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...

The Berkeley Heights Recreation is offering classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for YOUTH DAYTIME PROGRAMS – 9 MONTHS to 6 YEARS.  The classes available are morning arts &amp; crafts, morning fun &amp; games, a combination of the two sessions - morning arts &amp; crafts/morning fun &amp; games, morning fun &amp; games/lunch, morning fun bunch &amp; lunch and many more.  Please refer to the Berkeley Heights Recreation website to view all the classes.  Cost varies per session chosen.

The Berkeley Heights Recreation is offering classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for YOUTH DAYTIME PROGRAMS – 9 MONTHS to 6 YEARS.  The classes available are morning arts &amp; crafts, morning fun &amp; games, a combination of the two sessions - morning arts &amp; crafts/morning fun &amp; games, morning fun &amp; games/lunch, morning fun bunch &amp; lunch and many more.

Please refer to the Berkeley Heights Recreation website to view all the classes.  Cost varies per session chosen.

YOUTH DAYTIME PROGRAMS – 9 MONTHS to 6 YEARS- Tuesdays & Thrusdays

Sports

Westfield

Springfield

Cranford

Clark-Garwood

Morris County

Chatham

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Watchung-Green Brook

Maplewood

Edison Intermediate School

The Union Chinese School (UCS) in Westfield is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture for the past 47 years. We specialize in teaching Chinese as a Second Language, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for learners of all backgrounds.
📍 Open House Dates: Saturday, May 2 &amp; May 9 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Location: Thomas Alva Edison Intermediate School 800 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ
🎉 What to Expect:
<ul><li>Free Trial Mandarin Class for new families</li><li>Meet our passionate teachers and staff</li><li>Tour our classrooms and see students in action</li><li>Learn about our curriculum and cultural programs</li></ul>
🧒 We welcome students starting at 4 years old and offer a variety of enriching classes, including:
<ul><li>Mandarin Language</li><li>Traditional Chinese Arts – Chinese chess, Chinese dance, Multi Media Crafts</li></ul>
🌟 At UCS, our students don’t just learn the language—they live the culture. During our Chinese New Year celebration in February, students performed Chinese dance, Shadow Play, and even a musical in Chinese (see photos on our website!).
Join our diverse and vibrant community committed to building cultural connections and lifelong learning.
📩 For more information, contact Principal Airu Chen at <a href="https://null/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ucsnjp@gmail.com</a> 🌐 Visit us online at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unionchineseschool.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">www.unionchineseschool.org</a>
We can’t wait to meet you!

Local Event: Discover the Union Chinese School in Westfield – You're Invited to Our Open House!

Discover the Union Chinese School in Westfield...

The Union Chinese School (UCS) in Westfield is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture for...

Discover the Union Chinese School in Westfield – You're Invited to Our Open House!

Grand Avenue

Join us again for a massive office furniture warehouse liquidation sale on Saturday, May 2nd 2026 from 9:30am-4pm
This massive liquidation event will take place at 2300 Route 1 North,
 North&nbsp;Brunswick&nbsp;NJ&nbsp; The Warehouses Dock 5-Behind Panera in the white 
&amp; blue low warehouses....next to&nbsp;Blue Star Glass
Don't miss this opportunity to find incredible deals on quality 
office furniture. We just took in a ton of beautiful commercial grade 
furniture like new from the several&nbsp;large Fortune 100 
corporations....selling 80% off new.
<a href="https://null/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>All
 of our furniture is liquidated from the largest Fortune 100 
corporations in the country that have downsized or relocated...Thousands
 of high-end ergonomic office chair starting @ $75 &amp; up, couches, 
soft seating, club chairs, cubicles, benching, stacking chairs, 
reception &amp; conference room furniture and so much more like new 80% 
off. All furniture cleaned, inspected, sanitized and in stock ready to 
go....
Delivery Available...We can help with your layout &amp; design.
We
 are loaded floor to ceiling with high-end furniture Herman&nbsp;Miller, 
Steelcase,&nbsp;Knoll, Haworth, Humansale, Geiger, Andreu World etc.. 80% off
 new, like new with a 3 year warranty...
1000 5 Star Google Reviews....Come on down!
Architects, Designers, Furniture Dealers, Brokers, Stagers all welcome to save your clients money.
Mention the Patch take $20 off!

Local Event: Tremendous Furniture Liquidation Sale for Home & Office

Middlesex County

North Brunswick

Tremendous Furniture Liquidation Sale for Home...

Join us again for a massive office furniture warehouse liquidation sale on Saturday, May 2nd 2026 from 9:30am-4pm
This massive...

Tremendous Furniture Liquidation Sale for Home & Office

The Presbyterian Church in Westfield

Choral Art Society of New Jersey is busy preparing the second concert of its 2025–2026 season. The concert, The Mestre: History’s Classical Bridge from Rio to Vienna, explores musical connections between the familiar Austrian composers, Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), and the lesser-known Brazilian composer, José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767–1830). The concert will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield (140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ).&nbsp;
The concert repertoire includes Nunes Garcia’s Requiem, Haydn’s Kleine Orgelmesse (Little Organ Mass), and excerpts from two of Mozart’s operas, Così fan tutte and Die Zauberflöte.&nbsp;
Nunes Garcia, born in Rio de Janeiro to Afro-Brazilian parents, studied music from an early age. He was ordained a priest in 1792 and served as organist, conductor, composer, and music teacher at the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral. In 1816, he composed Requiem for the funeral of the Portuguese Queen Maria I, who died in Brazil after fleeing the Napoleonic invasion of her country. The composition is regarded as the most prominent requiem from the Americas and, while greatly influenced by Mozart’s Requiem, it is innovative and prolific in its own right.
Haydn’s Kleine Orgelmesse, composed circa 1775, is an intimate setting of the Mass, evoking the small chapel in Eisenstadt, Austria, where Haydn worked at the time. The chapel could only accommodate a small organ, a few string players, and a small chorus. The composition is also short in length, bowing to the desire of the nobility to spend less time in church. To ensure all parts of the Mass were covered, some movements require the chorus to sing different words simultaneously, a technique known as “telescoping.”
Mozart’s Così fan tutte, a comic opera composed with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, premiered in 1790 in Vienna. The title translates to “So Do They All” but is sometimes referred to as “Women Are Like That.” The music, characteristic of Mozart’s later style, is complex and has great depth of feeling. Die Zauberflöte, or The Magic Flute, composed with librettist Emanuel Schikaneder, premiered in 1791 shortly before Mozart’s death. Inspired by the folk music of the time, the score expertly reflects the personalities of the opera’s main characters.&nbsp;
The May concert will be conducted by Choral Art Society of NJ’s music director, Seth Velez, and will feature the group’s accompanist, Carol Walker. The soprano soloist will be Choral Art Society of NJ’s own Linda Jo Smargiassi. She will be joined by mezzo soprano Mary Pat Finucane, tenor Kevin Ray, and bass George Baolin. A full orchestra will accompany the performance.
General Admission tickets are $35. A discounted ticket price of $30 is offered to seniors (65 and older) and students (18 and older) if purchased in advance of concert day. Youth under 18, Families First cardholders, and WIC recipients are admitted free. To purchase advance tickets for the May 3rd concert, visit <a href="https://www.casofnj.org/ticket" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.casofnj.org/ticket</a>.
Choral Art Society of New Jersey originated as The Suburban Symphony Chorus in 1962. Dedicated to the study and performance of the great choral masterpieces, the chorus performs works spanning many centuries and styles. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members, with a variety of training and experience levels, share a common joy in singing and community. Visit <a href="https://www.casofnj.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.casofnj.org</a> for more information about the group or to donate.
This concert is made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural &amp; Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Local Event: Choral Art Society Concert - The Mestre: History's Classical Bridge from Rio to Vienna

Choral Art Society Concert - The Mestre:...

Choral Art Society of New Jersey is busy preparing the second concert of its 2025–2026 season. The concert, The Mestre:...

Choral Art Society Concert - The Mestre: History's Classical Bridge from Rio to Vienna

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

Man Arrested In Chick-Fil-A Mass Shooting In...

Authorities shared new details following the fatal mass shooting in Union County on April 11.

Man Arrested In Chick-Fil-A Mass Shooting In Union Township

Crime & Safety

Passaic County

Wayne

 Taco Bell Burrito Breaks NJ Woman’s Teeth,...

The woman also claims she suffered food poisoning from the fast food chain's product. 

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Across America

Mom Knows Best: Tell Us About Her For A Mother...

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Seasonal & Holidays

The Doorbell Rings; Do You Answer, Or Has...

For many readers, the standard isn’t etiquette but safety or privacy when they decide whether to answer the door.

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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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