This new center in Paramus offers hope for NJ residents with I/DD, autism

As a parent, there’s no experience more emotionally taxing than watching your child face daily challenges. For me, this reality began when my son, Justin, received diagnoses of autism, developmental delays and verbal dyspraxia at a young age. In our quest for normalcy, every new day brought its own hurdles. My mind fixated on finding an oasis where Justin could prosper and receive the lifelong care he needs.

Since he was a toddler, Justin, who is now 26, had participated in specialized programs and in special education. He aged out at 21, which meant public school services ended, leaving our family scrambling to find suitable day programs and support for his ongoing needs. Because of long waitlists and a lack of facilities suited to his needs, my mother and mother-in-law watched him most of the day. But it was only a temporary fix. The lack of a structured, 24/7 supervised environment resulted in safety concerns as Justin’s frustration sometimes manifested in aggressive behavior.

Finding a group home for Justin was a long and difficult road and ultimately, his first placement left us heartbroken. Safety concerns, a lack of structure and even weight loss were a constant source of worry. The decision to transition him to a new living situation was agonizing, but it became clear it was the only option.

Achievement Center in Paramus offers new avenues for NJ residents with I/DD

We were at a crossroads, but then we found New Concepts for Living, which became our lifeline. During the last five years, Justin has blossomed in their care. He’s healthy, happy and surrounded by a team that understands his needs and has become his family.

Unfortunately, despite being part of NCFL’s residential program, Justin was unable to participate in their day program due to the small space and extensive waiting list — until now.

The recent opening of the nonprofit’s new and comprehensive 81,423 square-foot Achievement Center in Paramus is a game-changer; it ensures greater access to critical services for a growing population in need. It has all the modern features you could want with room to expand. It features a 5,500-square-foot town square, a spacious Main Street and walking paths, as well as life skills training rooms including a kitchen, supermarket, computer and technology lab, bedroom and laundry room. The center also houses dedicated spaces for recreation, prevocational training, sensory rooms, health and wellness screenings, physical, occupational, behavioral and speech therapy.

The new center significantly enhances the care and opportunities available to Justin and raises the bar for other agencies providing the same services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — or I/DD — in New Jersey. For families like ours, this means a better quality of life for our loved ones as well as for us! For me and my family, this isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to the NCFL’s unwavering commitment to supporting adults living with I/DD. With a waiting list exceeding 300 people, the need for such facilities is undeniable.

A recent Rutgers University study revealed a startling 300% jump in child autism rates in the state between 2000 and 2016. This translates to a generation of children who will one day become adults with autism, a population with complex needs requiring ongoing support. The current landscape, however, prioritizes public funding for school-based programs. This approach creates a looming gap in services specifically designed for adults.

New Concepts opens in Paramus:Nonprofit starts new chapter for clients with I/DD at Rt. 17 site

NJ's higher prevalence of autism needs attention

New Jersey’s higher prevalence of autism demands attention and resources, especially into an individual’s adult years. What happens when these individuals are left without the appropriate specialized care they need? And, autism is just one of a multitude of diagnoses that can lead to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Addressing this disparity is crucial to ensure a future where all New Jersey residents with I/DD have the resources they need to thrive throughout their lives.

New Concepts for Living helps bridge the gap. The nonprofit provides safe and supportive housing, comprehensive day programs and therapeutic services to meet participants’ needs. This holistic approach ensures Justin and countless others have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive.

As a registered nurse, I know the importance of individualized care. At NCFL, that’s not a philosophy; it’s a lived reality. Through the residential program, Justin already receives personalized attention, activities and therapies designed to maximize his potential. The day program is an extension of this superior care and attention to detail.

The impact of NCFL’s work extends beyond the residents themselves. As a mother, knowing Justin is safe, cared for, and constantly challenged allows me and countless other families to breathe a sigh of relief. It gives us the ability to focus on our own well-being, strengthening the support system for our loved ones, and provides peace of mind knowing Justin is cared for long after we’re gone.

Jill Peterson is a nurse and mother of an adult son with autism who lives in Mahwah.