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April is national Autism Awareness Month and Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Jersey’s largest provider of services related to autism, is ‘Lighting it Up Blue’ for the entire month to raise awareness and support for the growing number of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Two of the hospital’s sites - Mountainside (150 New Providence Road) and New Brunswick (200 Somerset Ave.) will glow brightly in blue lights to shine light on patients and families living with developmental disabilities including ASD. To raise awareness and early detection, Children’s Specialized Hospital will use part of its grant from Kohl’s Cares to offer free early developmental screenings for children ages one to five years of age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2018 report, approximately one in 59 children have been identified with ASD. While there is a lot to learn about ASD, research has increased in recent years thanks in part to public and private organizations working together. As more people are being evaluated for neurodevelopmental issues, the number of cases is likely to increase.
Dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with ASD, Children’s Specialized Hospital provides comprehensive evaluations and treatment and community education. Throughout the year, the hospital will offer free early developmental screenings in communities across New Jersey for children ages one to five years of age. Screenings take approximately 30 minutes and include an interactive questionnaire and conversation between parent(s), child and hospital staff. Registration is encouraged. Below are upcoming screenings, though for a full listing of community events, please visit www.childrens-specialized.org/events.
- Anchor Family Success Center (101 Prosper Way, Brick, NJ)
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Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019 / Time: 9 am – 4 pm - La Casa de Don Pedro-Headstart (174 Roseville Avenue, Newark, NJ)
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 / Time: 8:30 am – 4 pm - Bayway Family Success – Mravlag Community Center (688 Maple Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ)Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 / Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
For families with children diagnosed on the spectrum, Children’s Specialized Hospital also offers a free, full-day workshop, Autism Spectrum Disorder: Navigating the Journey, to provide caregivers an overview of ASD and medication and therapies, and share information on sleep and sensory issues, improving communications, managing behavior, promoting socialization and community support. To register for a free workshop, led by a multidisciplinary team of experts from Children’s Specialized Hospital, visit www.childrens-specialized.org/events.
- Family Support Organization of Mercer County (3535 Quakerbridge Road, Ste. 400, Hamilton, NJ) Date: Friday, May 3, 2019 / Time: 8:45 am – 3:00 pm
- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (7004 Ridge Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ)
Date: Friday, May 10, 2019 / Time: 8:45 am – 3:00 pm - Children’s Specialized Hospital – Mountainside (150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ) Date: Friday, May 17, 2019 / Time: 8:45 am – 3:00 pm
At the forefront of research for treatment and diagnosis of autism, Children’s Specialized Hospital also offers Kohl’s Autism Awareness Hub – a centralized source of resources to help build awareness and understanding of people living with ASD in our communities. The site offers a vast amount of practical tips, videos and downloadable resources to enhance quality of life, increase safety and improve community services.
“We’re committed to improving care of children who have developmental issues,” said Jill Harris, PhD, Director of Research Development and Coordinator of Autism Services, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “As part of that commitment, early identification and treatment are essential. With the right resources, programs and services, we work to help all children reach full potential.”
Children’s Specialized Hospital, a nonprofit organization, is leading the way into a brighter future for children and adolescents facing special health challenges – from chronic illnesses ad complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation supports the programs and services of the hospital and all donations go directly to helping us pioneer new specialized care and serve more children in need. To help, or for more information: visit www.childrens-specialized.org; find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/chidrensspecialized, or follow us on Twitter @ChildrensSpecNJ.