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...

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. 

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

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...

Presented by: Carol Boyer, APN-C, Clinical Program Manager/Breast Nurse Specialist &amp; Jamie Schwartz, MSW, LCSW This group is for those who have experienced breast cancer and wish to receive support from others who have similar experiences, and to share information about ways to manage common concerns for breast cancer survivors. This support group will be held in the Private Dining Room (next to the Berkeley Heights Campus Café) For more information or to register please call 908-277-8670.

Presented by: Carol Boyer, APN-C, Clinical Program Manager/Breast Nurse Specialist &amp; Jamie Schwartz, MSW, LCSW

This group is for those who have experienced breast cancer and wish to receive support from others who have similar experiences, and to share information about ways to manage common concerns for breast cancer survivors. This support group will be held in the Private Dining Room (next to the Berkeley Heights Campus Café)

For more information or to register please call 908-277-8670.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Group for Patients Who Are a Year or More Postdiagnosis

Schools

Westfield

Springfield

Cranford

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

 
Calling all Tricky Tray lovers —you won’t want to miss this!  Join us on April 18 for an afternoon of bidding, baskets,...

Tricky Tray Fans - This One’s For You

Rhythm & RenewalA Dance Experience for Caregivers

Julie Bocabella, Healing Movement Instructor
Join us for an inspiring...

Rhythm & Renewal - A Dance Experience for Caregivers

Looking for a fabulous preschool for your 2½–5‑year‑old?  
We’d love to welcome you to our OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, April 22...

Open House at New Providence Presbyterian Church Preschool & Kindergarten 

Flamenco music & dance meets Jazz in concert!The New Bojaira Flamenco/Jazz Band performs at the Latin Jazz @ Galeria music...

Flamenco music & dance meets Jazz with the acclaimed New Bojaira Band from Granada, Spain & beyond!

A Timeless Guide to True Happiness. Learn how the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita guides you to discover the true source of...

Bhagavad Gita - The Way to Happiness

Shelter-In-Place At Clark High School In Lifted...

Police were on the property as Arthur L. Johnson High School investigated a threat on Friday.

Shelter-In-Place At Clark High School In Lifted After Threat

Shelter-In-Place At High School In Union County Lifted After Threat

Cape May County

Ocean City

Body Found In Cape May County Canal

New Jersey State Police have not identified the person. 

Crime & Safety

Drop Box, Polling Place Changes For 2026...

Union County's 24 ballot drop boxes open Friday, and affected voters will get postcards about polling place changes.

Drop Box, Polling Place Changes For 2026 Primary Announced In Union County 

Politics & Government

Bergen County

Ridgewood-Glen Rock

Dramatic 60 Degree Weather Shift Coming To NJ

Thunderstorms and "sub-freezing temperatures" are in the New Jersey forecast for the weekend and workweek.

Weather

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. 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Schools

Breast Cancer Survivorship Group for Patients Who Are a Year or More Postdiagnosis

Summit Medical Group, Neighbor

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

More from New Providence-Berkeley Heights

NJ Sheriff's Officer Dies In I-78 Motorcycle Crash, Authorities Say

All Lanes Closed On I-78 West Due To Crash Investigation In Berkeley Heights

Mass Layoffs Coming To Union County-Based Financial Services Tech Company