About Us
Increasing understanding and building acceptance.
We strive to develop a greater understanding of the abilities and challenges individuals with autism face.
Such efforts lead to more opportunities for individuals with autism to achieve their fullest potential and, together with their families, experience a true sense of belonging. Fortunately, many businesses and public spaces are becoming more “autism friendly,” but there is still work to do to in our communities.
The Ambassador Program
Our cornerstone campaign has been building autism awareness and acceptance since 1999.
History of our Ambassador Program
Autism New Jersey’s Ambassador Program was created to spread awareness about autism, which at the time was a growing concern that affected 1 in 166 children. The purpose of the program was to enlist a corps of dedicated volunteers – mostly parents of children with autism or teachers – to raise awareness about autism in their local communities and schools to dispel myths and create a better understanding about the disorder.
With April designed as “National Autism Awareness Month,” the Ambassador Program’s activities became a month-long campaign, though awareness can and should be a year-round pursuit.
Thanks to the support of donors and sponsors, our Ambassador Program has provided free resources, tools, and information to our ambassadors, along with guidance and for raising awareness via lessons, activities, and events. Over the years, different themes emphasize the core values Ambassadors possess and spread positive messages to inspire others. Approximately 1,000 Ambassadors participate every year throughout the state and across the country.
Why awareness matters
A critical initial step to get people to support and lift up a vulnerable population is to bring awareness to a particular cause. We see this every day for a number of causes with ribbons, events, and designated days/month. The basic idea is this – if you want people to care about something, they have to know that there is an issue that needs their attention.
April has long been designated as “Autism Awareness Month” both nationally and worldwide. Recently, we are starting to see it being referred to as “Autism Month” or “Autism Acceptance” Month, a move designed to start to move the goalposts past awareness and toward the meaningful change that can come through acceptance.
At Autism New Jersey, we do still use both “awareness” and “acceptance” in our messaging, depending on the audience. Rather than see the word “awareness” as taboo, we see it as an important steppingstone to making a difference. In some cases, our goal still may be something as foundational as awareness depending on the audience. Yet in many other cases, we recognize that acceptance is where the conversation needs to be.
Since 1965 Autism has been committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them
Our Mission
Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them. Through awareness, credible information, education, and public policy initiatives, Autism New Jersey leads the way to lifelong individualized services provided with skill and compassion. We recognize the autism community’s many contributions to society and work to enhance their resilience, abilities, and quality of life.
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Terms and Conditions
Use of “Ambassador”
The term “Ambassador” is not an official appointment by Autism New Jersey; it is used to recognize individuals who volunteer to promote autism awareness in their communities using Autism New Jersey materials and ideas. Autism New Jersey requests that Ambassadors do not use this title to promote personal interests or agendas unrelated to the Autism New Jersey Ambassador Program.
Photo and Video Use
Any photos or videos shared with Autism New Jersey (through social media, email, etc.) may be used in future distribution via any medium for the purpose of promoting Autism New Jersey services or events and raising autism awareness. Any concerns should be emailed to aamonth@autismnj.org.