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...

kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-home renovations

Home Concepts Construction 

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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...

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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.

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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

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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. 

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A patient-centered plastic surgery practice

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

Summer is the time to be outdoors with friends and family at picnics and barbecues. But the warm weather also brings an increase in foodborne illnesses when food sits out in hot, humid conditions. Summit Medical Group's registered dietician, Susan C. Canonico, discusses how to safely cook, transport and serve your food. <a href="https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/48092/2012/07/34e217e65b3203b90424c48a742fa019.mp4" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Download the movie</a>

Summer is the time to be outdoors with friends and family at picnics and barbecues. But the warm weather also brings an increase in foodborne illnesses when food sits out in hot, humid conditions. Summit Medical Group's registered dietician, Susan C. Canonico, discusses how to safely cook, transport and serve your food.

<a href="https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/48092/2012/07/34e217e65b3203b90424c48a742fa019.mp4" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Download the movie</a>

Summertime weather brings an increase in foodborne illnesses. Summit Medical Group's registered dietician, Susan C. Canonico, discusses how to safely cook, transport and serve your food.

Medical Monday: Keep Summer Foods Safe

Health & Fitness

Westfield

Springfield

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

The Presbyterian Church in Westfield

Step into a realm of legend and wonder with One Thousand and One Nights. Guitarist Karol Samuelčík, presented in collaboration with the Slovak American Cultural Center, illuminates Rodrigo’s Fantasía para un gentilhombre, leading into Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade—a richly woven tapestry of sound inspired by the timeless Arabian tales.

Local Event: One Thousand and One Nights

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Step into a realm of legend and wonder with One Thousand and One Nights. Guitarist Karol Samuelčík, presented in collaboration...

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