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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

NorthJersey.com: Autism New Jersey to release parents "wish list'' for kids Thursday

NorthJersey.com: Autism New Jersey to release parents "wish list'' for kids Thursday

Autism New Jersey to release parents "wish list'' for kids Thursday
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
TRENTON - An in-depth survey of parents raising a child with autism found families need the state to take a more active role in helping them find the right therapists, schools, job training and respite care services.

And they want Autism New Jersey, the family support organization that conducted the survey, to become a greater force at the State House to fight their cause.

Autism New Jersey is expected to distribute the report Thursday to the Legislature, members of Governor Christie’s cabinet, and local elected leaders.
"In order to make meaningful change, they told us to change Trenton,’’ said Autism New Jersey Executive D irector Linda Meyer said.
Parents in New Jersey — where the autism rate is highest in the nation — are often too consumed with looking for therapy or educational or vocational programs for their child to solve the red tape of government-funded services, Meyer said. "So often, families are very negative and frustrated and challenged by the system," she said.
"Rather than add to the chorus of much deserved criticism, Autism New Jersey