Researchers estimate that as many as one in 150 people are affected by autism spectrum disorders in New Jersey and worldwide. These include autism and Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
While researchers and scientists in New Jersey continue to lead efforts to find a cure for this developmental disability, others are also working hard to bring autism to the public forum.
April is national autism awareness month.
The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, or COSAC, has accomplished a lot in the past year.
Much of our material has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese to address the growing minority communities; we have presented workshops in English and Spanish in northern New Jersey’s urban areas; and we have added two new support groups for parents and friends, one for grandparents and another for Spanish-speaking parents.
Many of COSAC’s "Junior Ambassadors" are bringing age-appropriate information to schools statewide so that youngsters and the community at large can learn about autism.
Autism is usually diagnosed during the first three years of life. It is four to five times more prevalent in boys than in girls and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries.
It is a developmental disability characterized by atypical, often repetitive, behaviors and deficits in social and communication skills. There is no known cure for autism at this time, but early diagnosis and intervention can be effective.
COSAC, based in Ewing, helps people with autism to obtain appropriate, effective services to maximize their individual growth. COSAC (www.njcosac.org) is the largest network of parents and professionals concerned with autism in New Jersey.
We applaud the efforts of those who are working diligently to provide quality services to individuals with autism and look forward to finding its cause and cure.
Paul Potito
executive director
COSAC