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Advancing Transition Options for Young Adults with Autism

Town Hall at Ronald Reagan Academy | School No. 30 Addresses  the Transitioning Needs of the Autism Community

What

Co-Sponsored by Autism Speaks New Jersey and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and hosted in partnership with Union County, City of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Public School District, Elizabeth Board of Education, and Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation, the goal of the Family Services Town Hall is to bring together young adults and adults with autism, families, adult service providers and state resources in a positive and collaborative atmosphere.  

This town hall will focus on the transition of young adults on the autism spectrum from adolescence into adulthood. Our panelists will provide families with options to think about and explore as they begin to plan for adulthood, and we hope to be able to provide additional information to the families in attendance. Our guiding principle is simple: we believe that all individuals with autism, regardless of the level of support needed, should be able to live fulfilling lives filled with purpose, dignity, choices, and happiness.

The panel will include advocates, experts and service providers, all of whom are educated and knowledgeable about adult autism services in New Jersey. The Resource Fair will include agencies that provide services for young adults and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, not limited solely to transition.

Panelists

When

May 7, 2016

  • 9:15 am – Registration
  • 9:30 am – Panel Discussion and Q&A
  • 11:30am – Resource Fair

Where

Ronald Reagan Academy | School No. 30

730 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Background

Transition is the movement from one stage or place to another. The transition from school services to adulthood can be challenging for individuals with ASD and other disabilities. Children grow up, and autism does not end when children reach adulthood. In the U.S., an estimated 50,000 youth with autism leave high school each year, but many are unprepared to find suitable housing, employment, or post-secondary options. Transition planning, which includes all facets of a young adult’s life, needs to be dynamic and begin early in adolescence, yet often families are unsure where to begin. Transition will be different for each family, but the goal remains the same: for the adolescent with autism to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and happy adult life.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

Sponsors

logos for press release