NJ Adults with Autism Task Force Report

The NJ Adults with Autism Task Force has released their report. The report is of interest to all individuals on the spectrum but should be of particular interest to those with children entering and in transition. From the Press release -

The New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force today released its report describing the needs of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and presenting both short and long-term recommendations designed to address these needs to Governor Jon S. Corzine and the New Jersey Legislature.

The New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force, created by legislation (A4057/S2559) signed on September 12, 2007 by Governor Jon Corzine (PL 2007, c. 173), charged the task force with studying, evaluating and making recommendations intended to meet the needs of adults associated with the significant challenges presented by autism.

“The work of this task force will serve the future of our state as we seek to support the efforts of adults with autism in living as independently as possible and achieving their own personal best,” said Governor Corzine. “New Jersey will continue working with individuals with autism and their families in an effort to meet this challenge.”

...

The Adults with Autism Task Force report includes, among its many findings, that adults with autism require individualized support in transitioning from the educational system into adulthood, life-skills training, day programs to attend or job training and placement, health care, housing, transportation and assistance with legal issues. Primary among these is establishing a centralized Office of Autism Services to oversee services for adults with ASD and their families. View the report on the DHS website.


"As an adult on the autism spectrum from New Jersey, I'm proud that my state is recognizing that autism supports are a lifespan issue," said Ari Ne'eman, the President of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the task force's vice chair. "This report recognizes that Autistic adults are not some new phenomenon. We deserve to be seen as full members of our local communities and more effort must be undertaken to ensure our civil and human rights are realized."