Here are some resources you can use to celebrate Autism Awareness Month with your friends, family and community! These resources were curated by Bancroft team member, Will Hoheisel, who is also on the Autism Spectrum and an alumnus of The Bancroft School. Will is the first face you see when you come to Bancroft’s administrative offices, and he is also a recent Corporate Service Excellence Award Winner.
The September 26th Project
The September 26th Project is the annual emergency preparedness checkup for autism and special needs families. The Project offers checklists and simple steps to help keep your family and loved ones safe. Ten minutes every 365 days can save lives. Click the link for more information and to see the inspiration and powerful story behind the project.
Dan Grover Memorial Ticket Grant Program
Dan Grover was born on December 6, 1962, in rural New Jersey. At an early age, he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Over the years, he helped ensure thousands of disabled guests were able to see the show safely and comfortably and was a fierce advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility for all.
The Sesame Workshop created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections and support from family, friends, and community.
The Miracle Project provides fully inclusive theater, film, social skills, and expressive arts programs for individuals with autism and all abilities. Through shared creative experiences with peers, The Miracle Project encourages individuals with autism, other disabilities and all abilities to develop social and job skills, enhance communication, increase self-awareness, and confidence, ease anxiety and find joy in experience!
The Autism Society of Southwest New Jersey chapter #532 is a support group for parents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Their mission is to act as an information and resource center for families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders by providing information on legal rights, educational programs, and treatment options.
The Achieving Community Hopes and Dreams (ACHaD) Department of the Katz JCC provides individuals with special needs, of all ages, a safe and nurturing environment to build social skills, enhance self-esteem and cultivate friendships. Katz JCC’s mission is to enhance the physical, social and emotional development of participants through supportive programs that facilitate a sense of empowerment and independence. Participants express themselves in creative ways, gain confidence to interact with the community and their peer group while developing a sense of belonging.
Spectrum Sports’ mission is to provide an inclusive judgment-free environment for individuals with special needs. Their goal is to teach functional skills for playing sports and engaging in fitness while working on motor skills, teamwork, and social skills. Classes are available for ages 8 – adult. Located in Gloucester and Camden County!
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. Bancroft is proud to be a partner with Autism New Jersey!
More resources!
Autism Travel would be a very useful resource for families looking to travel to other places in North America outside of the direct tri-state area!
Check out our list of autism-friendly places to visit for a fun (and safe) day out of the house!
There are also a lot of other great ways to spend time together that don’t involve traveling! Visit a local park, play a game, talk on the phone or just stay at home and watch a movie! Simply hanging out with a friend or family member who has autism will bring them so much joy and they’ll appreciate you taking time out to be with them (even if it’s virtually)!
Sweetwater Spectrum Housing For People on the Autism Spectrum (Featured in “In a Different Key”):
Contains Info about (1) the “SS” Location in Sonoma, California & (2) Creating Similar Housing & Services in Your Area!
LIFE (Living Independently Forever Inc.) – (Featured in “Life, Animated”)
There are also plenty of books to read! Whether it’s about autism or written by someone with autism, the options are endless. Check out our list of book recommendations! We also have a movie and TV list!
Temple Grandin’s Website: Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is a gifted scientist, a trailblazer in autism research, and one of the first people to document her experiences living with autism — and the fruits of her decades of research have an interesting connection to the Bancroft School.
“Why I’m Advocating For Reliable Autism Resources Across The Lifespan”
by Kerry Magro
Learn more about Kerry Magro!
Check out Bancroft’s YouTube playlist of video resources!
