All branches of the Ocean County Library will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday, and Sunday, March 31, for Easter Sunday.

 

Resources for Individuals with Autism and Their Caregivers

Listed below are resources that are designed to assist both individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them. These resources are divided into seven sections:

  • Links to the websites of autism-related organizations.
  • Autism-Related Facebook Groups.
  • A selection of “The Best Autism Apps” (published in Autism Parenting Magazine in February 2023).
  • Titles of autism-related ebooks that can be borrowed though the Library’s hoopla app. Have questions about hoopla? Click here.
  • Booklist curated by Ocean County Library staff.
  • Guides for coping with COVID and resources for remote learning.
  • Printable DIY sensory activities for all ages.
Part 1: Autism-Related Organizations

Adult Autism Diagnosis

Autism Speaks → Offers a tool kit that contains information about how to get a diagnosis, therapies that are available, state and federal services, tips for self-advocacy, and more

 

Autism Research

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) → Funds Studies on Subjects Such as Education, Communication, Parent and Teacher Training, Social Skills, Employment, etc.

 

Caregiver and Individual with DD Support and Assistance

Autism New Jersey → Information About Autism, Education and Training, Caregiver Support and Referral to Specialists

  • Hotline: 1-800-428-8476

Canine Companions → Service Dogs

The Color of Autism Foundation → Provides Support to African American Families with Autism

Mom2Mom Helpline → Peer support to caregivers

  • Hotline: 1-877-914-6662

New Jersey Autism Warriors → Facebook group that provides peer support to caregivers

Ocean County Family Support Organization → Peer support, family training

 

Employment Training and Assistance

Allaire Community Farm → Provides PreEmployment Training, Therapy Farm Animals

Community Options → Employment Training for High School Students, Employment, Housing

New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services → Employment Assistance

Water & Sims → Provides Supported Employment Services

 

Government Resources

The Americans with Disabilities Act → The ADA Law, first enacted in 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability

New Jersey ABLE → ABLE accounts enable those with disabilities and their caregivers to save private funds to supplement benefits provided through Social Security and Medicaid

New Jersey Department of Health → The New Jersey Autism Registry enables families to be referred to organizations that will assist them

New Jersey DHS  Division of Disability Services → Housing Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

New Jersey DHS Division of Disability Services → Information on Education and Training Opportunities for Those with Disabilities, Families, and Service Providers

New Jersey DHS Division of Disability Services → Resources for Financial Assistance

New Jersey DHS Division of Disability Services → Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities

New Jersey DOE  Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services

New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families → Works Directly with Individuals with Disabilities and Their Caregivers to Provide Essential Services

New Jersey Family Care → Health Insurance for Those Who Don’t Have Employer Insurance

 

Hobbies and Interests

The Art of Autism → Provides a forum for displaying and promoting the works of autistic artists, film producers, singers, and writers

 

Information and Referral

Autism New Jersey → Information and Referral, Public Policy

  • Hotline: 1-800-428-8476

New Jersey DOE Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services

New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families → Works Directly with Individuals with Disabilities and Their Caregivers to Provide Essential Services

Ocean County DHS Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council → Consisting of Parents, Service Providers, and Others, CIACC Oversees Behavioral Health Services in Ocean County

Ocean County DHS – Office for Individuals with Disabilities → Information and Referral

Ocean County Health Department → Information and Referral

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network → Information and Referral, Caregiver Support and Resource Center

Toms River Mayor’s Advisory Council on the Americans with Disabilities Act → Advocacy and Assistance

Toms River Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Developmental Disabilities → Advocacy and Assistance

 

Legal Services

Community Health Law Project → Legal and Advocacy Services

Freeman Law Offices → Special Education Law, Estate Planning, Adult Services

Hinkle Prior & Fischer → Special Education Law, Estate Planning

Mack Rosenberg Law, LLC → Assists Families in Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage for Disability Services

The Matus Law Group → Special Education Law, Estate Planning

Sussan Greenwald, & Wesler → Special Education Law, Estate Planning

 

Medical Specialists

Children’s Specialized Hospital → Developmental Pediatricians, Neurologists, Psychiatrists

Children’s Wellness & Developmental Center → Developmental Evaluations, Holistic Evaluations, Nutritional Counseling, Individual and Family Counseling

Community Medical Center → Autism-Friendly ER

Developmental Pediatrics of Central NJ → Developmental Pediatrics

KidZdent → Special Needs Dentistry

The Milestones Center → Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

New Jersey Family Care → Health Insurance for Those Who Don’t Have Employer Insurance

NeurAbilities Healthcare → Diagnostic Services, Neurological Testing, Developmental Pediatricians, ABA Therapy

Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates → Special Needs Dentistry

 

Multiservice Organizations

Bancroft → Services for All Ages: Diagnostic Assessments, ABA Therapy, Assistive Technology, Severe Behavior Day Treatment Program, Residential Treatment

Community Access Unlimited → Services for All Ages: ABA Therapy, In-Home Respite, Support Coordination, Day Programs, Housing, Employment Services

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health → Summer Camp for Ages 6+, Behavioral Health Services, Residential Services, Day Programs, Supported Employment

Easterseals NJ → Summer Camp for Ages 6+, Behavioral Health Services, Residential Services, Day Programs, Supported Employment

Eden Autism → Services for All Ages: School for Ages 3 – 21, Home-Based ABA and Speech Therapy, Adult Employment Training and Housing

Enable → Services for Adults: Housing, Day Programs, In-Home Supports, Employment Training

Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled → Services for Adults: Residential Services, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy

Ladacin Network → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, Child Care, School, Therapy, Day Programs, Vocational Therapy, Housing

MOCEANS Center for Independent Living → Independent Living, Support Coordination, Youth Transition, Education & Advocacy

New Jersey Institute for Disabilities → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, School, Day Programs, Employment Services, Residential Services, In-Home Supports, Life Skills Development

PCDI → Services for All Ages: Early Intervention, School for Ages 3 – 21, Adult Life Skills Program, Housing

SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. → Services for All Ages: In-Home Services, Vocational Training, Residential Services

21 Plus, Inc. → Services for Adults: Residential Services, Vocational Services, Supported Employment

 

New Jersey State and Ocean County Services

 

Ability Advocates of New Jersey → Transition from Children’s System of Care to Adult Services, Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Assisting Hands Home Care → Services for Adults Through the DDD; Community-Based Support, In-Home Care, Respite

A Bright Tomorrow → Support Coordination for Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

A Care Connection of New Jersey → Support Coordination for Adults through the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Support Services → Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities

Ocean Partnership for Children → Care Management and Service Planning for Children with Behavioral and Emotional Challenges (accessible through PerformCare)

Owen Health Care → Children’s Behavior Therapy through PerformCare, Support Coordination for Adults through the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Respite, Summer Camp, Supported Employment

PrimeTime Center → Adult Day Programs (Life Skills, Recreation, Social Skills, Vocational Skills, and More) (admission through DDD)

Prism Support Services  Support Coordination for Adults Through the Division of Developmental Disabilities

SPWA Services → Support Coordination for Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

 

Public Policy

Autism New Jersey → Public Policy

New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities → Public Policy

 

Safety Agency

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office → Safety

 

Schools and Educational Resources (refer to “Multiservice Organizations” for additional schools)

The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey → An Organization Consisting of Private Special Education Schools in North and Central New Jersey. Provides a School Directory, and Offers Advocacy Support and Resources

The Alpha School → School for Ages 5 to 21

ASAH → A Nonprofit Organization Consisting of Private Special Education Schools in New Jersey. Offers a Toll-Free Parent Assistance Line, A Private School Placement Toolkit, and a School Directory

The Center School → School for Ages 5 to 21

Children’s Center of Monmouth County → School for Ages 3 to 21

Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center → School for Ages 3 to 21; Adult Program for Ages 21+ That Focuses on Employment Training

The Gateway School → School for Ages 5 to 21

The Harbor School → School for Ages 5 to 21

Hawkswood School → School for Ages 3 to 21

New Jersey DOE Office of the Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support to Students, Caregivers, and Educators Regarding Special Education Rights and Services

New Jersey DOE – Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities (In-State) → List of Private Special Education Schools That Have Been Approved by the State of New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education Special Education Ombudsman → Provides Information and Support Regarding Special Education Rights and Services

Ocean County College → Education (Disability Services) and Summer Camp

The Shore Center for Students with Autism → School for Ages 3 to 21

 

Social/Recreation

By Design Social Skills → Social Skills Groups and Counseling for All Age Groups

Camp Jaycee → Summer Camp for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Camp Fatima → Free Summer Camp for Children with DD; Free Sleepaway Weekends for Adults with DD

Daniel’s Music Foundation →  Music Classes (Including Free Online and In-Person Group Classes) for People with Disabilities

Easterseals NJ → Summer Camp for Individuals Ages 6+ with Disabilities

Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center → After School, Evening, and Weekend Programs for Students with Special Needs

The Friendship Circle of Central Jersey → Social and Respite Programs

HorseSense Therapeutic Center → Equine Therapy

Mosaic Music Therapy → Music Therapy

Music for Autism → Free Concerts for Individuals with DD and Their Caregivers (in-person AND virtual)

Ocean County YMCA → Adaptive Swimming and Exercise

POAC Autism Services → Recreational and Support Services, Family Training

Rising Treetops at Oakhurst → Summer Camp, Respite, After School Program

Special People United to Ride (SPUR) → Equine Therapy

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym → (Indoor Play

 

Therapy (ABA, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, DIR/Floortime, Occupational, Physical, Speech)

Autism Spectrum Diagnostics and Consulting → Evaluation and Diagnosis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Social Skills Groups

Bierman Autism Center → Diagnostic Assessments, ABA, Speech, OT

Brain Builders → ABA, OT, Speech, Social Skills Groups

Brett DiNovi & Associates → ABA Therapy

Caring Family Community Services ABA Therapy

Children’s Specialized Hospital → Speech, OT, PT, Feeding Therapy

Connect Plus Therapy → ABA Therapy, Social Skills Groups, After School Programs, Parent Training

The Family Resource Network (includes the affiliate Autism Family Services of New Jersey) → ABA Therapy

Graham Behavior Services → ABA Therapy

Helping Hands Family → ABA Therapy

Hybridge Learning Group → ABA, Speech, OT

Kaleidoscope ABA Therapy Solutions → ABA Therapy

Links ABA Therapy Solutions → ABA Therapy

Mastermind Behavior Services → ABA Therapy

Positive Development  DIR/Floortime

Professional Therapy Associates → ABA Therapy, Speech, OT, PT, Social Skills

Proud Moments ABA  ABA Therapy

The Puzzle Place Center for Autism → Intensive Early Intervention, Speech, OT for Young Children

Rainbow ABA → ABA Therapy

Seashore Pediatric Therapy Center  Speech, OT, PT

Sensory Playground → ABA, Speech, OT, PT, Music Therapy

Social Behavior Learning Solutions → Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, School Readiness, Social Skills Groups for Young Children

Speech Language Associates → Speech Therapy

Speech Pathology Solutions, LLC → Speech Therapy

Step Up Family Services  ABA Therapy

Sunny Days Sunshine Center → ABA, OT, PT, Speech, Social Skiills

Unlocked Potential → ABA Therapy

Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital → Feeding, OT, PT, Speech

Part 2: Autism-Related Facebook Groups

Autism Parents Support Group

Autism Society Southwest New Jersey Affiliate 532

New Jersey Autism Warriors

New Jersey Autism Moms

NJ Special Needs Connection

Parent to Parent NJ

Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Other Support Needs

Sensory Ideas for Kids

Part 3: A Selection of "The Best Autism Apps" According to Autism Parenting Magazine (2023)

The apps listed below are free to download, although they may offer in-app purchases.

 

Attention

I’m On It: Focus Timer for ADHD & ASD (Android Only)

→ Helps individuals stay focused on tasks by allowing the user to set a timer for specific activities.

 

Caregiver Support

Autism Parenting Magazine (Apple and Android)

→ Helps caregivers get the latest solutions, news, and research every month.

MyAutismTeam (Apple and Android)

→ Caregivers can meet other people in similar circumstances, make friends, and get practical tips.

 

Education

Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism (Apple and Android)

→ Uses simplified animations and interactive characters to teach. Best watched with caregivers.

Cuedin (Early Intervention) (Android Only)

→ Works on academics, social skills, and daily routines. Contains visual cues, tactile tracing, and audio information.

Otsimo - Special Education AAC (Apple and Android)

→ Teaches letters, numbers, colors, animals, and more.

 

Functional Life Skills

Daniel Tiger for Parents (Apple and Android)

→ Develops areas such as sharing, trying new foods, and coping with emotions.

 

Sensory and Calming

Infant Zoo LITE for Babies (Apple Only)

→ Provides visual input through high quality illustrations, animal sounds, and stimulating bubbles.

Magic Fluids Lite (Apple and Android)

→ Promotes calming and relaxation by allowing users to create a dynamic wallpaper.

 

Speech and Communication

Avaz AAC (Apple and Android)

→ Provides assistance for those who struggle to interact with others. It can create a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) book.

Part 4: Autism Resources Available on hoopla

Have questions about hoopla?

Go to → hoopla instructions.

 

Resources for Adults/Caregivers

 

  • The Autism Full Employment Act

    By Michael Bernick & Louis Vismara

    Impactful and integral to our economic recovery after the pandemic, The Autism Full Employment Act will rebuild and approve autism employment programs.

    Employment remains the issue today for many adults with autism. Due to the pandemic of 2020, authors Michael Bernick and Dr. Lou Vismara set out to develop an Autism Full Employment Act. At the time, the national economy was decimated, and it was clear that it would need to be rebuilt, starting in 2021 and beyond. The Act will be an attempt not only to rebuild autism employment programs, but also to address the limitations and shortcomings of the current system.

    The Autism Full Employment Act shows how there can be a place in the job world for the wide range of adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning and mental health differences-many of whom are not employed today. Bernick and Dr. Vismara review the autism employment initiatives in recent years among major employers, state and local governments, autism-focused businesses, and autism transition programs, and present strategies to build on these initiatives. They set out more fully the meanings of "autism talent advantage," "autism friendly workplace," and "employment for the more severely impacted."

  • The Autism Relationships Handbook: How to Thrive in Friendships, Dating, and Love

    By Joe Biel and Faith G. Harper, PhD, LPC-S, ACS, ACN

    Dr. Faith G. Harper joins autistic publisher and author Joe Biel to offer hard-won guidance on a wide range of topics about friendships, dating, and romance and answer a ton of questions. What do you want out of a relationship? What is the difference between flirting and harassment? How do you have a fun date and get to know someone when eye contact and prolonged conversation aren't your strengths? How do you change a casual acquaintance into friendship or dating? How do you express your needs and make sure you're hearing your partner when they express theirs? How do you maintain a healthy, happy long-term relationship? Autistic readers will find valuable answers and perspectives in this book, whether you're just getting ready to jump into dating, seeking to forge closer friendships, or looking to improve your existing partnership or marriage.

  • Autism Translated: 5 Keys to Help You Understand & Connect with Teens & Adults on the Spectrum

    By Toni Boucher

    Do you care about a teen or adult on the spectrum but have a hard time understanding why they do what they do? Do you wish you could have a better connection and feel the frustration of wanting to help but don't know how?

    Then this book is for you.

    It was created with the support of hundreds of autistic individuals and their families.

    They share their wisdom and insight about growing up autistic so you can learn from their experiences.

    This book reveals 5 little-known keys to help you build a better relationship with your autistic child, parent, partner or student. Learn to: 1- Eliminate harmful stereotypes from your thinking 2- Identify and harness autistic strengths 3- Understand what it feels like to be autistic 4- Communicate more effectively 5- Create an authentic & healthy bond.

  • Autism Dad: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son (Part 1 of the Autism Dad series)

    By Rob Errera

    Follow the adventures of Autism Dad in this collection of essays by award-winning syndicated columnist Rob Errera. Funny, informative, poignant, and engaging, Autism Dad, Vol 1: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son explores the initial devastation of an autism diagnosis, the autism/vaccine controversy, autism in the media, education, therapy and treatments. Above all, Autism Dad, Vol. 1 is about living with, raising, and loving a child with autism, told from a father's perspective. These columns are revised and updated in Autism Dad, Vol. 1, along with three new essays and extensive behind-the-scenes notes that reveal the personal struggles and triumphs of raising a special-needs child.

  • Autism Dad 2: Continuing Adventures in Autism, Adolescence & Fatherhood (Part 2 of the Autism Dad series)

    By Rob Errera

    The adventures of Autism Dad and Boy Rocco continue through the pre-pubescent years (age 8-12), leaping over autism's ever-changing obstacles, while stumbling through life's major milestones. Autism Dad and Rocco-along with Precocious Little Sister and Super Mom-tackle everything autism, from diagnosis to family dynamics, with grace and humor. Inside Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition, you'll find invaluable information on: The First 7 Steps To Take After Your Child's Autism Diagnosis; The Basics Of Biomedical Intervention; Firsthand Accounts Of The Latest Therapies And Treatments; Special Needs Education And Recreation; Near Death Experiences; And Medical Miracles! Above all, Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition is a testament to the healing power of love, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his extraordinary son.

  • Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons (Part 3 of the Autism Dad series)

    By Rob Errera

    Teenagers with autism need life skills and job training. Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons: Preparing Our Special-Needs Child For Adulthood is a personal memoir told with humor and grace that looks at the unique challenges facing special-needs children transitioning into young adulthood. This collection of essays not only details a father's take on raising a special-needs child, but tells the story of a family shaped by the everyday challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism.

  • Autism: Unpacking the Puzzle (Oh the Possibilities)

    By Stephanie L. Gooden

    In this book, you will receive first-hand information on tools needed in raising a child(ren) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder starting from early childhood. This book discusses the topics of Early Intervention, the diagnoses, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Individualized Education Plans and so much more. You will read personal and real-life stories about navigating through different services and therapies to ensure that your child is receiving the best plan of care. This book will leave you both enlightened and motivated in knowing you have the tools to advocate for your child and balance self-care skills for yourself.

  • The Aspie Book

    By Dee Jones

    My clients over the years have repeatedly asked for an easy-to-read book, saying, "We want to take home what's in your head." So this is an everyday-language explanation of all things Aspie, written for Aspies and non-Aspies. Aspies repeatedly ask me to explain how non-Aspies think and work, and neurotypicals are often confused by Aspies. Many interesting case studies and illustrations (it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words) are included to aid these social understandings and interactions. Each chapter is self-contained, so that a reader can quickly get answers and tools in an overall synopsis contained in one section. The last chapter is a show-case collection of individual personal stories and expressions. The Aspie Book is written in non-academic language as much as possible, but also tries to demystify the academic language often used on this topic.

  • Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened

    By Newfoundland and Labrador Autism Society

    Families, world experts, and persons on the autism spectrum share their experiences in this collection of stories. With a focus on the positive aspects of autism and the importance of community involvement and early intervention, Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened is a resource whose aim is to improve the lives of parents, educators, and persons who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Awareness and advocacy for early diagnosis and treatment of autism have grown substantially over the past decade. According to Stephen W. Scherer, Ph.D., D.Sc., FRSC. There are new studies that show that every child who undergoes intensive behavioural intervention therapy improves in some way. In fact, I have heard rare stories of some children having full or near-full recoveries. The most important factor leading to positive outcomes, however, is to start such interventions early and, in the best-case scenario, even before the first signs of autism appear. These stories are inspirational and informative, while also serving as a reminder-indeed, as a rallying crythat individuals who have autism can, with the proper care and attention, lead full and productive lives and change the way we see the world.

  • How to Start Looking at Autism

    By Greg Stucky

    Have you heard about autism but don't know what it is? Does your child exhibit signs of autism, but you're not sure what to believe? Do you have a hard time around friends, coworkers or family that you suspect might be on the spectrum?  This quick guide to autism is written with you in mind.  After reading this book you'll not only understand how autistics think, but also how to engage with and succeed with them.


Resources for Teens

 

  • Handling Autism

    By Racquel Foran

    This book explores autism and how people diagnosed with the disorder manage it. It examines how autism affects daily life, work, and education, and it explains the latest interventions and therapies available. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.

  • The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others

    By Irene McHenry & Carol Moog

    This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.


Resources for Children

 

  • Maybe Autism is My Superpower

    By Ben Blanchet

    After seeing a superhero movie, Ben Blanchet, a thirteen-year-old boy who has autism, claims that maybe autism is his superpower. This book details a fascinating conversation between Ben and his mom. Ben describes the unique ways he hears, sees, and thinks about the world around him. His amazing narrative of his special gifts will also have you wondering if autism really is a superpower. The commentary throughout the book is by his mom, Angela Blanchet.

  • Roaring for Autism Presents: K-Rex

    By Tyeisha Brown

    This book is about a big-hearted dinosaur named K-Rex. He is a kind dinosaur with many friends who go on many adventures. He also happens to be on the autism spectrum. Come with us on a journey as K-Rex takes you into his daily life on the spectrum.

  • Autism Doesn't Stop Me

    By Gabby Duran

    Gabby knows how hard it is to be different from others in the school. Sometimes her own experiences were painful and lonely. She was told she was autistic, and she felt very alone. Gabby rode a special bus to school and went to classrooms where there were few students. Other kids on the playground didn't include her. Even most adults didn't understand her. She wanted friends so badly, and she wanted to be included in schoolyard games! But things got better for her and it will get better for you too!

  • Understanding Autism

    By Jessica Rusick

    In this title, readers learn common symptoms and behaviors of autism and how it affects kids at school and in relationships. Text includes suggestions on how to be a kind and respectful friend to someone with autism and appropriate activities kids can enjoy together. A famous person who has overcome the challenges of autism is highlighted. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.


Resources for Educators, Health Professionals, and Therapists

 

  • Autism and Asperger’s Conditions: A Practical Guide for Nurses

    By Christopher Barber

    Autism and Asperger's Conditions covers a wide range of issues relating to the care and support of those with autism and Asperger's syndrome. This book aims to improve nurses' professional interactions with those with autism spectrum disorders through improved awareness, knowledge and understanding of what these conditions are and what they are not, possible causes, diagnostic issues, nursing interventions, the history of autism, and issues that affect children, adolescents and adults with these conditions and their families. A highly practical and accessible text, autism spectrum conditions are covered from a variety of perspectives, both within and outside of a learning disability setting.

  • Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Teachers, Counselors, and Psychologists

    By Erin E. Barton & Beth Harn

    Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is aimed at providing strategies for teachers, school counselors, and psychologists to help address the needs of children on the spectrum, as well as their families. Including forms, charts, and a range of classroom activities, this is a great resource you will need to gain the insight and tools for making a difference in the educational lives of young children with autism.

  • Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion

    By Barbara Boronson

    More students on the autism spectrum are taught in general education settings today than ever before, bringing an array of notable strengths and skills that add intriguing new dimensions to educational programs. But these students also present challenges that are broader, deeper, and more intractable than those of their typically developing peers. Because reaching and teaching students on the autism spectrum in an inclusive environment complicates the work of teachers, school and district administrators must be prepared to provide knowledgeable, mindful leadership.

    Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion empowers school and district leaders to ensure that students on the spectrum are welcome, supported, understood, and set up for success. It's an essential resource for any education leader committed to achieving a differentiated, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students in their care.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition: Core Concepts & Principles for Practioners

    By Mitch Fryling, PhD

    Written by leading experts in language and cognition, this groundbreaking behavior analysis textbook brings the study of verbal behavior into the 21st century with cutting-edge research. Students and clinicians in the burgeoning field of applied behavior analysis will find the theoretical foundation they need to effectively help the increasingly diverse clients seeking their services.

  • Teaching Adolescents with Autism: Practical Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom

    By Walter Kaweski

    Award-winning educator Walter Kaweski offers secondary teachers practical strategies and heartfelt insights based on his extensive experience as an autism specialist, inclusion coordinator, and father of a son with Asperger syndrome. Teaching Adolescents with Autism offers hundreds of valuable ideas to help teachers. This unique book takes the mystery out of teaching adolescents with autism and inspires teachers to appreciate the individuality of each student.

Part 5: Books Pertaining to Autism
  • Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum

    By Michael McCreary

    Like many others on the autism spectrum, stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told that he doesn't look autistic. As he's quick to point out in this memoir, autism looks different for everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

     

  • The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-year-old Boy with Autism

    By Naoki Higashida

    A journey into the mind of a remarkable thirteen-year-old boy with severe autism, this book offers insight into what it is like to have the disorder.

     

  • Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism

    By Naoki Higashida

    In this book, Naoki Higashida shares his thoughts and experiences as a 24-year old man with severe autism. In short, powerful chapters, he explores education, identity, family, society and personal growth.

     

  • A Boy Called Bat

    By Elana Arnold

    For Bat, life tends to be full of surprises. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk which she needs to take care of. He has one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a terrific pet.

  • Since We’re Friends

    By Celeste Shally

    The narrator of this children’s book describes his friendship with Matt, an autistic boy.

  • Counting by 7s

    By Holly Goldberg Sloan

    Willow is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by sevens.  Suddenly Willow's world is tragically changed when her parents both die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world.

     

  • In a Different Key: The Story of Autism

    By John Donvan

    Nearly seventy-five years ago, Donald Triplett of Forest, Mississippi became the first child diagnosed with autism.  In A Different Key tells the extraordinary story of this often misunderstood condition, and of the civil rights battles waged by the families of those children who have it.

     

  • Rain Reign

    By Ann M. Martin

    Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger's syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms. She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

     

  • Rules

    By Cynthia Lord

    Frustrated by life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence.  Her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.

  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

    By Mark Haddon

    Despite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.

     

  • My Brother Charlie

    By Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete

    A young girl describes what it is like to have a twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy.

  • Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism

    By Temple Grandin

    Grandin writes from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person.  Grandin charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words.

     

  • The Kiss Quotient

    By Helen Hoang

    Stella has less dating experience than most thirty-year-olds because she has Asperger's. She decides to hire a professional escort to practice being in love.

     

Part 6: Guides for Coping with the Pandemic and Resources for Remote Learning
  • Autism NJ
    • Provides guidance on preparing individuals with autism for the vaccine, wearing masks, adjusting to disruptions in their routines, coping with regression and challenging behaviors, remote learning resources, and useful apps. Also contains strategies for caregiver self-care, financial concerns, and practical information regarding COVID-19 and its effects on the delivery of therapies. Autism NJ also has a hotline: 1-800-428-8476.
  • Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School
    • An article containing tips for helping those with ASD cope with taking a COVID test and adjust to wearing masks.
  • The Arc of New Jersey
    • Contains COVID-19 resources for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers – and a video for those with developmental disabilities about taking a COVID test.
  • New Jersey Division of Disability Services
    • Contains an emergency preparedness checklist for people with disabilities.
  • Autism Speaks
    • Has a wide variety of resources geared toward families and toward adults who have autism. There is an Autism Response Team (ART) available to answer questions by phone, email, and live chat (1-888- 288-4762). Also contains tips for discussing COVID-19 with your child, a social story about wearing masks, guidance if your child needs to be hospitalized, behavioral resources, coping with stress, and parental training and support resources.
  • Echo Autism
    • Contains information about how to do ABA, OT, and speech therapy at home, how to teach at home, social stories, and parenting tips.
  • Education.com
    • Contains free printable worksheets on a wide variety of topics for children in preschool through fifth grade. Also has online games, songs, activities, and stories. Must create a free account to use.
Part 7: Sensory Cookbook
Part 8: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

iPads preloaded with apps: LAMP Words for Life, Tobii Sono Flex, & My First AAC are available for in-house use at the Brick, Little Egg Harbor, & Stafford branches.

Patrons with library cards in good standing will be able to trial the apps before making the purchase for their home devices or to trial for students or patients.

AAC devices are augmentative/alternative communication systems that allow a person to communicate with those around them without speaking.  There are many different types of AAC but the most common are high-tech AAC Devices that allow a person to push a button to speak a message.  These are helpful for children or adults who have either lost the ability to speak or who are not able to speak well enough to clearly communicate everything that they want to say.  This includes some children with conditions such as autism, childhood apraxia of speech, and other types of speech/language delays.  These devices are sometimes called “communication devices” or “talkers.”

These devices are supported in full with funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, award number LS-252474-OLS-22.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The information provided in this document is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice, or treatment for specific medical conditions.

 

Click here for a downloadable PDF version of this information.