Additional Resources
SPAN is a parent-led and family centered, independent 501(c)3 organization committed to empowering families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and mental health outcomes for children and youth. They offer comprehensive training, assistance, information and support to assist parents in understanding and supporting their child's academic, social and behavioral needs.
1-800-654-SPAN (7726). Available 8 am - 4 pm, Monday – Friday.
*Please note: the SPAN website is experiencing difficulties and my not be currently available. If you get an error message, check back soon!
The Arc of New Jersey is the state's largest organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and an affiliated chapter of The Arc offering community-based services statewide. The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute seeks to help navigate the system of services available to those with disabilities. If you or a loved one is in need of services but you are confused or unsure about how to proceed, please click here to submit a Problem Intake Form. You can also download a copy of the form by clicking here. Once we've received your information, we will contact you to provide assistance. To speak with someone directly, call 732-828-2022.
Understood aims to give parents a direct path to the support they need most to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences by making them feel more confident and capable, less frustrated and alone. They deliver well-researched, practical information, resources, and tips providing parents the knowledge they need to make effective choices on behalf of their children and to help them work constructively with schools, professionals and others in their community and so much more!
Founded in 1998, ADDitude's goal is to deliver expert advice and support for parents and adults living with attention-deficit disorder, and for professionals working in the field. They are the nation's leading media network focusing exclusively on ADD, ADHD, many of their commonly accompanying learning disabilities, and other related mental health conditions. Best of all, their articles are typically brief, easy to read, and cover a vast number of topics! Their mission is "to be your most reliable advisor and ally, and a source of inspiration along your path to health and well-being."
This site is part of the VeryWell Family and is dedicated to providing an opportunity for parents to learn about common challenges and find support. Here you will find hundreds of short helpful articles on a variety of subjects related to raising special needs kids.
The Site was designed to assist individuals not familiar with what types of transportation services are available including paratransit, special transportation, community transportation, employment transportation and/or Medicaid transportation. The NJ COST site was designed to be user friendly particularly to someone who is inquiring about transportation services in a particular county or town. The types of transportation include services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, low income, welfare to work and job access and services may include but are not limited to: non-emergency medical appointments, dialysis, physical and mental therapy, competitive and non-competitive work sites, nutrition sites, post-secondary education Veteran services, food shopping, Medicaid transportation, social and recreational activities, etc.
Founded in 2005 to promote solutions, across the spectrum, for the needs of people with autism and their families. Their goals include increasing global understanding and acceptance, advancing breakthroughs in autism research, expanding early childhood screening and intervention, improving the transition to adulthood, ensuring access to reliable information for families across the life span. They even have an Autism Response Team (ART), an information line where team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families.
An 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.
PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults with the mission to enhance the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential. The website allows parents to find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children with disabilities. PACER works in coalition with 18 disability organizations across the US and their National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities and their National Parent Center on Transition and Employment is especially helpful with more than 200 videos, an extensive resource library, and a learning center!
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH) is a national family-run organization founded in 1989 to focus on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. They work to develop and implement policies, promote legislation, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families and place an emphasis on advocacy to provide families with a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs. Their site contains countless helpful resources for families.
PHP supports, educates, and inspires families and the community to build bright futures for youth and adults with special needs. With 40+ years of supporting families, our experienced staff members have a national reputation for being a trusted source of information for helping parents, caregivers, and children with special needs. They also offer information in several languages including Spanish, English, and Vietnamese, but arrangements can be made for you to speak with someone in Arabic, Mandarin, French, Hindi and American Sign Language with additional notice.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 in response to the frustration and sense of isolation experienced by parents and their children with ADHD. The organization is composed of dedicated volunteers from around the country who play an integral part in the association’s success by providing support, education and encouragement to parents, educators and professionals on a grassroots level through CHADD chapters.
Talk with a CHADD ADHD Information Specialist directly by calling 1-800-233-4050, Monday-Friday, 1-5 pm ETInformation also available in en español.
