A Newark-based program is hoping to bridge the gap for services that benefit adults with autism, particularly in areas where these services are often hard to come by. The program, known as Nexus, aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of adults with autism, providing them with the support they need to thrive independently.
“There’s a lot of people who have a diagnosis of Autism in New Jersey, but they need services that can sometimes be difficult to find,” said Dr. Aaron Dallman, the creator of Nexus and an assistant professor at Rutgers.
Dr. Dallman explains that services catering to adults with autism, particularly those 21 and older, are scarce. This gap in care exists across the state, even in urban areas, making it especially difficult for individuals to access the support they need. What compounds this issue is that New Jersey has one of the highest rates of Autism in the nation, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The lack of services for adults with autism creates an even more urgent need for accessible and effective programs.
Dallman hopes his Nexus program can help fill this gap, especially for those who have aged out of the school system. In New Jersey, individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 can enroll in Nexus and stay involved for as long as they would like, ensuring continued support during this critical period of life transition. The program aims to empower adults with autism to live more independently, offering a range of skills and services designed to help them navigate adulthood successfully.
Nexus focuses on a variety of areas that promote independence, such as job interviews, housekeeping, filing paperwork, planning events, and much more. By working through real-world challenges and utilizing problem-solving techniques, the program helps adults with autism develop skills necessary for living in the community. Dallman believes that teaching practical, everyday skills is essential to fostering independence and giving individuals with autism the tools they need to succeed.
Occupational therapy students, speech language pathology students, and physical therapy students contribute to the program by offering hands-on mentorship and guidance to adults with autism. These students are able to gain valuable experience while providing essential services to the autism community. Their involvement ensures that the program is both supportive and effective in meeting the needs of its participants.
One of the most unique aspects of the Nexus program is its accessibility. There’s no waiver, entrance fee, or request for insurance information to join. The program is completely free of charge, making it an invaluable resource for individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford such services. Dallman’s goal is to create a service that is available to all adults with autism in New Jersey, regardless of their financial background.
For Dr. Dallman, the “independence-style intervention” offered by Nexus doesn’t stop in Newark. One of his students is bringing the Nexus approach to Wisconsin, expanding its reach to help more adults with autism across the country. Dallman is also looking to form a partnership with Newark Public Schools to ensure that future generations of adults with autism will have access to the support they need as they transition from school to independent living.
The success of the Nexus program demonstrates the crucial role community-based services can play in improving the lives of adults with autism. As more individuals enroll and participate, it’s clear that this program has the potential to transform the way services for adults with autism are offered, helping to meet the growing demand for these essential resources.
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