Special Needs Archives - NJ Family

Karen Fluharty, a global retail real estate executive, faced that with her own son Ryan, who is now 23, and so she formed Parents With a Plan, an organization to create best practices solutions for neurodiverse young adults. Part of her mission was to provide social and educational programs for when they turn 21, and now a new neuro-inclusive apartment building will bring them one step closer to independence.

“Failing to plan for Ryan’s future was not an option, and that led to where we are today,” she says. “It’s not too much for my son to be happy, to be safe, to be as independent as he can be. And this supportive housing innovation will help create data-based outcomes to help change policy.”

Fluharty, who is from Montville, worked with developers John and Robin Klein on the plan for THRIVE Red Bank, a 34,000-square-foot apartment building with 32 one-bedroom apartments over three stories, that will be built at 273 Shrewsbury Ave. at Drs. James Parker Blvd in Red Bank. There will be a shared amenity space, including a teaching kitchen, common event space, a sensory space, health and wellness areas, workout spaces and areas to socialize.

Five of the units will be affordable housing, with the remaining 27 as private pay apartments.

More than 200 THRIVE partners, board members from Parents With A Plan, representatives from the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, public officials, community members, and neurodivergent advocates joined a groundbreaking ceremony on July 30. The building should open in 2027.

One in 34 individuals in New Jersey is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, and the state is well-known for having many programs for school-age children. But many of those children fall off the “services cliff” when supports are drastically diminished at age 21, Fluharty said. Currently, 3 in 4 of these autistic adults live with a family member, many of whom are now aging themselves.

THRIVE will have support and services from the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Residents living there will benefit from the expertise of senior clinical faculty from Rutgers as well as highly trained clinical staff. The program also provides opportunities for university students from a variety of academic disciplines to receive hands-on training and intensive supervision.

“All of us will have a child, grandchild, niece or nephew who will benefit from what we’re doing today,” says N.J. State Senator Vin Gopal, who helped secure more than $200,000 in state grants for Parents With A Plan. “What you are doing today will impact generations who aren’t here yet.”

Red Bank was chosen as the site for the building because of its walkability and access to shopping, recreation, education and entertainment. There are opportunities for employment and access to public transportation, which is especially important for adults who are unable to drive.

Applications are open.

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Why We Loved Experiencing an Autism-Friendly Broadway Show

Jennifer Amato — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:00:02 +0000

RONNIE KOENIG

Seeing a Broadway show is always a fun experience for families. My kids look forward to having a city day whenever we’re able to take them to a show. For the most part, we’ve seen musicals, and for weeks following the shows we always end up singing along to the soundtrack in the car.

When I learned about TDF’s Autism Friendly Performances, I knew we had to give it a try. While my daughter, E, has always done well attending shows, I knew it would be a relief to be in an environment where it was OK to make noise, take breaks and just let her be herself. I was also excited to be in a theater full of other people who, like us, were navigating life with autism and still trying to get out there and do all the things.

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

What is an autism-friendly show?

TDF launched its Autism Friendly Performances in 2011, and are getting ready to introduce the 14th season. The shows are performed in a supportive environment for children and adults diagnosed with autism or other sensory sensitivities and their families. Slight adjustments are made to the productions where possible, including the reduction of jarring sounds and strobe lights focused into the audience.

In the theater lobby, there are staffed break areas in case audience members need to leave their seats during the performance.

TDF purchases every seat in the theater and makes the tickets available at discount prices exclusively to families, groups and schools whose members include individuals on the autism spectrum.

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

“Autism Friendly Performances evolved out of a need for high support environments in these same spaces that aren’t always immediately sensory-friendly and the interest and desire from the ASD community to be included in those spaces,” says Ginger Bartkoski Meagher, VP of TDF Programs. “Broadway theaters, while beautiful, are often 100 years old and were not designed with access in mind.”

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

Our experience attending the AFP of Hamilton on Broadway

Earlier this summer, I took E and her neurotypical twin brother to the matinee AFP of Hamilton. As we approached the Richard Rodgers Theatre, I felt a swell of happiness at seeing the autism community out in droves. Entering the theatre, staff gave out earplugs and fidget toys and everyone was friendly and welcoming as we found our seats.

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

The theater was very noisy, and I watched as other families just like ours got settled. Maybe because there was a lot more activity and volume due to this audience, my daughter got overwhelmed and started to cry, which is unusual for her. My son took her to one of the designated break areas and by the time the show started they had returned to their seats, and she was calmer.

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

We watched and enjoyed the entire show and apart from the house lights being slightly up, it was just like seeing any other Broadway show. A few times during the show audience members exclaimed or vocalized, but this was not seen as a disturbance or interruption. Down in the orchestra, I noticed a young theatergoer dancing in the aisles. Again, this behavior was not something that had to be corrected.

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

“We’ve had kids dance in the aisles in pure, unfettered joy as they take in a show, and cast members who fist bump them during curtain call,” says Bartkoski. “We regularly have cast members tell us how thrilling it is to have the AFP audience in the house, to be able to see them experience the show is a whole new sensation. But more than anything, we hear from families that they can experience live theater with the whole family and not be worried about being asked to leave or follow rules that don’t work for them.”

JOAN MARCUS / Hamilton

That was definitely the vibe in the theater that afternoon, and it was so refreshing to see so many children and adults who might have otherwise stayed home singing, dancing and enjoying a day on Broadway.

And during intermission, I noticed that all restrooms were open to anyone.

COURTESY BLACK TAP

Post-show treats

Following the show, we took a walk through Times Square and made our way down to Herald Square to eat at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, the place with the viral milkshakes that my son has been wanting to try. While he is such a help with his sister, I also try to remember that being in an autism environment can sometimes be overwhelming for him too. So, it was time for him to have a (huge) special treat.

COURTESY BLACK TAP

E got the All American Burger while my son had the California Turkey Burger which was so extra with avocado and Swiss. They each had a CrazyShake – my son, the chocoholic, got the Brooklyn Blackout, featuring a chocolate frosted rim with mini chocolate chips topped with brownies, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. E, the vanilla girl, got the Cookie Shake, made with a vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a “cookiewich”: crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

COURTESY BLACK TAP

This mom enjoyed a juicy Wagyu burger with bleu cheese and a cold glass of wine. The burgers are in the $22-24 range and while the shakes cost around $18 they are an event onto themselves, and we highly recommend the very Insta-worthy splurge.

The restaurant is located at 45 W. 35th Street and is worth the walk or quick cab ride from the theater district.

We left happy that we had navigated a city day together, and excited about the next time we’d be back on Broadway.

Upcoming shows/how to get tickets

Ready to plan an AFP city day of your own? Here is the upcoming schedule:

Maybe Happy Ending – Sunday, August 17, at 1 pm at the Belasco Theatre
The Lion King – Sunday, September 28, at 1 pm at the Minskoff Theatre
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – Sunday, November 9, at 10 am at Radio City Music Hall
MJ The Musical – Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1 pm at the Neil Simon Theatre
Additional shows to be announced

AFP tickets typically go on sale six to eight weeks before a performance and can only be purchased through TDF’s website. Individuals must create an account via this form for access to TDF AFP tickets. TDF is the only site for all AFP tickets.

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This Princeton Father’s Film About Autism is a Must-See

Ronnie Koenig — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:19:24 +0000

JAMES CHRISTY/LOVE AND COMMUNICATION

Princeton father and filmmaker James Christy Jr. has made a movie about what it’s really like to raise a child with autism, and it should be essential viewing for anyone who knows or loves someone with autism, or who wants to learn more about what it’s like to have a child on the spectrum.

“Love and Communication” is written and directed by Christy, a playwright, and follows the journey of parents desperate to find the right treatment for their son, only to find their efforts putting their marriage at risk.

LOVE AND COMMUNICATION

The film originally opened as a play at Passage Theatre in Trenton in 2010. Audiences connected with the story so much that Christy was inspired to turn it into a film.

“So many parents told me they just had never seen a story that shows what it’s really like for parents,” he said. Word of mouth within the tight-knit autism community spread quickly and carried over to mainstream audiences. The film has since screened at festivals throughout the world, winning an Audience Award and Indie Spirit award from a sold-out East Coast Premiere at the New Hope Film Festival.

LOVE AND COMMUNICATION

The film is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

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Sensory-Friendly Theater Performances in New Jersey

Jennifer Amato — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:52:39 +0000

FELD MEDIA / Sesame Street Live

Theater should be accessible to everyone, and many theaters around New Jersey offer performances that have gentle lighting, lower volumes, shorter times and the ability to move around as needed. Here are sensory-friendly theater shows taking place around the state, at holiday time and year-round.

May 4

Pete the Cat
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
4:30 pm
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure, especially when he meets young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.

May 13

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
4 pm
This musical based on the hilarious book series finds Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog starting an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics, flipping out their fishy father Flippy in the process.

June 1

Newsies
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
12 pm
MPAC’s spring musical is performed by young actors, who worked with a professional crew to take the stage. The storyline follows the real-life newsboy strike of 1899.

June 21

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
The Disney favorite about a mermaid who falls in love with a human will be told with moderations.

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Red Bulls’ Home Stadium Just Got More Inclusive with an Upgraded Sensory Room

Jennifer Amato — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:42:44 +0000

NEW YORK RED BULLS / Altec Lansing Sensory Room

New York Red Bulls games have just become more accessible to all fans thanks to Sports Illustrated Stadium’s updates to its sensory room.

NEW YORK RED BULLS / Altec Lansing Sensory Room

The Altec Lansing Sensory Room opened in 2017, but recently reopened with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, visual cue cards and a quiet zone for any fans who have sensitivities.

The sensory room was designed with input from KultureCity, which recently revamped the sensory room at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

NEW YORK RED BULLS / Altec Lansing Sensory Room

You don’t need a special ticket to access the sensory room; just go to a Fan Services booth at any Red Bulls game and a staff member will bring you up to the fifth floor.

The New York Red Bulls play at Sports Illustrated Stadium, 600 Cape May St., Harrison. Home games continue through October.

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How an NJ Mom of a Neurodiverse Child Found Her Community

Jennifer Amato — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:29:33 +0000

When our daughter was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, the last thing I wanted to do was find a support network. That may sound strange, but it was how I truly felt at the time. I knew there was so much information I needed to get up to speed on, but after all the doctor visits and home therapy and just trying to work with our daughter to do things like make eye contact and speak, while not ignoring her twin brother, I had no energy left.

Another problem was that the first few times I began to search “autism” on the Internet, I was bowled over by the sheer volume of differing opinions. Articles that tried to explain it, celebrities that claimed to know how to cure it, and message boards filled with other people’s struggles and horror stories held no appeal. I wasn’t finding anything helpful or hopeful, so I stopped looking.

In our Brooklyn community (where we lived at the time) I had plenty of great parent friends, but I was the only one navigating life with a neurodiverse child. They were sympathetic and included our girl in absolutely everything, but at the end of the day there was no way they could really understand what we were going through. In retrospect, it would have been nice to connect with other parents navigating the same thing, but at the time, I just wasn’t ready.

CHRISTINA ANGELI PHOTOGRAPHY / SARAH SPENDS QUALITY TIME WITH DAUGHTER MILLY, 9

EXPANDING THE CIRCLE

Sarah Kernion, an NJ mom of three, neurodiversity advocate and speaker, and host of the Inchstones podcast, had a similar experience.

“I did not have a huge circle in 2017 when Milly was first diagnosed,” she says. “I leaned mostly on the love and support of my best friends who did some behind-the-scenes work for me—finding mom friends of friends who had a child on the spectrum. It began with a few phone calls to moms I literally didn’t even know personally.”

CHRISTINA ANGELI PHOTOGRAPHY

And just as I clung to my “regular” parent friends and resisted seeking out autism groups, Sarah also initially resisted finding her tribe.

“I was flooded with such seesawing emotions of grief and loss, and also managing three kids under the age of 5,” she says. “I did a lot of compartmentalization at first just to keep my mind from spiraling.”

Everything changed when Sarah started sharing her parenting journey on Instagram @saturdaysstory, and she began to find and connect with other moms virtually. “Once I realized that when I shared more of my journey with a new mom friend or someone reaching out on social media, my pain and sadness began to lift,” she says.

For me, the change happened when we moved to New Jersey. We had several play dates with a little boy in my daughter’s class at her new school, and in the mom I recognized so many of the same things that had recently become part of my personality—the hypervigilance around my daughter due to safety issues, the need to constantly find tricks to help her self-regulate, and an overall desperation to push her to learn and socialize, all while accepting her for the person she is.

COURTESY OF RONNIE KOENIG / THE AUTHOR AND HER DAUGHTER HAVING SUMMER FUN

FRIENDS WHO ‘GET IT’

It was a lot! And in hindsight, I wish I had found others in my same boat sooner.

“All women are so primally wired to ‘tend and befriend,’” says Sarah, talking about the benefits of having a network. “I quickly saw the mental health benefits myself, having not one but two children with non-speaking autism. Venting when you have a typical kid is one thing; venting with a fellow special needs mom in the trenches hits the dopamine center more effectively.” In many ways, other parents of kids with disabilities just “get it” in a way that even your closest friends and relatives who aren’t in a situation like yours never will.

COURTESY OF RONNIE KOENIG / A SUPPORTIVE TWIN BROTHER IS EVERYTHING

“When communication is lacking by your children and behaviors ramp up, being able to share your day’s highs and lows with a fellow autism mom can be all that it takes to give your heart and mind that peace it so desperately seeks out,” says Sarah.

When things really changed for me was when our daughter transitioned into the autism program at our local elementary school. Because she was no longer bussing 30 minutes to school, we had proximity to other parents and kids right here in our neighborhood who were also on this autism (or other disability) journey. The result was a true friend group for my daughter—kids she knew by name, and who she celebrated birthdays and holidays and impromptu pizza and dance party nights with. And I gained an always-available lifeline in the form of a WhatsApp group where fellow parents shared events and advice, struggles, and those coveted “inchstones” that Sarah speaks about. In person, we attended autism seminars and workshops, and also did plenty of fun things that had nothing to do with autism at all.

“Start by reaching out or posting on another special needs moms group on Facebook or Instagram,” says Sarah. “Share a bit about your child and your love for them. Or join an online support group and read the posts of other parents. Sometimes just seeing the support poured from others reminds you to do the same.”

I would tell my old self to have sought out this community sooner, but the truth is I probably needed to come around to it in my own time. And just as my daughter has to fall and get back up and try again, making small but significant progress along the way, so do I, in the way I navigate being her mom.

—Ronnie Koenig is an NJ mom of twins. Find her at facebook.com/AutismGirlMom

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This College in New Jersey is Offering Free Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Jennifer Amato — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:27:21 +0000

MIDDLESEX COUNTY / Compass Program

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities typically have a difficult time continuing with education or employment after graduating out of the system, but one college in New Jersey is providing a transitional program to continue their progress.

The Middlesex College Center for Adult Transitions is partnering with Middlesex College’s Workforce Development program to open enrollment for two educational courses this spring – and both are free.

Specifically designed for students ages 18-24 with IDD, the Compass Program will offer a Computer Skills course from March 25 to May 14, covering Word, Excel, PowerPoint, resume writing, and more. The Introductory Culinary Arts course runs from March 27 to May 22, teaching students kitchen safety, teamwork, and practical cooking skills for everyday life.

The program also offers supplemental workshops on job readiness, social skills, and college exploration to further support students.

To participate in the Compass Program, students must be able to navigate the college environment, follow directions, and engage actively in program activities.

Enrollment is open online with limited space available.

Middlesex College is located at 2600 Woodbridge Ave. in Edison. For more information on this program, contact Elvia Valdez Gonzalez at evaldezgonzalez@middlesexcc.edu or 732-548-6000, ext. 3024.

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Emirates Is the World’s First Autism Certified Airline + We Couldn’t Be More Thrilled

Jennifer Amato — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:36:01 +0000

RONNIE KOENIG / The author and her daughter on a family trip to Maine.

When I heard the news that Emirates will soon become the first Autism Certified Airline, I was thrilled. As a mom of a 13-year-old daughter with autism, travel has always been an important part of our lives. That may sound strange, since many families with kids on the spectrum avoid travel. I understand the reasons why – taking a trip is a disruption to the usual routine, and people with autism often thrive on routines. Travel also means encountering unusual sights, sounds, foods and perhaps most scary of all – people who do not understand the behaviors of neurodiverse individuals. But for us, all of these things have been a reason to travel.

Emirates’ certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), an organization that specializes in autism and neurodiversity training and certification. More than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will complete training to equip them with the understanding and skills to address the needs of travelers with autism. Emirates also plans to roll out new standards and services that will improve the on ground and inflight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum and their families and companions, including fidget toys and digital “sensory guides” about destinations.

When we break out of our regular routine, it forces us to adapt, learn and grow. And the more we have traveled with E and her neurotypical twin brother, the less unusual it becomes. In fact, some of our best family memories have taken place on trips. We’ve dipped our toes in the Pacific at the Santa Monica Pier, taken a food tour in Nashville and hit the beach in the Sunshine State. Our trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos is something the twins still talk about to this day. While it wasn’t always smooth sailing (or flying) we learned to adapt and come prepared to make sure she has a great time.

Things that have helped – writing a simple social story that explains what is going to happen (we will fly to x destination, stay in a hotel, see x attraction, and then on x date, fly home again). We bring along fidget toys for the flight (and also books and music) and especially as she’s gotten older, talk to her in the days leading up to the trip about what’s going to happen so she can feel prepared.

In some places, we’ve found autism accommodations that have been super helpful (a sensory room in a hotel in West Virginia was a welcome respite which she loved hanging out in). Amusement parks like Disney, Six Flags and Sesame Place all have accommodations in place that for many parents means the difference between not going and having the memory-making adventure of a lifetime. The fact that Emirates is stepping up to get its certification is just another way the world will expand for travelers with disabilities.

This is so important because to the untrained eye, autism can sometimes look unusual or even aggressive. As the parent of a teen, I feel this – E’s behaviors that may have easily been brushed off as cute or quirky when she was a child (jumping, shouting, running, arm flapping – things people on the spectrum may do to stim or self-regulate) may now come off as alarming to some. The more people know about autism and what it can look like, the more inclusive our world gets.

And as for the strange looks we may sometimes get when we’re out in public – I always think back to what a fellow autism mom said to me: “When we go out in public, we like to think of it as ‘spreading awareness.’” How very cool to think of your child’s presence out in the world as a way to teach inclusion rather than something to be worried or ashamed about.

To any parents who are concerned about traveling, just know that the world is getting more aware and that you and your child will benefit from travel. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other.

So book that ticket, get on that train or pack the car with snacks and get out there – I can’t guarantee it will be easy, but I am certain you’ll be glad you did it.

Ronnie Koenig is a New Jersey mom of twins. You can find her at Facebook/AutismGirlMom.

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PerformCare Can Be a Game Changer For Parents of Kids With Developmental Disabilities

Jennifer Amato — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:24:51 +0000

CAMP HAVERIM, GUTTENBERG CENTER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES

As a mom of a child with autism, I’ve made it my mission to stay on top of all of the news, resources and opportunities that could potentially help our daughter thrive. I’ve accessed home therapy, found inclusive extracurricular activities in our community, and we’ve even participated in a clinical trial. But there is one service that I’ve yet to take advantage of: PerformCare.

PerformCare is the contracted system administrator for New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC). Through PerformCare, families can gain access to a multitude of services including intellectual and developmental disability services, which may include respite services, technology services—and even camp services.

RESOURCES FOR CAMP & BEYOND

“For 2025, CSOC will be providing summer camp services to eligible youth under the age of 21,” says Danielle Eveland, education liaison with Capitol County Children’s Collaborative, a non-profit care management organization in Mercer County. These services include financial support toward summer camp tuition and one-to-one aide services for summer camp. CSOC is additionally offering alternative recreational sessions (ARS) as an added component of summer camp. ARS provides youth with an opportunity to engage in a recreational activity with peers within the community, on a per-session basis, rather than a full day of camp. “This shorter timeframe will increase camp access for youth who may benefit from a brief structured period compared to a longer traditional camp day,” she says.

This all sounds great, but the reason I haven’t done it is that the application process is…well, not easy. On the PerformCare website there are videos you can watch explaining that the process is “somewhat lengthy.” In order to begin the application process, you need to call and register your child with PerformCare, then sign up for the Family Portal, where you’ll fill out an online application that requires you to upload supporting documents—basically every slip of paper on your child from the moment they were diagnosed. You’ll submit all the required evaluations and fill out the Child Adaptive Behavioral Summary. From there, you’ll receive a determination letter in the mail, which highlights any missing paperwork.

Needless to say, after our initial application was rejected because of missing documents almost three years ago, I put applying on my never-ending to-do list and it never got done.

CAMP HAVERIM, GUTTENBERG CENTER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES

“For families new to PerformCare, the application process can feel overwhelming, but starting early makes a huge difference,” says Ruthie Bashan, director, Guttenberg Center for Special Services at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, where children and teens can attend Camp Haverim (which means “friends” in Hebrew). Bashan says families who apply on time are much more likely to secure the 1:1 support their child needs. “It’s also important for parents to share as much information as possible about their child’s strengths, preferences and challenges. This helps match them with the right aide and ensures the best possible experience,” she says.

While just the thought of starting the application process over makes me woozy, Bashan reminds me there are plenty of good reasons to get started now.

“At the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, we’ve seen how life-changing summer camp can be for neurodivergent children and their families,” she says. “PerformCare has been an invaluable resource for many of the families we work with, allowing children to participate in camp programs they might not otherwise have been able to access. Last summer alone, over 100 children attended our camps with varying levels of support, from simple behavioral plans to full-time inclusion counselors.”

CAMP HAVERIM, GUTTENBERG CENTER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES

GETTING STARTED

Funding toward summer camp tuition and one-to-one aid is subject to availability. PerformCare recommends applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services be submitted online through the Family Portal. “Camp assistance is available for eligible youths who attend approved camps,” says Eveland. A list of approved camps can be found on the PerformCare website, often by January, but sometimes even earlier. For more information on the application process, go to performcarenj.org and search Summer Camp FAQ.

Due to high demand, you should complete the application process for summer camp financial assistance and/or one-to-one aides as soon as possible. “Parents should check back often to see if their preferred camp is on the approved list,” says Eveland. “PerformCare lists June 30 as the application deadline for this year; however, my suggestion will always be the earlier, the better.”

As any parent of a child with a developmental disability knows, sometimes just getting normal tasks done can be overwhelming. So I asked Eveland if there is anyone who can help with the application process.

CAMP HAVERIM, GUTTENBERG CENTER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES

“There are several avenues that a parent can take to get help navigating the process of reaching out to PerformCare,” she says. “School counselors and child study team personnel in a child’s school should be available to assist a parent. A doctor or clinician can assist in this process as well.” Community providers, such as your county’s Care Management Organization or Family Support Organization, are also available for a parent to reach out to for assistance in understanding and navigating the process.

Eveland says parents can also get assistance by calling PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624. “A trained associate at PerformCare will help refer a youth and family to the most appropriate level of care their child needs at that time,” she says.

As one parent friend told me, once you get through it, then you’re in (if approved, of course), and could potentially have access to summer camp, respite and so many other services. So the pain of dealing with a mountain of scary paperwork is well worth it.

“One thing I always tell parents is that every child deserves to be included and supported in a camp setting that works for them,” says Bashan. “We’ve seen firsthand how the right planning and resources can help children thrive in a way that brings joy and confidence, not only to them but also to their families.”

This year, I’m not just putting the application on my to-do list. I’m going to get it done!

For more information and a list of items you’ll need to get ready before applying, head to performcarenj.org to view the Readiness Checklist.

— Ronnie Koenig is an NJ mom of twins. Follow her at Facebook.com/AutismGirlMom.

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