Dear Governor Christie and State Legislators:
 
Critical support for families touched by autism and the professionals who support them is at risk today.  

For more than thirty years, grant funding provided by the State to Autism New Jersey (formerly known as COSAC) has helped families like mine improve their child's behavior, access life-changing services, and navigate the complex human services system on behalf of a loved one with autism.  These funds have directly benefited thousands of children and adults who struggle with the devastating impairments of autism every moment of their lives. 
 
As a supporter of Autism New Jersey and a concerned member of the autism community, I’m signing my name below in support of the effort to restore $155,000 that was cut from Autism New Jersey’s existing, longstanding contract with State's Division of Developmental Disabilities ("DDD"). 

The services Autism New Jersey offers with this funding --the expert training of State workers, the support and guidance for parents and siblings, the reference materials and workshops for caregivers and professionals, make a tangible difference in our lives.  They give us and hope and direction.  They show us that the State recognizes the impact of autism on families like mine, and stands with us as we care for our loved ones.
 
These services have been praised repeatedly for their effectiveness -- by the State itself.
 
They are available to as many as 80,000 children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in New Jersey.  Without the funding being restored, Autism New Jersey will not be able to host the training events that are slated to benefit close to 1,000 people.  They may not be able to offer a timely response to 4,500 individuals who reach out via phone, and reach the 2,000 individuals who need printed materials on where to turn for help.  
 
We recognize the enormous fiscal challenges facing you, Governor Christie, and our State as a whole and appreciate your commitment to setting our State on a strong course for the future.  But we also believe that, in such trying times, it is all the more essential that limited resources be invested in unique, successful programs such as Autism New Jersey’s. 
 
Please Restore Autism New Jersey's Funding Today!