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. The following list summarizes our efforts. Clicking on the links below will take you to additional information about these services:

A Lifeline

Toll-free Information & Referral Line, 800.4-AUTISM, open Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
Dissemination of current information about autism-related topics and events.
Informational publications to educate readers about autism.
Referral database to link families with service providers.
Education workshops for parents and other family members of children with autism.
Up-to-date information on Healthcare and Insurance mandates in New Jersey.

Strength

Promotion of autism awareness to the general public by motivating parents, community members and professionals.
Community outreach and partnerships to provide autism information to diverse populations and groups.

Community

Autism New Jersey Membership is the best way to stay informed about the happenings in New Jersey’s autism community. Join today and receive our member newsletter, The Beacon, which features newsworthy stories and upcoming events, and highlights inspirational members of the autism community. Members are entitled to a number of other special benefits.

Connections

Professional resources provides education and support for teachers and other professionals responsible for educating and caring for children and adults with autism.
Annual Conference, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, with more than 1,400 attendees.

“Autism New Jersey provides a network of professional support and training opportunities that teach effective strategies. They help us make a real difference in our students’ lives.”

Confidence

Know your Rights! Advocacy services provide information on laws, regulations, government policy, education rights and programs to help families of individuals with autism of all ages advocate for themselves.
Education of legislators and state officials about issues that affect New Jersey's autism community to ensure that the needs of our constituents are addressed.

Compassion

"No question has been too small or problem too big in the hands and hearts of Autism New Jersey. The agency has educated and empowered us to properly advocate for our son and his needs."

About Us

History
1965 -- A group of concerned parents, frustrated by a lack of programs and support from their local school districts, met to discuss ways to support their children and each other. That first parent support group was known as the Council of Schools for the Emotionally Disturbed (COSED). 1967 -- COSED is officially incorporated. 1974 -- As its scope broadened and the definition of autism became more uniform, the agency decided to focus its energy upon autism, and changed its name to the Council of Schools and Agencies for Autistic Children (COSAC). More support groups were formed, and the organization began to bring together service providers around legislative and government issues. 1991 -- The organization underwent a name and concept change again, when it became the Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC), as it was known until 2009. 2008 -- The agency initiated a comprehensive rebranding effort in mid-2008 to improve its public perception and better represent its services and capabilities. 2009 -- The organization changed its name to Autism New Jersey, reaffirming its devotion to creating a compassionate society for individuals affected by autism, their families and all who support them.

History

1965 -- A group of concerned parents, frustrated by a lack of programs and support from their local school districts, met to discuss ways to support their children and each other. That first parent support group was known as the Council of Schools for the Emotionally Disturbed (COSED).

1967 -- COSED is officially incorporated.

1974 -- As its scope broadened and the definition of autism became more uniform, the agency decided to focus its energy upon autism, and changed its name to the Council of Schools and Agencies for Autistic Children (COSAC). More support groups were formed, and the organization began to bring together service providers around legislative and government issues.

1991 -- The organization underwent a name and concept change again, when it became the Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC), as it was known until 2009.

2008 -- The agency initiated a comprehensive rebranding effort in mid-2008 to improve its public perception and better represent its services and capabilities.

2009 -- The organization changed its name to Autism New Jersey, reaffirming its devotion to creating a compassionate society for individuals affected by autism, their families and all who support them.