Monthly News & Updates

April 2026

Creating an Autism Friendly State Together

A look at our statewide efforts during Autism Acceptance Month

What Does it Really Mean to be Autism Friendly?

For Autism Acceptance Month, our executive director, Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, shared her powerful vision for an inclusive and supportive New Jersey. Being autism-friendly is a year-round commitment to building communities where a child receives understanding medical care, a teenager plays sports without judgment, and an adult interacts safely with law enforcement. Read Dr. Buchanan’s call to action here →

Our Impact Across NJ This April

From the icy waters of a Jersey Shore polar plunge to the high-energy crowd at the New Jersey Devils’ Autism Acceptance Night, our team was on the move this month. We brought our message of understanding and inclusion to every corner of the state, giving presentations to corporate employees, sharing resources at community events, and engaging with business and law enforcement leaders at conferences from Atlantic City to Livingston. Read more →

Ambassadors in Action

We are constantly inspired by the grassroots energy our ambassadors bring to every conversation and community. But they don’t just inspire us; they drive real change. Their outreach and advocacy help us reach people and places we could never reach alone.

Read their stories and join the movement. April isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning →

The Complex Causes of Autism: More of Your Questions Answered

In Autism New Jersey’s original three-part webinar series, Rutgers researchers broke down the science behind autism in clear, accessible terms, covering environmental factors, brain structure differences, and genetics.

That conversation continued this month when the experts returned for a follow-up Q&A webinar to answer additional questions from the community.

Watch the Full Webinar Series and Q&A

Autism New Jersey Welcomes Kelley Widerman as Director of Development

Autism New Jersey is pleased to welcome Kelley Widerman as its new Development Director. In this role, she will lead the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, building meaningful relationships and strengthening support across its dedicated community. Read more →

Join Us for Our 44th Annual Autism Conference

Registration Coming Soon | Sponsorship & Exhibits | Poster Submissions

Our Call for Posters is open for submissions, and attendee registration will launch in early May. Sponsorship, advertising, and exhibiting opportunities are now available.

Our annual conference brings together more than 1,200 parents, professionals, and autistic individuals for two days of learning, connection, and practical insight.

Learn More

Participate in a Research Study

Parent & Caregiver Survey on Profound Autism Experiences: Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with profound autism? Share your experiences in this anonymous 20-minute survey and help inform future support and resources.

Upcoming Events

Northlandz Model Railroad

Autism Fundraiser

April 26 | 10 to 6 PM
Flemington, NJ

Join Us

Autism Acceptance
Gift Auction

May 9 | 6 to 10 PM

Spring Lake, NJ

Join Us

Sibling

Connection Session

May 19 | 7 to 8 PM

Wellness Connection Session: Caregiver Strengths & Growth

May 20 | 12 to 1 PM

Health & Wellness Coaching for Caregivers

Make space for your own well-being. Join our free Health & Wellness Coaching for caregivers, where you’ll meet in a small virtual group with Autism New Jersey’s Director of Family Wellness to explore goals, build sustainable habits, and learn practical strategies to support your overall well-being. Learn more and sign up today →

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Please support our work so that we can help more New Jersey residents.

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As always, if you require support or information,
please connect with us at 800.4.AUTISM or visit www.autismnj.org.

Autism New Jersey | 800.4.AUTISM | www.autismnj.org | information@autismnj.org