Initiative will help fund research for autism

When Gov. James McGreevey recently signed legislation that devotes money collected from traffic fines to funding autism research, our state renewed its commitment to finding a cure for this disability. This groundbreaking initiative will provide approximately $3 million a year to benefit people affected by autism.

It is estimated that at least one in 500 people statewide have autism. New Jersey remains at the forefront in finding a cure for autism because programs like this build public awareness and help to fund research. Usually diagnosed before age 3, autism is a developmental disability characterized by atypical, often repetitive behaviors and deficits in social and communication skills. More prevalent in boys than girls, it knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries.

The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, or COSAC (www.njcosac.org) helps people with autism to obtain appropriate, effective services to maximize their individual growth. COSAC supports this legislation and encourages other states to launch similar programs.

Paul Potito

Executive Director

The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC)

Ewing