New Jersey State Resources

Administers the Supports Program and Community Care Program (CCP) Medicaid waivers for eligible adults 21+ with IDD including autism. Services: residential supports, day programs, supported employment, respite, support coordination, and behavioral supports. Children under 21 access services through PerformCare/CSOC.

Disability-related savings without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid. First $100,000 exempt from SSI's $2,000 resource limit. Minimum $25 deposit to open.

Scholarship programs for autism families, after-school care, and Saturday recreation programs.

State's largest autism resource. 800-4-AUTISM Helpline assists thousands annually. Programs: 13 statewide parent support groups, Ambassador Program, Annual Autism Conference in Atlantic City, challenging behavior consultation through CSOC, caregiver wellness groups, insurance navigation, and public policy advocacy. Serves on the NJ Governor's Council on Autism.

State's largest IDD advocacy nonprofit with 20 county chapters. Programs: Family Institute, Camp Jaycee (residential summer camp, adults 18+), Planning for Adult Life (transition ages 16–21), Project HIRE (employment), Mom2Mom support groups, and respite programs.

NJ's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Multilingual Family Resource Specialists, IEP advocacy training, health insurance navigation, and transition support (REACH project). About 70% of employees first came to SPAN as parents seeking help.

NJ's largest provider of autism training including the Autism Shield Program for law enforcement/first responders (credited with saving children's lives), school assemblies, and year-round family recreation (surfing, bowling, horseback riding, dances).

Advances understanding and treatment of ASD through coordinated research, funded by a $1 surcharge from motor vehicle violations (~$4 million annually). Established the NJ Autism Center of Excellence.

State's Protection & Advocacy system. Free legal advocacy for discrimination, access to services, abuse/neglect, and rights violations.

Oversees IDEA implementation for students ages 3–21. Includes a dedicated Autism Specialist, the Special Education Ombudsman, and four Learning Resource Centers statewide.

Serves infants and toddlers birth–3 with developmental delays. Children with a documented ASD diagnosis are automatically eligible. Services include ABA-based developmental intervention, speech, OT, PT, and family training at public expense.

University-based ABA programs since 1972. Full-day 12-month school (ages 3–21) and adult day services.

ABA-based services. DOE-approved school (ages 3–21), Success and Business Academies (ages 14–21), and adult program (21+).

Science-based ABA education with 1:1 instruction.

Behavioral health, educational, and residential services for children and adults with complex behavioral and developmental needs.

Single point of access for youth under 21. In-home respite (60 hours per 90 days), out-of-home/overnight respite, crisis respite, 24/7 mobile response stabilization, ABA therapy for non-Medicaid youth, summer camp funding, and care management. Available 24/7/365.

Camp overnight respite, hotel respite (max 30 days/year), out-of-home day/overnight respite, and in-home respite through the Supports Program. Contact your Support Coordinator.

Administers Stresspite worker reimbursement and autism respite voucher programs via DCF.

ABA therapy coverage for children with autism began April 1, 2020. Under EPSDT, all medically necessary services for children under 21 are covered. Children under 19 qualify if family income does not exceed 355% of the federal poverty level. Families with other insurance can still qualify.

Requires state-regulated health plans to cover screening, diagnosis, medically necessary OT/PT/speech, and ABA therapy. Prohibits denial based on therapy not being 'restorative.' Applies to individual, small group, and state employee plans. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt.

Under DCF, serves youth under 21 with behavioral, emotional, and IDD challenges. Through PerformCare, provides crisis intervention, care management, in-home therapy, ABA for uninsured youth, and respite.

24,000+ athletes in all 21 counties. Year-round training, competition, and the SONJ Sports Complex in Lawrenceville. All programs free including insurance, equipment, and uniforms.

Community support services, day habilitation, residential services, behavioral health, supported employment, and vocational rehabilitation across all 21 counties. Serving people with disabilities since 1948.

School Friendship Programs in 15+ schools and colleges, the Best Buddies Jobs supported employment program, and leadership development.