In an effort to make all children feel included and safe, Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) in New Brunswick is calling for the shift from “awareness” to “acceptance” this April during Autism Acceptance Month to foster change and inclusivity for the 1 in 35 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in New Jersey.
The shift to Autism Acceptance Month aims to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, affordable health care, comprehensive long-term services and more. It also challenges non-autistic people to address their own implicit and explicit bias that they may have about autism.
ASD is a multi-faceted neurobiological disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Individuals with autism typically have difficulty interacting with others. This can include difficulty with building relationships, using language, regulating their emotions and understanding others’ points of view.
“Acceptance is key in helping kids with autism reach their full potential,” says Malia Beckwith, MD, assistant vice president of Ambulatory Medical Practices and Section Chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at CSH, which is a RWJBarnabas Health facility. “Along with early diagnosis and intervention, access to appropriate services and support for both children and their families, acceptance can lead to significantly improved outcomes and social interactions. In addition to our clinical services and therapies, Children’s Specialized Hospital is pleased to offer families in New Jersey support through community programming throughout the year.”
Community programs from CSH are open to all families who care for a child with ASD or other special needs, and families can register for programs here.
Upcoming programs, workshops and support groups include:
- Managing Your Child’s Behavior: A Workshop for Parents: This parent workshop was developed by the child psychologists at CSH to help parents of children ages 2-10 years learn how to manage their behavior. Each seven-part course will cover causes of misbehavior, setting limits and dealing with tantrums, managing sibling conflicts, developing and implementing behavioral systems, parent stress management, self-care, and developing a support system. Participants should attend all of the classes in the cycle. The course is $99.
- Virtual courses with CSH Child Psychologist Shoshana Isenberg take place Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm. The sessions will be held from May 24 to Aug. 30, from July 12 to Oct. 25, and from Sept. 6 to Dec. 20.
- Virtual courses with CSH Child Psychologist Charles Borgen take place Mondays from 6:30–8:30 pm. The sessions will be held from April 17 to June 5, June 12 to July 24, Aug. 7 to Oct. 16, and Nov. 27 to Jan. 29, 2024.
- Free support groups are held virtually over Zoom and are offered. Registration is required. Meetings for English speakers will be at 6:30 pm April 27 (interactive Q&A with other parents for a discussion for caregivers and advocates), 10 am May 11 (a medical overview of ASD), 6:30 pm May 25 (interactive Q&A with pyschologist, speech and occupational therapists), and 6:30 pm July 20 (applied behavior analysis therapy techniques that can be used in everyday situations). Meetings for Spanish speakers will be 6:30 pm April 18 (paying attention to health and special needs), 6:30 pm May 2 (general description of autism) and 6:30 pm May 18 (consultation with therapists).
Early diagnosis and intervention, coupled with a greater acceptance and awareness of autism, are key tools to help kids on the spectrum reach their full potential. We compiled a list of fun activities for parents and kids that celebrate your neurodiverse kids.
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