For families of children with special needs daily living demands
constant planning, juggling of activities and working to keep a routine
in the child’s life.  The result is many parents get little alone time
– for themselves or as a couple.  Parents, who know their child’s
challenges so intimately, struggle with the idea of leaving them with
strangers.  This was the case for Laura Krupa of Franklin Township.  Ms.
Krupa’s daughter Kelly is 13 and has developmental delays and special
needs.

When Laura’s friends planned a girl’s trip to the Caribbean in the
fall she wanted to go, but needed to find someone she trusted to care
for Kelly for a few hours when she gets off the school bus and until her
husband comes home.  Ms. Krupa explained, “I have always depended on
my sons or a neighbor to help get Kelly settled after school if I cannot
be there. Now they are all grown and are either at college or work.  My
husband and I are very particular in who we trust to watch our daughter
because she has little awareness of danger or could potentially walk off
our property without proper supervision.”

Ms. Krupa called Visiting Health and Supportive Services Neighbor Care
Program for assistance.  The Neighbor Care Program can place
specially-trained companions in the home to provide supervision, company
and help prepare light meals.   The program is able to provide care for
children with special needs, older adults and even new parents who need
an extra hand.  Companions help clients take part in a variety of
activities, including: taking a walk, monitoring medication usage,
reading aloud, creating crafts, playing games, doing laundry, helping
with meal planning and preparation, sharing reminiscences as well as
conversation and basic grooming.

“Kelly is use to a regular routine and it is hard for her if it is
broken.  She comes home from school and has a snack, likes to draw,
plays games and enjoys feeding our sheep. I feel secure having a
Companion come in because I know it is a service I can rely on and she
will be in good hands,” stated Ms. Krupa.

For more information on the Neighbor Care program call Cheryl Tigar at
908-788-2568.

The Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties provides local New Jersey families with friendly, caring support services and educational programs.  They provide peer-support and youth support in the community for families experiencing stress due to a child with a behavioral challenge.

You can contact them if you are looking for information on:

• ADHD – Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Adolescent Suicide
• Anxiety Disorders
• Autism
• Bipolar Disorder
• Dealing with Your Child’s Diagnosis
• Depression in Adolescents
• Seeking Professional Help
• Working With Schools

For more information visit their website at http://www.fso-hsw.org or call 908-788-8585.

Special Needs Children & Adults

The Arc of Hunterdon has formed a support group for people with disabilities.  COPING (Community Outreach Promoting Independence through Networking and Guidance) meets on the first Wednesday of each month 7-9 pm at the Community Services Building on Gauntt Place in Raritan Township.  The meetings include topics relating to self advocacy, independent living skills, education, peer support and community outreach.  The Link provides transportation.  For more information call The Arc of Hunterdon at 908-730-7827.

Super Saturday Program for children (5-10) who have developmental disabilities and would like to have fun socializing with their peers while participating in fun recreational activities. For more info. call Arc of Hunterdon County, 730-7827, ext. 231.

The Hunterdon Autism Support Group is a resource for parents whose children have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Whether your child is newly diagnosed or is older and you need to talk to other parents of kids with autism, you are invited to attend an upcoming meeting.  For more information please cell Sher at 782-8948.

Autism In Hunterdon: An online support group for parents of children with autism. Visit their website.

Hunterdon County COSAC (Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community) meetings hosted by JW Tumbles in Clinton. The first Monday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Nancy Arvizzigno, M.A. is the facilitator and Marybeth Ruchlin is the parent contact @ (908) 730-7002.

Are You a Mom with a teen that has Asperger Sydrome? Then Asperger Friends Support Group is the place for your teenager.  We are forming a group for Young Adults – ages 18- and up who have Asperger’s Syndrome. Other young people with high-functioning autism, or PDD may also be comfortable in our group. The main purpose of the group will be socializing. We plan to meet once a month for a support-type group where we will get to know one another and talk about the challenges of our jobs or college classes, learning to deal with co-workers, and finding friends when school is over. We would also like to meet one other night each month to go to a movie, out to dinner, bowling or any other activities that group members are interested in. We have tentatively arranged to meet at Healthquest in Flemington on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Parents would be welcome to meet with one another at the same time. The group will have a facilitator, someone who can help us with the tasks of running a meeting. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our group, please contact Matt at info@aspergerfriends.com or Greg at United@Flashmail.com We would love to hear from you and have you be part of planning this new group.

The Gifted Child Society

Hunterdon Medical Center’s Child Development Center – (908) 788-6396 (Birth to 21 years old).

The ARC of Hunterdon (services for developmentally disabled citizens): (908) 730-7827 and visit their website.

SMILES programs run by the ARC of Hunterdon:  Call Allison Lansky at (908) 730-7827 x236

Spina Bifida Association of the Tri-State Region: empowering the lives of people with spina bifida through advocacy, education, public awareness, research and  programs, and to promote the prevention of spina bifida.  Call (908) 782-7475 and visit their website.

Alternatives, Inc. serves individuals with developmental disabilities: (908) 685-1444 or visit their website.

Community-Based Support for Children With Autism website.

Special Olympics New Jersey and the Young Athlete Program website.

SPAN-Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. (Hunterdon County Resource Center): 609-397-4882 or visit their website.

Hunterdon County Resources for Mental Health website.

NJ State Department of Education “The Parent’s Circle” website, for information on education for special needs children.

updated 12/11/09

Family Support Guide, provided by Special Child Health Services at Hunterdon Medical Center. The Guide provides you with a directory of valuable resources, services and links for your special-needs child.

March of Dimes – North Jersey Chapter: (201) 882-0700 and visit their website.

Project Child Find (for parents of special needs children): (800)322-8174