December 2023
Take Action: Advocate for Criminal Background Checks for Behavior Analysts
A message from Autism New Jersey’s Public Policy Director

On October 30, 2023, Autism New Jersey advised that we would be advocating for a statutory fix to require criminal background checks for licensed behavior analysts.
We are excited to share that we successfully advocated for the introduction of a bill to make this fix a reality. Assembly Bill 5864 (A5864) amends the Uniform Enforcement Act to include the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners and will therefore require behavior analysts to undergo a criminal background check prior to the issuance of a license. Read more>>
Prioritize Safety, Health, and Happiness for All
Autistic individuals and their families deserve to feel SAFE, have their HEALTH prioritized, and pursue HAPPINESS.
Autism New Jersey is ringing in the New Year with initiatives to make these a reality.

Your donation allows us to continue our mission in support of New Jersey’s autism community. Learn more and donate today>>
Autism New Jersey Submits Federal Public Comment on Disability Discrimination
As part of our effort to ensure healthcare equity for individuals with autism, we recently commented on a federal rule to prevent discrimination on the basis of a disability in health and human service programs, urging the Department of Health and Human Services to explicitly include sensory, communication, and behavioral accessibility throughout the regulatory update. Read more>>
NJ ABLE Frequently Asked Questions
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities.
With NJ ABLE, qualified individuals with disabilities can save for disability-related expenses in tax advantaged savings accounts without losing eligibility for means-based assistance programs.

New Jersey Division of Disability Services answers some of the most frequently asked questions about ABLE accounts. Read more>>
Cooper University Hospital Is Improving Care for Patients with Autism
On November 30th, our Director of Clinical Initiatives, Lauren Frederick was a featured speaker at Cooper University Hospital’s “Perspectives of Care: Innovating Clinical Care for our Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.”

This half-day conference promoted improving compassionate care for patients with autism and I/DD. Read more>>
Make It Personal: Join Us in
Supporting Autism Acceptance
Mark your calendar! Registration opens in December.
Autism New Jersey’s cornerstone autism awareness campaign, the Ambassador Program, has had a significant impact on increasing the understanding and acceptance of autism in New Jersey.

Support the program! Learn how you can get involved and become a sponsor>>
NJ CSOC Reopens Its
Assistive Technology Program
The Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is pleased to announce the reopening of the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21.

Interested families may call Perform Care 877.652.7624 to request Assistive Technology services and complete the FSS application over the phone.

Click here for more information about CSOC’s Family Support Services programs including Assistive Technology.
Research Participants Needed
The following research studies are recruiting participants:

Researchers Are Seeking Input From Behavior Analysts For a Medical Needs Research Study
Input from BCBAs on their practices surrounding the consideration of the medical needs to their clients is needed.

The Relationship Between Valued Living and Quality of Life in Caregivers
Researchers from Rutgers Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center are seeking caregivers to participate in a research study.

Share Your School Experience With an IEP
Researchers from Montclair State University are seeking children in grades 6-8 with an IEP.

Research Study on the Effectiveness of Screening Tools in Detecting Autism in Children
Researchers at Texas Christian University are seeking parents or caregivers of children between the ages of 5 and 11 whose children have received a formal ADOS score.
Recommend a Professional for
Our Referral Database
Autism New Jersey maintains a free referral database of autism service professionals in many different categories. Have you, your family, or your practice worked with someone great?
Did you find this issue of our E-News helpful? Have you benefitted from our efforts?

Please support Autism New Jersey to help us continue to provide valuable information and support the autism community.
As always, if you require support or information, please contact us at 800.4.AUTISM or visit www.autismnj.org.

Best wishes for a happy, safe, and healthy New Year!

Your Friends at Autism New Jersey