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...

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...

Columbia Middle School students recently participated in a school-wide Talent Show performance in February.  The hosts, production, and stage crew made it possible for students to showcase their talents including gymnastics, singing, piano, and electric guitar.  The students thoroughly entertained their audience members.  Columbia's certainly got talent!

Columbia Middle School students recently participated in a school-wide Talent Show performance in February.  The hosts, production, and stage crew made it possible for students to showcase their talents including gymnastics, singing, piano, and electric guitar.  The students thoroughly entertained their audience members.  Columbia’s certainly got talent!

From gymnastics to guitar playing, students come together to delight the audience.

Columbia Middle School's Got Talent

Sports

Westfield

Springfield

Cranford

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

Roxiticus Golf Club

We are very excited to announce that the 8th annual Juniors Fore Goryeb youth charity golf event is back! It will be held on May 12,, 2026 at Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham, NJ. Registration is at 3:30PM, shotgun start is at 4:00PM.
It is the annual fundraiser for Kids4Kids, the youth charity group of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center.&nbsp; The group encourages children and teens to get involved with charity, volunteering, and fundraising through hands-on projects and group activities that benefit Atlantic Health Goryeb Children’s Hospital.
The event is a nine-hole scramble format (shotgun start) for junior golfers ages 10 through college-age with prizes, on-course games, and a box dinner to follow.&nbsp; Parents may participate with their kids, as well. &nbsp; And you can create your own twosome or foursome or be added to a group.&nbsp; Registration is $125 per player (group discounts are available).
Juniors Fore Goryeb is unique in that it is the only junior golf event in the area organized and run by kids (teens and young adults) for other kids.&nbsp; Funds from this year’s event will go towards Child Life Supplies for Child Life Specialists who focus on keeping young patients calm and distracted during their hospital stay and to support parents/caregivers of children cared for at Atlantic Health Goryeb Children’s Hospital in dire financial need (i.e. for transportation, medication, food, and financial assistance).&nbsp;
Visit our Web site at&nbsp;juniors-fore-goryeb.perfectgolfevent.com/ for more information, to register to play, donate, and sponsor.&nbsp; You may contact us through the Web site if you have any questions.&nbsp;

Local Event: Juniors Fore Goryeb: Local Youth Charity Event Seeks Players

Berkeley Heights

Juniors Fore Goryeb: Local Youth Charity Event...

We are very excited to announce that the 8th annual Juniors Fore Goryeb youth charity golf event is back! It will be held on...

Juniors Fore Goryeb: Local Youth Charity Event Seeks Players

The Madison Hotel Morristown, NJ

Join the Center for Hope Hospice &amp; Palliative Care for their 3rd annual Monte Carlo Casino Night!&nbsp; We have an exciting night planned...but it won't be the same without you there!&nbsp; All proceeds benefit the patients and families of the Center for Hope!&nbsp; Join us for delicious food, an open bar, your favorite casino games, and some amazing prizes!

Local Event: Monte Carlo Casino Night

Monte Carlo Casino Night

Join the Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care for their 3rd annual Monte Carlo Casino Night!  We have an exciting night...

Greenwood Gardens

<h4>PART&nbsp;OF THE PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES</h4>
Generously Sponsored by Citizens Private WealthMay 17; 3 PM to 5 PM
With Janet Mavec, Author, Jewelry Designer, and Creator of Bird Haven Farm
In her inspiring talk, Janet will provide insight into the evolution of Bird Haven Farm, a historic 100-acre New Jersey farm she reimagined into a celebrated private garden that serves as the subject of her new book, Bird Haven Farm: The Story of an Original American Garden, highlighted by the stunning photography of Ngoc Minh Ngo. Janet, whose lifelong love of nature has also inspired her acclaimed jewelry designs, will explore the intersection of design, sustainability, and personal passion that defines Bird Haven Farm.
$30 members; $35 non-members
Book pre-order: $36

Local Event: The Making of Bird Haven Farm ~ Tales from the Terrain

The Making of Bird Haven Farm ~ Tales from the...

PART OF THE PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES
Generously Sponsored by Citizens Private WealthMay 17; 3 PM to 5 PM
With...

The Making of Bird Haven Farm ~ Tales from the Terrain

Across America

Popular Chocolate Recalled For Salmonella:...

A common item in your lunch tote may be among more than 8 million recalled for safety concerns; cuddly teddy bears pose an injury hazard.

Popular Chocolate Recalled For Salmonella: Recall Roundup

Health & Fitness

Sussex County

Hopatcong-Sparta

NJ Murder Suspect May Have Admitted To The...

A witness told the court that Robert McCaffrey Jr. admitted to killing Lisa McBride in 1995, five years after she was found murdered. 

NJ Murder Suspect May Have Admitted To The Killing In 1995: Report

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What’s The Best Thing To Say To Someone Who Is...

Knowing what not to say when someone is grieving a family member, friend or pet is sometimes easier than finding words that offer comfort.

What’s The Best Thing To Say To Someone Who Is Grieving? [The Question]

Community Corner

NJ Sheriff's Officer Dies In I-78 Motorcycle...

The 28-year-old had "an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community," the Union County sheriff said. 

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Columbia Middle School's Got Talent

From gymnastics to guitar playing, students come together to delight the audience.

Mike Curci, Patch Staff

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Lawn-Gevity Landscaping

Picatinny Federal Credit Union

The Uncommon Thread

The Pool Boss

Springfield Collectibles

Somerset Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

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Columbia Middle School's Got Talent

From gymnastics to guitar playing, students come together to delight the audience.

Mike Curci, 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"/>

Mike Curci, Patch Staff