About Us

Autism Family Services of New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for individuals and their families affected by autism and related disorders throughout the lifespan.

Autism has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the nation and, in particular, 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 will eventually be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. A landmark 1998 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in Brick Township suggests that the prevalence of autism in New Jersey is even greater than originally anticipated.

Raising a child with autism presents a unique set of challenges with regard to obtaining appropriate services, including adequate after school care and opportunities for social interaction. Mr. Bill Haluska a resident of Bayville and the 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." Opportunities are limited but absolutely necessary to ensure even a chance at success in the future.

Autism Family Services of New Jersey (AFSNJ) is a leading provider of family support services to the autism population under contract with the New Jersey State Division of Developmental Disabilities. AFSNJ has developed after school programs that are designed to provide quality care to children on the autism spectrum. These programs, known as Kidz Korner, give children with autism and other developmental disabilities an opportunity to interact with others, enjoy arts and crafts, music therapy and adapted physical education. Autism Family Services of New Jersey has established such programs in Berkeley, Edison, Newark and Toms River, and will be opening additional locations in Newark in the future.

Autism Family Services of New Jersey also provides recreational 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. More opportunities are forthcoming.