When a Year Is Too Long: NJ Nonprofit Cuts Autism Wait Times

The Uncommon Thread

Across New Jersey, many families wait 9–12 months for an autism diagnostic evaluation, delaying access to therapy during the most critical years of early childhood development. A New Jersey nonprofit, The Uncommon Thread, is working to change that. For nearly 20 years, the organization has supported children with autism and their families. Now it has launched a coordinated 30-Day Pathway designed to move families from initial concern to diagnostic evaluation and evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in approximately one month whenever possible. This streamlined process supports families, pediatricians, schools, and diagnosing specialists by reducing delays and improving coordination of care. The organization leverages its extensive network of partnering specialists throughout NJ to help secure timely diagnostic evaluations and accelerate access to treatment. The nonprofit is also advancing earlier identification by leveraging EarliPoint, an FDA-cleared eye-tracking diagnostic tool that can detect autism risk as early as 16 months of age with about 90% accuracy. The Uncommon Thread provides early intervention services for children ages 1–5, when therapy can have the greatest impact on language, communication, and long-term developmental outcomes. “The system was never designed to move quickly enough for young children with autism,” said Greg Carr, Founder and Executive Director of The Uncommon Thread. “When families are told to wait six months, nine months, or even a year, that is a time in a child's development they cannot get back. We created the 30-Day Pathway because children cannot afford delays. The earlier we identify and intervene, the greater the opportunity to change the course of a child’s life.” As Autism Awareness Month approaches, the organization hopes to raise awareness about the importance of early identification and timely intervention. For more information contact: earlyanswers@theuncommonthread.org or 908-604-4500.

Union County

New York City Metropolitan Area

New Providence-Berkeley Heights

New Jersey

Across New Jersey, many families wait 9–12 months for an autism diagnostic evaluation, delaying access to therapy during the most critical years of...

Luxury Apartments at Cranford’s Hyatt Hills

Fairways at Cranford

Fairways at Cranford is a newly developed luxury apartment community offering modern one- and two-bedroom residences in one of Union County’s most desirable locations. Set alongside the scenic Hyatt Hills Golf Course, the community offers a rare “living on the green” experience—combining peaceful surroundings with convenient access to everything Cranford has to offer. Each residence features thoughtfully designed layouts with contemporary finishes, in-unit washer and dryer, and high-quality appliances. Residents also enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a fitness center, resident lounge, coworking spaces, and professionally maintained outdoor areas. Located just minutes from downtown Cranford, Fairways provides easy access to restaurants, shopping, and NJ Transit service with direct connections to New York City—making it ideal for commuters and those seeking a balance between suburban comfort and urban accessibility. Professionally managed by Greystar, Fairways at Cranford delivers a refined rental experience in a highly sought-after market. Schedule a tour today to experience elevated living at Fairways at Cranford.

Cranford

Fairways at Cranford is a newly developed luxury apartment community offering modern one- and two-bedroom residences in one of Union County’s most...

Insurcomm Restoration

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. 	 Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner for full-service property damage restoration — from emergency response and mitigation through complete reconstruction, all under one roof. For over 30 years, we've helped homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and insurance carriers recover from water damage, fire and smoke, mold, biohazard incidents, and catastrophic events.	 Our Services: • Water Damage Cleanup &amp; Mitigation • Fire &amp; Smoke Damage Restoration • Mold Remediation • Biohazard &amp; Environmental Cleanup • Contents Cleaning &amp; Restoration • Full Reconstruction &amp; Rebuild • 24/7 Catastrophe Response	 	 Why Insurcomm: • 24/7 Emergency Help Line — fast response when minutes matter • IICRC-Certified Professionals delivering precision craftsmanship • Dedicated project management with a single point of contact • Clear, transparent communication from first notice of loss to final walkthrough • Trusted by national and regional insurers for day-to-day claims and complex losses		 Insurcomm is a Fortify Company, a national property protection platform with 100+ markets nationwide. Locally rooted, nationally backed.		 Call our 24-hour response line: (844) 424-9283

Burlington County

Burlington

Southampton

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner...

kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-home renovations

Home Concepts Construction 

Home Concepts Construction works on kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-home renovations across northern New Jersey. We started this company because too many remodels go off the rails for the same reasons every time: scope wasn’t pinned down, hidden conditions turned into “surprise” change orders, and the homeowner felt left in the dark for weeks at a time.

Home Concepts Construction works on kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-home renovations across northern New Jersey. We started this company...

PSE&G

Public Service Electric &amp; Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&amp;G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 24 consecutive years. In 2025, for the fourth consecutive year, J.D. Power named PSE&amp;G number one in customer satisfaction for residential electric service in the East among large utilities.  PSE&amp;G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

Bridgewater

Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s...

Your one stop outdoor company. From grass to pavers.

Lawn-Gevity Landscaping 

Full service lawn care company, in business since 1994.  We do it all lawn care, sprinkler installation and repair, landscape lighting, planting, masonry, pavers, and snow removal.  From design to installation and maintenance.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Full service lawn care company, in business since 1994. We do it all lawn care, sprinkler installation and repair, landscape lighting, planting,...

Serving Morris, Somerset, Union, and Essex counties

Picatinny Federal Credit Union

Picatinny Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial partner for individuals and their families who live, work, worship, or learn in Morris, Somerset, Union, and Essex counties. For 85+ years, we’ve been dedicated to helping our members and community thrive. We support members like family and help them navigate financial needs through all stages of life. Since our founding, we’ve reinvested our profits and passed them along to our members, not shareholders. Member-owned and led translates to lower fees, higher savings rates, more conveniences, and better loan terms. Our more than 19,000 members have access to five branch locations, 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and robust 24/7 online banking. Picatinny Federal Credit Union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Picatinny Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial partner for individuals and their families who live, work, worship, or learn in Morris,...

Transforming New Jersey Backyards Into Private Oases

The Pool Boss

Based in Wayne, New Jersey, The Pool Boss is an award-winning design and construction firm recognized as one of the "world’s greatest" pool companies and a premier builder in New Jersey. Specializing in rapid, high-quality installations and custom backyard transformations, the company offers elite amenities including fire pits, landscaping, hardscaping, water features, and outdoor kitchens. As an owner-operated company, The Pool Boss is led by founder and CEO Christopher Argenziano, whose hands-on approach ensures accountability and precision for every project. Built on the philosophy that a five-star experience is created by people rather than just plans, The Pool Boss provides bespoke designs tailored to the unique vision and needs of every family. 

Basking Ridge

Based in Wayne, New Jersey, The Pool Boss is an award-winning design and construction firm recognized as one of the "world’s greatest" pool...

 Springfield Collectibles

We specialize in selling collectibles, electronics and household items on trusted online marketplaces. With over 8 years of experience, we handle the entire selling process, from listing to delivery, so you don’t have to. Once your items are sold, you get paid. Our goal is to maximize value and get you the best possible return for your items. Turn your items collecting dust into Income with sellers you can trust. 

Summit

We specialize in selling collectibles, electronics and household items on trusted online marketplaces. With over 8 years of experience, we handle...

A patient-centered plastic surgery practice

Somerset Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Matthew Clott’s Somerset Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (now a member of the prestigious Atlantic Health Partners division of Atlantic Healthcare) is a patient-centered plastic surgery practice that offers a variety of aesthetic enhancements, including Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and Eyelid Lifts. Dr. Clott is also skilled at reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, excision and reconstruction of skin cancers, traumatic plastic surgery and all hand surgery. His extensive hand surgery experience allows him to comfortably manage complex hand trauma, carpal tunnels, trigger fingers, Dequervaines disease, Dupytrene’s hand contractures and most other hand related issues (bone, nerve, tendon, soft tissue). Dr. Clott pride’s himself on an incredible personal experience and attention to detail, giving each patient the time they need to understand the issue and make a safe and effective plan of care.

Warren

Dr. Matthew Clott’s Somerset Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (now a member of the prestigious Atlantic Health Partners division of Atlantic...

Berkeley Heights will celebrate its annual baseball parade on Saturday, April 13. A rain date of April 14 has been set. Players should arrive in uniform without cleats at the Berkeley Heights Firehouse by 12:45 p.m.. The parade will go to Snyder field where hot dogs and refreshments will be served. All family members are welcome.

Berkeley Heights will celebrate its annual baseball parade on Saturday, April 13. A rain date of April 14 has been set.

Players should arrive in uniform without cleats at the Berkeley Heights Firehouse by 12:45 p.m.. The parade will go to Snyder field where hot dogs and refreshments will be served. All family members are welcome.

Berkeley Heights Opening Day Baseball Parade Set for April 13

Sports

Westfield

Springfield

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

Shady Rest Country Club

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Begins at 7:00 p.m., fireworks at dusk Location: Shady Rest Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ Cost: Free Features: Live entertainment, food trucks, fireworks display

Local Event: Scotch Plains Fireworks Celebration

Scotch Plains Fireworks Celebration

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026  Time: Begins at 7:00 p.m., fireworks at dusk  Location: Shady Rest Country Club, Scotch Plains,...

Cranford Performance Institute

Join Coach Dennis McCaffery for a series of baseball and all-sports camps designed for 1st through 7th graders to train, play, and level up their skills. These camps offer flexible scheduling including half-day, full-day, and Friday add-on options, now featuring softball training as well. Camp starts at $275 per week (M-Thursday)&nbsp;for a summer of high-energy athletic development. Multi-week registration &amp;&nbsp;Sibling discounts available - contact us for more info!

Local Event: Summer Fun At Cranford Performance Institute

Summer Fun At Cranford Performance Institute

Join Coach Dennis McCaffery for a series of baseball and all-sports camps designed for 1st through 7th graders to train, play,...

FREE WINGS FOR A YEAR FOR THE FIRST 100 GUESTS AT THE NEW BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRAND OPENING IN PISCATAWAY
PISCATAWAY, NJ — Wing lovers, get ready! Buffalo Wild Wings is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location in Piscataway with an exciting giveaway on Sunday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m.
The first 100 guests in line when the doors open will receive FREE Wings for a Year! Whether you're a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the opening of Piscataway's newest sports bar destination.
The new Buffalo Wild Wings is located at:
1315 Centennial Ave Piscataway, NJ 08854
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as the first 100 spots are expected to fill quickly. The grand opening marks an exciting addition to the Piscataway community, giving fans a new place to gather for great food, sports, and entertainment.
Grand Opening Details:
<ul><li>Date: Sunday, July 6</li><li>Time: 11:00 a.m.</li><li>Location: 1315 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854</li></ul>
Don't miss your chance to be one of the first through the doors and score FREE Wings for a Year!

Local Event: First 100 Guests Get Free Wings for a Year at Piscataway Buffalo Wild Wings

Middlesex County

Piscataway

First 100 Guests Get Free Wings for a Year at...

FREE WINGS FOR A YEAR FOR THE FIRST 100 GUESTS AT THE NEW BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRAND OPENING IN PISCATAWAY
PISCATAWAY, NJ — Wing...

First 100 Guests Get Free Wings for a Year at Piscataway Buffalo Wild Wings

🌱 Patch AM: How will New Providence fit into...

And on the New Providence Patch calendar - Scotch Plains Fireworks Celebration

🌱 Patch AM: How will New Providence fit into New Jersey’s new Revolutionary history trail?

Community Corner

Heat Relief Available In Clark As Temperatures...

The Clark Public Library is serving as a cooling center through Thursday for residents who need a break from the heat.

Heat Relief Available In Clark As Temperatures Climb Across Union County

Camden County

Gloucester Township

3-Year-Old NJ Boy Drowns In Family Pool

The Blackwood, New Jersey child drowned and was taken to the hospital.  

Crime & Safety

Man Caught Masturbating In Public Again In...

A Westfield man was arrested at the public library after a reported incident inside the building.

Man Caught Masturbating In Public Again In Westfield, Police Say

Across New Jersey

Parasite Outbreak Sickens People In 17 States,...

Federal health officials are investigating the outbreak of the  foodborne illness.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Sports

Berkeley Heights Opening Day Baseball Parade Set for April 13

Rain date is April 14th.

Elizabeth Alterman, Patch Staff

More from New Providence-Berkeley Heights

New Providence Opens Cooling Centers With Extreme Heat Expected This Week

New Providence Residents Invited To Public Reading of The Declaration Of Independence

New Providence To Host Downtown Fireworks, Community Celebration Event

Scotch Plains Fireworks Celebration

Summer Fun At Cranford Performance Institute

First 100 Guests Get Free Wings for a Year at Piscataway Buffalo Wild Wings

Fairways at Cranford

Insurcomm Restoration

Home Concepts Construction

PSE&G

Lawn-Gevity Landscaping

Picatinny Federal Credit Union

The Uncommon Thread

The Pool Boss

Springfield Collectibles

Somerset Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Berkeley Heights Opening Day Baseball Parade Set for April 13

Rain date is April 14th.

Elizabeth Alterman, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Elizabeth Alterman, Patch Staff