Brick loses out in DOE autism money grants BY DANIELLE MEDINA Correspondent BRICK TOWNSHIP - The state Department of Education awarded $15 million in autism grant money last week, but Brick wasn't among the school districts that will share in the wealth. "I would be crestfallen if we didn't meet the cut-off score," Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas L. Seidenberger said Monday. "But since we exceeded it, we'll go back into a pool and if there is any more money, we might get some." Fifty-five school districts throughout the state were notified that they would receive state funding to establish, enhance or expand programs and services for students with autism spectrum disorder, according to the state Department of Education's Web site. Two hundred and fifty school districts statewide had submitted an application. Each district's application received a score based on four components: statement of need, project description, program activity and budget. Seidenberger said he would be requesting Brick's scorecard to see how the district fared. "If you lose, you want to see where you can improve and what your strong aspects were," Seidenberger said. The district is also in the process of writing a grant for a share of Gov. Corzine's Enhancing and Expanding In-District Program Options for Students with Disabilities. The $4.5 million grant, which is part of Corzine's 2007 fiscal year budget, aims to return other special-needs children, including those with autism, to their home district for schooling. Approximately 7,400 New Jersey children between the ages of 5 and 21 have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with autism have marked deficits in attention, imitation, communication, socialization, and motivation, according to the Department of Education.