Kids Guide NJ | Kids Health & Family Services | Children's Doctors, Therapy, Specialists, Special Needs, Support Groups in New Jersey

New Jersey's guide to places, events and services for children, teens and families
Pick up a copy of the Kids Guide FREE at libraries, stores, schools, real estate and professional offices in northcentral New Jersey and
at tourist info centers throughout the state for a complete calendar and guide to children and family events, programs and services!

Adoption | Children's Groups | Health Care Facilities | Health Education Museum |

Hotlines/Info Lines

Health Services
Financial Assistance | Safety

adoption

Adoptive Mothers Club of Morris County
Post-adoption information-sharing, social and support group meets 7:30pm the 2nd Tues. of most months Sept.-June at Denville Community Church, 190 Diamond Spring Rd.

Adoptive Parents Committee
POBox 725, Ridgewood, NJ07451, 201-689-0995. Non-profit support and education organization offers pre- and post-adoption workshops, monthly meetings at FDUHackensack, newsletter, social events, play groups and annual conference in November.

Children's Aid & Family Services Inc.
76 S. Orange Ave., Suite LL01, South Orange, 973-762-5887. Loving, adoptive homes needed for infants and school-age children. Therapeutic foster parents also needed.

Children's Aid & Family Services Programs
200 Robin Rd., Paramus, 201-261-2800. Confidential post-adoption counseling services offered free of charge to families with children up to 18 years old. Birth parent support group meets monthly for birth parents who are contemplating adoption, have placed children, or are in the process of search and reunion.

Concerned Persons for Adoption
908-273-5694. Volunteer organization, open to anyone concerned with adoption, provides education, support and social opportunities to those who wish to adopt and to those who have adopted. Meets at First Presbyterian Church, 494 Rt. 10W, Whippany. See website for event schedule.
Nov 6
29th Annual Let's Talk Adoption Conference, Rutgers University Busch Campus Center, Piscataway. 9:15am-4:45pm. Workshops on domestic & international adoption, adoptee experiences, parenting, school issues. 973-625-5628.

KinKonnect
877-KLG-LINE (877-554-5463). An Information Center for Kinship Care families. Services includes an emphatic listener when you call, resources for families such as support groups, free lending library, newsletter, training workshops and comprehensive website.

Morristown Post-Adoption Support Group
973-267-8698, 973-455-1268. Support group affiliated with NJ Coalition for Adoption Education and Reform and American Adoption Congress meets 1pm on 1st Sat. of the month at Presbyterian Church Parish House, 65 South St., Morristown. Adoptive parents, birth parents, adoptees, professionals and significant others welcome. Email: janenast@aol.com.

New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing HouseNJ ARCH
The One-Stop Resource for those Touched by Adoption. Services include an empathetic listener when you call, resources to support groups, mental health and medical professionals, adoption agencies and listing of local adoption related events. Lending library, buddy family and adoption support group advocacy available. Contact the Warm Line at 877-4-ARCHNJ (877-427-2465).

Spence-Chapin Adoption Resource Center
Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church St., Montclair, 212-360-0259. Post-adoption service provides continuing education and support for everyone involved in adoption through a series of workshops and speakers during the school year.

www.AdoptiveFamilies.com
National adoption magazine and website provides valuable information to pre- and post-adoptive families.

foster care

Catholic Charities Therapeutic Foster Care
1-866-247-HOME . Individuals, families and homemakers of all ethnicities and religions are needed to provide therapeutic foster care, short term foster care and emergency care to babies 0-6 months and children 5-18.

Just Babies
973-921-1033. Foster homes needed to provide a temporary, loving and safe haven for babies born to alcohol or drug-addicted mothers. Training and support provided. Fost-adopt homes also.

New Jersey Resource Families
1-877-NJ-HEROES. Relative, foster and adoptive families needed for New Jersey children who need families that are loving, stable and safe.

children's groups

Child & Teen Success Centers
615 Sherwood Parkway (convenient to Rt. 22), Mountainside, 908-232-6432. See listing under Psychotherapy.

Children Helping Children
Counseling Center for Human Development, 201 Lincoln Ave. E., Cranford, 908-276-0590. Helps children ages 5-18 cope with the breakup of their parents' marriage through artwork, storytelling and discussion.

Good Grief
973-912-0177, 908-522-1999. Non-profit organization provides free, year-round peer grief support programs for children and teens, ages three to 18, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or other significant person in Summit and other communities. Programs for grieving children and teens and groups for parents and guardians meet at the same times.

"Social Skills" by Susan Mendelson, MSW, LSW
1112 Springfield Ave., Mountainside, 908-301-0900. Can my child respect others' space, make new friends, maintain a conversation, take turns without interrupting? These "Social Skills" can be learned and taught at any age. The right kind of intervention can have great impact on the child's development and self-esteem. Group and individual sessions available.

TeamHope, P.C.
115 Morristown Rd., Rt. 202, Bernardsville, 908-766-1717. See ad under Speech-Language Pathology.

health care facilities

Children's Specialized Hospital
150 New Providence Rd., Mountainside; 94 Stevens Rd., Toms River; 310 Main St., Toms River; 313 South Ave., Fanwood; 3575 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton; 316 W. Westfield Ave., Roselle Park; 200 Somerset St., New Brunswick; 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373). Children's provides specialized care for children with chronic illnesses as well as evaluation and treatment for common childhood developmental concerns.

Matheny Medical and Educational Center
65 Highland Ave., PO Box 339, Peapack, 908-234-0011, ext. 237 or 785. A special hospital for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities and an outpatient center for people with all kinds of disabilities.

Shriners Hospitals for Children
Philadelphia, 800-281-4050; North America, 800-237-5055. A network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals, founded by the Shrine, provide expert, no-cost orthopaedic and burn care to children under 18.

Well-Child Clinics
Program administered by local Board of Health provides routine immunizations and annual physicals at no charge for children up to age 7 who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover well visits. Call your community Board of Health for further information.

health education museum

Adventure to Health
CentraState Healthcare System, Ambulatory Camus, 901 W. Main St., Freehold, 732-308-1850. Weekdays 11-4 when schools are not in session, weekends by appointment. To schedule class trips or scout groups, call 732-308-1850. Adults & ages 6 & older $8. Visitors enter a human torso and learn about the human body through 19 interactive stations focused on body systems, safety, fitness and healthy food choices. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Birthday parties.

health professionals

audiology

Speech & Hearing Associates
121 S. Euclid Ave., Westfield, 908-232-2900; 15 Village Plaza, South Orange, 973-763-2841; 477 Rt. 10 East, Suite 204, Randolph, 800-742-7551; 60 Notch Rd., Woodland Park, 973-785-0696; 590 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-313-5335; 150 Flanagan Way, Secaucus 201-578-1999; 74 Pascack Rd., Ste. 7, Park Ridge 201-775-5699; 48 Stiles Lane, Suite 204, Pine Brook, 800-742-7551.
Since 1969, our licensed, certified speech and language pathologists and audiologists have been helping children communicate better. Speech and Hearing Associates can help your child live a more fulfilling life. We participate with most insurance plans. For more information or to find the location nearest you, call 800-SHA-7551.
Our comprehensive hearing evaluation will help your child receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Our services include Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE's), typanometry, conditioned play
audiometry, visual reinforced audiometry, speech reception and speech discrimination testing, screening and diagnostic assessment of (central) auditory processing skills with a complete report, recommendations, classroom management suggestions and educational consultations. All of our audiologists hold master's or doctoral degrees and State of New Jersey licenses.

music therapy

Music Therapy for All Ages
SheriKandel, MT-BC, MCAT, Westfield, 908-789-9621. Music Therapy builds strengths and provides the support to succeed. An individualized approach allows for setting and achieving therapeutic goals. Developmental, psychological, social, and/or physical difficulties are assessed and addressed with music interventions.

occupational therapy

TeamHope, P.C.
115 Morristown Rd., Rt. 202, Bernardsville, 908-766-1717. See display ad under Speech-Language Pathology.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.,
551 Park Ave., Suite 5, Scotch Plains, 908-380-7715. Our services: Pediatric therapy: Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, music therapy. Social Skills groups: Superhero gross motor/handwriting group, music and movement group. Enrichment programs: Yoga, therapeutic art/craft, mommy & me play group. Winter, spring and summer mini camp. Accept most major insurance plans.

pediatric dentistry

Westfield Pediatric Dental Group
555 Westfield Ave., Westfield, 908-232-1231. Specializing in preventive dental care for children and young adults. Our office is totally committed to healthy, happy smiles. Let us teach your child lifelong healthy, dental habits. New patients welcome. See display ad on page 165.

pediatrics

Allyson Agathis, MD, FAAP
395 Main St., Bedminster, 908-719-2626. A different pediatric experience, a return to personal care & individual attention. State-of-the-art-diagnostics; HCFA- CLIA certified; in-office laboratory. Out of network on all insurance plans, insurance forms automatically completed by office for your reimbursement.

The Pediatric Center
556 Central Ave., New Providence, 908-508-0400. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5, Sat. & Sun. for emergencies. Steven Moskowitz, M.D., F.A.A.P., Kathleen L. Chin, M.D., F.A.A.P., Laurie Trosin, M.D., F.A.A.P., Denise Visci, M.D., F.A.A.P., Debra Neretich, R.N., N.P.C.
Convenient, centrally located office five minutes from the Short Hills Mall, Blue Star Shopping Center and downtown Chatham. The office features separate sick and well waiting and play areas and an on-site laboratory. We have urgent care appointments available on weekends and holidays as well as evening appointments and prenatal/new patient interviews. We offer walkin hours from 8:30-9:30am and 2-2L45pm Monday-Friday for existing patients. We participate in most major insurance plans and have privileges at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Overlook Hospital and Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Pediatric Eden, LLC
241B Millburn Ave., Millburn, 973-376-9000, fax 973-376-7610. Dahlia Hall, MD, MPH, FAAP, AE-C. Our goal is to empower families to stay healthy. We pride ourselves on getting to know eachpatient and allotting sufficient time to carefully access and treat their needs.

Watchung Pediatrics
76 Stirling Rd., Suite 201, Warren, (908) 755-KIDS; 346 South Ave., Suite 3, Fanwood, 908-889-TOTS (8687). The Warren office is located near Watchung Hills High School. Separate well and sick waiting rooms; new open access hours for simple acute illnesses or injuries; most insurances accepted.

pediatric pulmonology

Children's Asthma & Breathing Center
48 Essex St., Millburn, 973-218-0900. Specializing in the evaluation and treatment of asthma and other breathing problems by William F. Kottler, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.C.C.P., former Director and Founder of Children's Asthma Center and Division of Pediatric Pulmonology at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Most insurances accepted. See display ad on page 1.

physical therapy

TeamHope, P.C.
115 Morristown Rd., Rt. 202, Bernardsville, 908-766-1717. See listing under Speech-Language Pathology.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.,
551 Park Ave., Suite 5, Scotch Plains, 908-380-7715. See complete listing under Occupational Therapy.

podiatry

Clark Podiatry Center
1114 Raritan Rd., Clark, 732-382-3470. General podiatry and laser therapy treatments. Learn more about how K-Laser Therapy can dramatically decrease inflammation, arthritis and pain. Ask us about treatment for fungal nail infections. Pick up a Kids Guide for discount coupon.

psychotherapy

Kenneth T. Cappuccio, LCSW, LLC
127 S. Euclid Ave., Westfield, 908-233-4645. Psychotherapy for adults and children, specializing in children with ADHD and self-esteem issues. See display ad on page 166.

Child & Teen Success Centers
615 Sherwood Parkway (convenient to Rt. 22), Mountainside, 908-232-6432. Psychotherapy for young people ages 4-24 by warm, caring specialists Steve Sussman, PhD, and Larry Isaacs, CSW. Specializing in ADD & PDD, anger management, difficult kids and teens, self-esteem and social skills groups.

Jeannette DeVaris, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist
908-522-0800, Summit area. Specializing in treating families, including marital and family therapy, child and adolescent treatment, relationship issues, parent counseling, school problems, behavior problems, smoking cessation and anger management.

social work

Susan Mendelson, MSW, LSW
1112 Springfield Ave., Mountainside, 908-301-0900. Children who effectively use and understand appropriate social skills are more likely to be socially adept and experience close interpersonal relationships. Social Skills Training in either group or individual arenas.

speech-language pathology

Speech & Hearing Associates
121 S. Euclid Ave., Westfield, 908-232-2900; 15 Village Plaza, South Orange, 973-763-2841; 477 Rt. 10 East, Suite 204, Randolph, 800-742-7551; 60 Notch Rd., West Paterson, 973-785-0696; 590 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-313-5335; 150 Flanagan Way, Secaucus 201-578-1999; 74 Pascack Rd., Ste. 7, Park Ridge 201-775-5699; 48 Stiles Lane, Suite 204, Pine Brook, 800-742-7551.
Since 1969, our licensed, certified speech and language pathologists and audiologist have been helping children communicate better. Speech and Hearing Associates can help your child live a more fulfilling life. We participate with most insurance plans. For more information or to find the location nearest you, call 800-SHA-7551.
We provide speech language evaluations and individualized treatments to help your child with any communication disorder including apraxia, phonological disorders, PDD, oral motor, swallowing, articulation, voice, stuttering, social communication groups, auditory and language processing. Specialized services include: PROMPT, evaluation and assistance with your child's reading skills, and speech services can be provided in Spanish, Korean, Hebrew, Polish, and Mandarin. All of our speech language pathologists are certified and hold master's degrees and State of New Jersey licenses in Speech Language Pathology.

TeamHope, P.C.
115 Morristown Rd., Rt. 202, Bernardsville, 908-766-1717. TeamHope offers a full range of SLP, OT and PT services for ASD/PDD, Motor Speech Disorders, Early Intervention & other delays. PROMPT, Sensory Integration, Feeding therapy and Social Skills Groups available.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.,
551 Park Ave., Suite 5, Scotch Plains, 908-380-7715. See complete listing under Occupational Therapy.

hotlines/info lines

AIDS/HIV/STD HotlineNew Jersey
1-800-624-2377. Free referrals, general information, counseling, testing locations, treatment info available 24 hrs.

Bam.gov
Website for kids by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses on topics related to fitness, disease and peer pressure.

ChildrensHospital.org
The website of Children's Hospital of Boston has a search feature for 1,200 childhood illnesses and conditions and provides a tour of the hospital hosted by Arthur, the aardvark from Marc Brown's popular books.

Contact We Care
908-232-2880. Active, empathetic listening services by trained volunteers are offered to anyone in distress. For information about volunteering, visit www.contactwecare.org

Couples and Family Helpline
973-325-3232. Free, confidential telephone consultation, information and referral for marriage, relationship, family, parenting or other personal problems provided by NJ State licensed mental health professionals. Sponsored by Counseling Affiliates.

Domestic Violence Hotline
908-355-HELP. Sponsored by the Junior League of Summit and supported by YWCA Eastern Union County.

Family Helpline
1-800-THE KIDS, 24 hrs., 7 days a week. Trained volunteers of Parents Anonymous help parents work through frustrations before a crisis occurs, offer advice about parenting, and refer to resources in the community.

KidsHealth and TeensHealth
Health education website, a project of The Nemours Foundation established by philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, offers age-appropriate information for parents, teens and children.

MAASA Parent Helpline
Confidential helpline created by the Madison Alliance Against Substance Abuse for parents to use for advice regarding youth alcohol and drug abuse.

New Jersey Mental Health Cares
1-866-202-HELP. Mental health information and referral service provides live support 8am to 8pm and online database of New Jersey's public mental health services.

Poison Information and Education SystemNew Jersey
1-800-222-1222. Assistance available 24 hours a day. Teacher guide, children's activity booklets.

Stop Bullying Now
Information, tips, games and cartoons for children and adults to learn about bullying and what can be done to stop it. www.PacerKidsAgainstBullying.org, animated website for both elementary school students and teens.

Union County Rape Crisis Center
300 North Ave. E., Westfield, 908-233-7273. 24 hr. hotline offers support, information and assistance accompanying victims to hospitals, police depts. or court.

Vote 411
Everything you need to know about upcoming elections including candidate information, ballot measures, voter registration information and polling place locator sponsored by League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Vote Smart
1-888-868-3762. Website provides citizens access to candidates' voting records, biographical information, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements and campaign finance information.

Youth Helpline
888-222-2228 or www.2ndFloor.org. Designed to listen, help and guide youth in addressing challenges, calls are anonymous and confidential except in life-threatening situations.

health services

financial assistance

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission
PO Box 700, Trenton, NJ 08625, 800-335-FUND (3863). New Jersey state fund provides financial assistance to families coping with uncovered expenses associated with a child's illness. Families of any income may qualify and the fund does not limit coverage to specific diseases or diagnoses.

NJ Family Care
800-701-0710, www.njfamilycare.org. Program of the NJ Department of Human Services provides affordable, quality health insurance to qualified families on a sliding fee scale.

Shriners Hospitals for Children
See listing under Health Care.

safety

Infant Swim New Jersey
908-227-3674, www.infantswimnj.com. Lessons in aquatic self-rescue instruction for infants as young as 6 months to 6+ are offered in Morris, Essex and Middlesex Counties by certified ISR instructors.

A Royal Baby Safety Corp
908-598-0500, Toll free 800-89-ROYAL. Let us help you babyproof your home. We've been providing the best safety products at competitive prices and helping parents install them in their homes since 1991. Call today for your free (in most cases), comprehensive, in-home, no obligation, safety evaluation. See display ad on page 15.

special needs

project child find
1-800-322-8174 Mon.-Fri. Free public awareness and referral service established by the NJ Department of Education assists parents and professionals by identifying free available early intervention programs and preschool handicapped programs throughout New Jersey. Resources is a directory of services and programs available to children and adults with disabilities and their families published yearly by the NJ Developmental Disabilities Council, 609-292-3745. www.njddc.org
   If you have concerns about your child's development, contact the 800 number above or call the Special Child Health Services (SCHS) case management unit in your county for information about early intervention services available to you. Local school districts can provide screening and evaluation for children 3-21 years of age that appear to have problems in communication, motor, social-emotional or learning areas.
Essex County SCHS       973-395-8836
Morris County SCHS      973-971-4155
Somerset County SCHS  908-725-2366
Union County                908-889-0950

statewide parent advocacy network
35 Halsey St., 4th Floor, Newark, 973-642-8100, 800-654-SPAN. Non-profit training and information center funded by the
U.S. Department of Education serves parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.

ARC
Provides services to people of all ages with developmental disabilities, some free, some on a sliding fee scale. Early intervention program helps parents identify developmental delays in infant children.
· Essex County
973-535-1181 Infant stimulation program, preschool classes, school for severely disabled, summer day camp, social work info and referral, respite carein-home and out.
· Hunterdon County
908-730-7827 1322 Rt. 31 Suite 5, Annandale.
· Middlesex County
732-821-1199 219 Black Horse Lane, Suite 1, North Brunswick.
· Morris County
973-540-8500 P.O. Box 123, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. Early childhood enrichment (for children 0-3), developmental day care, preschool activities, adaptive recreation, adult training and supported employment, parent support groups and supportive living.
· Somerset County
908-725-8544 After-school recreation and Saturday Respite program for children and young adults in Manville.
· Union County
973-315-0000 52 Fadem Rd., Springfield. Childcare and preschool in Cranford serving infants to 5 yrs., private school in Mountainside for ages 3-9. Summer day camp, recreation, after school program, Saturday program, hotel respite and in-home respite.

ASAPA Step Ahead Program, LLC
Basking Ridge, 908-542-0002. Half/full day licensed comprehensive intervention clinic; evaluates/treats preK/K aged children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and speech-language impairments; maximum childtherapist ratio 2:1. See display ad on page 165.

Bethel Ridge Learning Center
175 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, 908-221-0801. See listing under EnrichmentSpecial Needs.

Care to Share Support Network, Inc.
520 Rt. 22 East, Bridgewater, 908-450-5691. Non-profit corporation offers monthly parent support workshops, grants and support for children, respite care, training for educators and therapists and community awareness projects and events. Visit www.caretosharenj.org to join network.

Family Link of Union & Essex Counties
A Regional Early Intervention Collaborative. If your infant/toddler is having difficulty crawling, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, feeding, following directions or relating to other people, your child may qualify for early intervention services.
Essex County 973-395-8836
Union County 908-889-0950

Jeffrey Dworkin Early Childhood Program at Montclair State University
Early intervention program providing services for families and their children from birth until age 3, who demonstrate developmental delays. Serving suburban Essex County towns. To schedule an evaluation, call Special Child Health Services at 973-395-8836. For other questions, contact 973-655-7369.

Jerry Davis Early Childhood Center
141 S. Main St., Manville, 908-725-2266. Full range of SLP, OT and PT services for children. Our center houses a developmental daycare, private preschool and preschool disabled program.

Music Therapy for All Ages
SheriKandel, RMT, MCAT, Westfield, 908-789-9621. Music Therapy builds strengths and provides the support to succeed. An individualized approach allows for setting and achieving therapeutic goals. Developmental, psychological, social, and/or physical difficulties are assessed and addressed with music interventions.

OTC's Clinic at Somerset
14M World's Fair Dr., Somerset, 732-764-0202. Individual and group programs for children with learning disabilities, attention disorders, and fine and gross motor delays.

Rainbow Consulting, LLC
110 Straube Center Blvd., Suite I-1G, Pennington, NJ 08534, 201-887-4968. Behavioral, educational, and social skill programs for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Disorder and Social/Cognitive Delays for early intervention and school-aged children between the ages of 2-15 years. We provide home and center based services.

Stepping Forward Counseling Center
26 Main St., Chatham, 908-277-1727. An innovative mental health facility for children with depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, ODD, bi-polar and other clinically based diagnoses. Programs include after school social skills, autism ABA, teen life, partial care and parents are teachers. See display ad on inside front cover.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.,
551 Park Ave., Suite 5, Scotch Plains, 908-380-7715. See complete listing under Occupational Therapy.

specialized services

asthma

apraxia

Apraxia
Helpful resources, links, and in-depth articles for families and professionals provided by the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA).

asperger syndrome

ASPEN
Asperger Syndrome Education Network, Inc., a volunteer non-profit organization in New Jersey, provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism) with education, support and advocacy. Chapters meet monthly, alternating parent support meetings with speaker presentations.

Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation of New Jersey
555 Rt. 1 S., Suite 320, Iselin, 732-283-4300. Information, research updates, drug info and tools to help live better with arthritis.

attention deficit disorder/ADHD

ADD Action Group
973-731-2189. ltberke@aol.com. Provides information to parents, teachers and therapists on a variety of alternative solutions for attention deficit disorder, learning differences, hyperactivity, dyslexia and autism. Monthly meetings; newsletter available.

ADDitude Magazine
888-762-8475. Print magazine published four times a year and online magazine and forums are an excellent source of information about ADD and learning disabilities.

Children with Attention Deficit Disorder
800-233-4050. National organization provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. Consult website for current chapter information.
· Essex County
· Meetings 7-9pm on the 3rd Mon. of the month at Lincoln School, 301 Harrison St., Nutley. Adult support group.
· Northern Morris County
973-584-7149. Meetings 7:30-9pm the 2nd Fri. of the month Sept.-June at Crossroads Community Church, 104 Bartley Rd., Flanders.
· Somerset County
Consult website for current chapter contact.
· Union County
union-county@chadd.net
· Western Union County
800-233-4050 ext. 121. Meetings 7:30pm Sept.-June on the 1st Wed. of the month at Children's Specialized Hospital, New Providence Rd., Mountainside. Monthly speakers and support groups.

autism

Autism Speaks
The world's largest autism advocacy organization hosts a comprehensive website.

Autism New Jersey
1-800-4-AUTISM. Nonprofit agency provides information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation in New Jersey.

Parents of Autistic Children
1999 Rt. 88, Brick, 732-785-1099. Non-profit New Jersey organization provides free training and education to professionals, parents and families; recreation activities year round; support for families and siblings; and promotes autism awareness and advocacy. Free speakers bureau.

Stepping Forward Counseling Center
26 Main St., Chatham, 908-277-1727. Stepping Forward Counseling Center relies primarily on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as our instructional method of choice. Our methods are grounded in well-researched behavior principles. We assess each child's skills, create individualized education plans and, when appropriate, use the best of what ABA has to offer to help children grow and learn. We train parents and others working with the child. See display ad on inside front cover.

TeamHope, P.C.
115 Morristown Rd., Rt. 202, Bernardsville, 908-766-1717. See display ad under Speech-Language Pathology.

cancer

Camp Quality New Jersey
732-780-1409. Non-profit organization provides a free week-long summer camping experience and support program for children with cancer. Campground is located in Blairstown.

Cancer Hope Network
2 North Rd., Suite A, Chester, 908-879-4039, 1-877-HOPENET. Non-profit organization provides free and confidential one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families.

CureSearch.org
National Childhood Cancer Foundation website covers every aspect of childhood cancer.

cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey
515 Valley St., Maplewood, 973-763-9900 ext. 601. Not limited to serving individuals with cerebral palsy, CPNJ offers an Early Intervention Program for ages birth-3, educational and therapeutic program at the Horizon School in Livingston for children ages 3-21 with multiple disabilities and therapeutic services through fee-for-service programs.

diabetes

Joslin Center for Diabetes
Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, 973-322-7200. An affiliate of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, this facility provides diabetes care, education, support and research for adults and children.

eating disorders

Eating Disorders Association of New Jersey
800-522-2230. Non-profit organization dedicated to the education, prevention and treatment of eating disorders provides support services and resources to individuals impacted by them.

food allergies

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network 800-929-4040. FAAN provides information, education and advocacy on behalf of all those affected by food allergies. Recipes, research, kids and teen sections and other helpful information are posted online.

hospice

Hospice Education Institute
800-331-1620. Independent, non-profit organization offers information, advice, referrals and support to the public and health care professionals.

learning disabilities

See listings under Educational Services.

stuttering

The Stuttering Foundation
800-992-9392. Free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families.

tourette syndrome

Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey
198 W. High St., Somerville, 908-575-7350. www.nsanj.org. Operates support groups at regional medical centers for individuals and their families, conducts awareness training, manages a TS help line, and sponsors a state-wide Family Contact Program.

weight loss

Shapedown
Children's Specialized Hospital, 150 New Providence Rd., Mountainside; 94 Stevens Rd., Toms River; 310 Main St., Toms River; 313 South Ave., Fanwood; 3575 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton; 316 W.Westfield Ave., Roselle Park; 200 Somerset St., New Brunswick; 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373). Shapedown is a 10-week weight control program for adolescents and teens. The program works with families on developing a healthy lifestyle including eating, exercising and communicating.

support groups

new jersey self-help clearinghouse
new jersey self-help clearinghouse 1-800-367-6274. Mon.-Fri. 9-4. Service, funded by State Division of Mental Health Services, state legislation and private and corporate contributions, offers a comprehensive listing of support groups in New Jersey, assistance in developing a group, periodic workshops for starting and running groups, an annual directory and volunteer opportunities.

Club Sib
Children's Specialized Hospital, 150 New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 1-888-244-5373 ext. 5488. Recreational groups for ages 6-17 offer support for siblings of children with special needs.

Food Allergy Support Group of Monmouth County
Made up of parents with children with food allergies who live in or near Monmouth County, the group sponsors speakers and social events about ten times a year. njfoodallergy@hotmail.com

Holistic Moms Network
PO Box 408, Caldwell, NJ 07006, 877-HOL-MOMS. Consult website for local chapters. Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting moms with an interest in natural health and holistic parenting. Local chapters have monthly meetings, playgroups and social events.
· Union County Chapter
Monthly meetings at 7pm on the third Wed. of each month at Hanson House, 38 Springfield Ave., Cranford. unionhmn@soomaya.com

La Leche Leagues
1-800-LA-LECHE, 800-525-3243. International organization provides support and information to breastfeeding mothers. Local groups meet monthly. Nursing mothers, their babies and expectant mothers are welcome. To find groups in New Jersey, consult website.

Livingston Parent Self-Help Support Group
Northland Recreation Center, Jefferson Court, Livingston. Helene & Jerry, 973-994-4034; Debbie, 973-533-1319; Paul, 908-464-1590. Self-help support group, based on Tough-Love philosophy, for parents. Support, referrals and solutions are facilitated by parents who have experienced similar problems.

MOMIE Mothers of Multiples in Essex
PO Box 289, Livingston, NJ 07039, email momiepresident@yahoo.com. A non-profit organization for parents of multiple-birth children living in and around Essex County, the group usually meets monthly in Suite 403 of the East Wing of St. Barnabas Medical Center, located on Short Hills Rd. in Livingston. Email for meeting dates and times.

Mothers' Center of Central New Jersey, Inc.
P.O. Box 7, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, 908-561-1751. Email: mccnj@westfieldnj.com. Non-profit, non-sectarian organization founded in 1978 by mothers to help mothers. Day and evening discussion groups, parenting workshops, social activities, library resources, and playgroups. Childcare available during daytime events. westfieldnj.com/mccnj

Mothers' Center of Northwest NJ
P.O. Box 274, Stanhope, NJ 07874, 908-852-2665. Non-profit, non-sectarian organization of mothers offers daytime support/study groups, speakers, parent and child outings, monthly mom's night out, library resources, and monthly newsletter.

Mothers of Multiples
Support group for mothers of multiple birth children, big sister/little sister program, informal coffees.
· Raritan Valley
cvmom.net. Meetings are held Sept.-May on the 4th Mon. each month at Somerset Medical Center, Fuld Auditorium, 110 Rehill Ave., Somerville. www.rvmom.org

NCJW Center for Women
513 West Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston, 973-994-4994. Non-sectarian, non-profit project sponsored by The National Council of Jewish Women offers support services for women. Motherchild support groups for separated and divorced women, peer support groups, seminars, legal assistance, job readiness program. Teenage dating violence program presented to Essex County schools.

Parents Support Group New Jersey, Inc.
P.O. Box 221, West Orange 07052, 973-736-3344, 800-561-4299. Nonprofit foundation sponsors self-help groups for parents to cope with the disease of addiction. Sibling support group.

Pathways
The Connection for Women and Families, 79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Nonprofit program provides educational resources and free, professionally led support groups for women with breast and gynecological cancers.

Pet Loss Support Group
St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., Madison, 973-377-7094. Families with children and others who have lost a pet or are faced with the decision to euthanize a beloved pet are welcome to attend group sessions led by experienced counselors.

SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support of North New Jersey
973-543-2495, email: sharenonj@msn.com. Non-denominational, national organization formed by and for parents grieving the death of a baby. Monthly group meetings, lending library, phonepal, newsletter. All welcome.