Sen. President Sweeney Visits Princeton For World Autism Awareness Day

State Sen. President Steve Sweeney recognized the work done by the Princeton Child Development Institute and other groups in support of those with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Sweeney visited the institute on Thursday for World Autism Awareness Day. On March 16, the New Jersey Senate approved unanimously a resolution sponsored by Sweeney designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day each year.

Sweeney was joined in his visit on Thursday by Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert, Princeton Councilwoman Heather Howard, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Liz Muoio, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and members of Autism New Jersey, a statewide advocacy group.

“The work accomplished by the Princeton Child Development Institute is valuable to all the families with loved ones with developmental disabilities, including autism,” Sweeney (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem) said. “As a father of a child who greatly benefited from special education services that meet the needs of a developmental disability I know the value of the programs and the educators who dedicate their lives to children with special needs. It is important that we recognize their work, and that we keep pushing to ensure everyone, whatever their abilities, can become a thriving member of society.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a brain disorder characterized by difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and learning everyday skills.

The Princeton Child Development Institute was founded in 1970. It is a private, non-profit program offering a broad spectrum of science-based services to children, youths, and adults with autism.

It provides treatment, education, and professional training and mentoring in New Jersey.

Through its research, it has pioneered comprehensive intervention models that are used nationally and internationally for the benefit of persons with autism. It shares these programs, as well as its technology and research, with professionals in the US and abroad so that all people who struggle with autism may benefit.

“The Princeton Child Development Institute continues to provide science-based intervention for people with autism across the lifespan,” Institute Executive Director Dr. Gregory MacDuff said. “Youngsters learn to talk and play with friends, and to read, write and spell. Adolescents complete relevant academic tasks but also acquire pre-vocational and home- and community-living skills that promote their full participation with their families and home communities, and we assist adults in acquiring appropriate job placement and provide instruction regarding the acquisition of relevant life skills. Our success in providing this level of intervention is directly related to support provided by Senator Sweeney and we are grateful that he has continued to advocate for people with autism and all developmental disabilities.”

Sweeney has also introduced legislation authorizing the establishment of tax-exempt accounts for persons with developmental disabilities. The Senate is still working on that bill.

The attached images were provided by the New Jersey Democrats:

Photo 1: Senator Sweeney with a student and PCDI teacher.

Photo 2, from left to right: Debbie Charrette, Autism NJ Public Policy Director, Suzanne Buchanan, Autism NJ ED;David Miller, parent; Senator Sweeney; Pam Machold, Founding Parent; Marianne Lynch, Parent; Senator Turner; Assemblywoman Muoio; Patti Gianone, parent; Derek Gianone, student; Matt Gianone, parent; Assemblyman Gusciora; Roland Machold, parent; Councilwoman Heather Howard; Mayor Liz Lempert; Mark Mautone, 2014-2015 NJ Teacher of the Year; Greg MacDuff, PCDI ED.)