Dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for individuals and their families affected by autism and related disorders throughout the lifespan.

AFSNJ TO BENEFIT FROM 2^nd ANNUAL SEA PADDLE NYC EVENT

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Autism has had a large impact on the state of New Jersey. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, current estimates suggest that 1 out of 150 births in the United States and 1 out of 94 in New Jersey. A 1998 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in Brick Township, suggests that the prevalence of autism in New Jersey is even greater.

Raising a child with autism can present a unique set of challenges with regard to obtaining adequate after school care and opportunities for social interaction. Mr. Bill Haluska a resident of Bayville, New Jersey and father or two children with Autism recounts "My children are rays of sunshine that brighten even my gloomiest of days. I race home each day to see their smiling faces. But because they are autistic they are often turned away from after school programs because of their different needs."

Autism Family Services of New Jersey's after school programs are designed to provide quality care to children. The programs give children with autism and other developmental disabilities an opportunity to enjoy arts & crafts, music therapy and adapted physical education. Autism Family Services of New Jersey has established after school programs in Berkely and Toms River, and will be opening an additional location in Newark in the coming months.

Autism Family Services of New Jersey also provides recreation programs which are designed to offer young people with disabilities individualized and group recreational and socialization opportunities. Participants can partake in a variety of recreational trips and activities that are coordinated throughout the year. Past activities have included camp weekends, trips to Atlantic City, movie outings and shopping.