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 

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.

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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

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...

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — A Chatham woman was arrested for aggravated assault after throwing bodily fluids on a New Providence Police Officer following a hit-and-run accident. On May 11, Cpl. Andrew Diamond arrested Bridget Rissmiller, 40, of Chatham Township. Along with the assault charge she was also charged with throwing bodily fluids on a police officer, two counts of obstruction of the administration of law, reckless driving, failure to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident, New Providence Police report. The arrest stemmed from a hit-and-run accident investigation. Rissmiller was processed and released pending a future court appearance. (Image via Shutterstock) Have a news tip? Email <a href="mailto:alexis.tarrazi@patch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alexis.tarrazi@patch.com</a>. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. <a href="https://patch.com/us/across-america/get-everything-local-new-patch-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download here</a>.

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — A Chatham woman was arrested for aggravated assault after throwing bodily fluids on a New Providence Police Officer following a hit-and-run accident.

On May 11, Cpl. Andrew Diamond arrested Bridget Rissmiller, 40, of Chatham Township. Along with the assault charge she was also charged with throwing bodily fluids on a police officer, two counts of obstruction of the administration of law, reckless driving, failure to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident, New Providence Police report. The arrest stemmed from a hit-and-run accident investigation. Rissmiller was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

(Image via Shutterstock) Have a news tip? Email <a href="mailto:alexis.tarrazi@patch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alexis.tarrazi@patch.com</a>.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. <a href="https://patch.com/us/across-america/get-everything-local-new-patch-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download here</a>.

Chatham Woman Threw Bodily Fluids At Police

A Chatham woman was arrested for aggravated assault on a New Providence Police Officer following a hit-and-run accident.

Chatham Woman Threw Bodily Fluids At Police Officer: NPPD

Crime & Safety

Westfield

Springfield

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

Willow Grove Presbyterian Church

Experience a diverse cultural celebration featuring the Chinese American Music Ensemble conducted by Shuang Guo, Tibetan dance by Jenna Hu, and a solo performance by pianist Paul Didario. Following the free concert, enjoy an International Dinner with ticket proceeds benefiting the Community Food Bank of NJ and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Local Event: International Concert

International Concert

Experience a diverse cultural celebration featuring the Chinese American Music Ensemble conducted by Shuang Guo, Tibetan dance...

 Saint John's Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ, 07901

Experience a powerful vocal performance by the Summit Chorale in their upcoming concert themed "Liberty and Justice for All".&nbsp;
In commemoration of our country's 250th anniversary, the program includes Florence Price's "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight,"&nbsp;opera choruses from John Adams' "Nixon in China", selections from Randall Thompson's "Testament of Freedom", and Peter Wilhousky's moving rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"&nbsp;

Local Event: Summit Chorale Concert: Liberty And Justice For All

Summit Chorale Concert: Liberty And Justice For...

Experience a powerful vocal performance by the Summit Chorale in their upcoming concert themed "Liberty and Justice for...

Summit Chorale Concert: Liberty And Justice For All

Large black cast iron picnic table with 6 matching chairs.&nbsp; Good condition with a few paint chips.&nbsp; Umbrella not included.$200 OBO&nbsp; pick up only

Cast Iron Picnic Table and Chairs

Large black cast iron picnic table with 6 matching chairs.  Good condition with a few paint chips.  Umbrella not included.$200 OBO  pick up only

Deadly Union County Shooting Under Investigation

Authorities said a 39-year-old Plainfield man died after a shooting near Campbell Field Sunday morning.

New Providence Green Leader Recognized As...

Doug Sullivan has chaired Sustainable New Providence for 11 years, helping the borough achieve Silver Certification.

New Providence Green Leader Recognized As Sustainability Hero By Statewide Program

Community Corner

Car Crashes Into Route 22 Concrete Barrier, 2...

The driver and passenger were taken to a hospital in critical condition following the Monday morning crash.

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Crime & Safety

Chatham Woman Threw Bodily Fluids At Police Officer: NPPD

A Chatham woman was arrested for aggravated assault on a New Providence Police Officer following a hit-and-run accident.

Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Chatham Woman Threw Bodily Fluids At Police Officer: NPPD

A Chatham woman was arrested for aggravated assault on a New Providence Police Officer following a hit-and-run accident.

Alexis Tarrazi, 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"/>

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff