There are an unlimited number of ways to help. First, you can make a donation in any amount by clicking the button below. Remember, donations are tax deductible!
Also, look out for more information on an "Art for Autism" festival show in December '08, where the price of admission will be donated to the DDDC, and where you can make further donations. You can also contact the DDDC directly, or partake in many of the other autism awareness groups, such as DOORS, the Douglass Organization for Occupational and Related Educational Services and COSAC, New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community. Many of these groups hold events fairly regularly. Some of these follow:8/6/07 - COSAC's 9th Annual Autism Charity Golf Outing - click here to download a brochure for more information, and here to register.
Contact your local legislator! Funding for adult autism services is terribly inadequate. "There are not enough group homes or decent day care programs," explains Dr. Sandra Harris, executive director of the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. This is a result of a collective failure among New Jersey citizens to lobby for increased funds for adult services. Services are just not good enough for the extreme behavioral problems that adults with autism have. Show you care by contacting your local legislator. Tell them it is not okay to forget about individuals with autism once they turn 21. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) simply does not have enough funds to increase services for adults with autism; they are doing the best they can. By contacting state officials, you are showing your support for increased funding to the DDD. Find you local legislator here!