I spend hours taking note of every little detail of which playground, water park, or pool I want to take them to.  How safe is it for two boys who don’t understand the concept of danger? Is it enclosed enough so I can see them both? How far away are the bathrooms? How many people will be there so my little guy can satisfy the 10-feet diameter of “personal space” he likes to keep around him?  And let’s just say I try to avoid places where someone is likely to say something about my boys’ behavior, or roll their eyes at them, and basically not only ruin their day but my own. Yes, folks, this is why my summers are so stressful!

So for those of you planning a vacation to the boardwalk of Keansburg, the quiet, quaint town of Spring Lake, or braving the Jersey shore with your Autistic child – fear not!  Keep in mind that although you may be far away from home, help is always close by. 
           
MONMOUTH COUNTY

ASPEN  (Manalapan)

This support group is for parents and caregivers of children who have Asperger’s or any other autism spectrum disorder.  ASPEN of Western Monmouth County will meet the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters. For more information, please contact Ann Hiller @ 732-446-7610 or ann0912@aol.com.

Atlantic Highlands Autism Meet-Up Group (Middletown)

The “meet-up” group is for parents who have children on the Autism Spectrum or any other developmental disability.  The group meets at Panera Bread in Middletown, NJ.  For dates and times, please contact Jodi Frunzi @ 732-397-1113 or Jodi@jodistutoring.com.

Autism Support Group – COSAC (Manalapan)

This group is targeted for parents, family members and caregivers of children on the Autism Spectrum.  The group meets at the Monmouth County Library on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.  Please contact Cheryl and Mike Aquino @732-252-5545 for more information.

SPANISH Support Group (Long Branch)

This support groups serves the Spanish speaking community and is for parents of children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or any other developmental disability.  The group meets at 279 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., dates vary.  Please contact Ana Salgado @ 732-713-9027 for more information.

OCEAN COUNTY

ASPEN (Toms River)

This support group is for parents and caregivers of children who have Asperger’s or any other autism spectrum disorder.  ASPEN of Ocean County will meet the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River. For more information, please contact Eileen Davis Kovar @ 732-473-9630 or aspenoc@comcast.net.

Autism Support Group – COSAC (Toms River)

This group is targeted for parents, family members and caregivers of children on the Autism Spectrum.  The group meets at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Toms Rivers, NJ, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., dates vary.  Marie and Brandon Chornobroff @ 732-363-6228 for more information.
 
FACES

The Autism Support Network Southern Ocean County Chapter is a support group for parents of children with Autism.  Please refer to website for up-to-date meeting schedule or call Isabelle Mosca @ 609-412-3750.