Garden State Times

The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would establish the "Training Clinicians to Support Adults with Autism Workforce Development Program” in the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services.

"Many adults with autism in New Jersey are currently without access to high-quality services and supports. As a result, these individuals are often completely reliant on parents, family, and other caregivers to meet basic needs,” said Corrado (R-40).

"This situation represents a crisis for many adults with autism and their families. A lack of trained support staff for this growing population, limited research-based support practices, and limited research-based service delivery models all contribute to these issues. This legislation will help address this Statewide crisis using an innovative, multifaceted approach to support adults with autism." - Senator Kristin Corrado

Under Corrado’s bill, S-743, the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services will have discretion to determine the scope and details of the program, including the duration of the program and whether to offer different iterations to different student populations.  

However, the bill specifies that, at a minimum, the program is to seek to annually enroll eight to 10 students and provide 20 to 40 hours of intensive training per week. The program will seek to recruit students enrolled in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs across a range of disciplines, with a focus on recruiting students who demonstrate a commitment to a future career supporting adults with autism. 

Corrado's measure also appropriates $500,000 to the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services to support the establishment and implementation of the program.

To speak with Sen. Corrado about this legislation, contact Jonathan Azzara in the SRO communications department at [email protected].