Adult services in New Jersey are supplied by state funds. Funds which are just not sufficient for the highly specialized and consistent care that adults with autism require. Plainly put, more money is what's needed. The state's Division of Developmental Disabilities is doing the best they can with the money that is given to them. It is up to NJ citizens to prove to the state government that individuals with autism need better care. Contact your state legislator and explain that the services offered by the state are just not good enough. The money allocated to the DDD and consequently the services available are "woefully inadequate," says Dr. Sandra Harris, executive director of the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center.

The adult system needs to improve. The government has allotted an enormous amount of money to the research of autism, but almost none to the improvement of schools not only for children, but especially for the adults who have much more limited resources. They need highly specialized support for employment opportunities, in-home supports, adult day service, and residential services.

"Art for Autism" allows concerned citizens the chance to help, and at the same time support the local music scene. By purchasing an album, you are directly improving the lives of the adults with autism who are served by the DDDC. Your contribution helps to improve the program and offer additional services of recreation.