Rutgers club helps young adults with autism gain independence. Now it could go national

Frances De Cicco found herself at a crossroads this year, unable to drive and unable to work.

The 22-year-old from Union County has autism , but at her age, she no longer qualifies for the state-funded programs her peers attend to fill out their days and learn life skills. Her mother, Leah, was worried: How could her daughter prepare for the future and gain some independence?

"I won't be here forever," her mother said.

It's a common concern for families and advocates for people with disabilities, who describe the transition out of high school-based special education programs as "falling off the cliff." The money that funds classes offering therapy, instruction and socialization dries up after people turn 21 and age out of the system.

But an initiative created by Rutgers University aims to fill some of that gap, and perhaps show a way forward for young adults with disabilities in New Jersey and beyond.

The Nexus program, which kicked off in the spring at Rutgers' Newark campus, offered a small group of young people on the spectrum the chance to socialize, share and learn with the support of Rutgers students without disabilities. Each week, up to 25 people gathered at the campus' occupational therapy program, which features a kitchen and living area where practical skills could be taught.

Aaron Dallman, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at the Rutgers School of Health Professions , spearheaded Nexus . With a sister on the autism spectrum, he knows how hard it can be for people like her when they have nowhere to go, no decisions to make.

"We saw the potential to leverage our existing class space to meet community needs," Dallman said.

"There is nothing like this in New Jersey," he said. "The Nexus program is a social club meant to support our members in developing social skills and life skills."

The project is funded by the university, so it doesn’t have the eligibility requirements that state programs have. At the same time, Rutgers graduate students are getting experience working with people on the spectrum.

Rutgers program could go national

There’s interest in the Nexus program at other institutions, Dallman said, adding that it’s a good fit for educational settings.

More: For families seeking respite care for severe autism, NJ just got a bit more generous

“We are considering expansions," he said. "We have one student who is going to implement a similar-style program in Wisconsin. She has some partnerships up there. So we're really excited about that."

A university in Montana is also exploring the possibility of starting a similar program, he said.

The club's inaugural sessions attracted young adults with autism from the Newark area. After a summer break, it is due to restart next month.

Funding is the next challenge

"We have promised funding through the fall, but the challenge will be to continue to find that funding each and every year," Dallman said. "We're very passionate about making Nexus free to members," he added. "So we do not currently bill for insurance. We do not currently require individuals to have waivers like you might have in a day program."

The first thing Frances De Cicco wanted to learn was how to iron. She also gained cooking skills.

"My favorite thing is when we cook different recipes. We've made pizza; we've made different smoothies," De Cicco said, adding that pasta-making was the hardest, yet a rewarding experience. "The dough for the pasta noodles was a bit tough to figure out," she said.

The program is meant to feel more like a club where everyone has a say in what happens, as opposed to a therapeutic environment. The members collaborate, and everyone takes a turn being a leader.

"Our members all help us decide what we're going to do that day or that next week — what are the skills we want to learn," Dallman said.

"If we’re doing it right, you won’t know who’s a member, who is a student and who is the professor," he added.

Nexus has been transformative for De Cicco, who said she can't wait until the next year of the program begins on Sept. 4.

Learning life skills

Leah De Cicco said the program has been instrumental in teaching her daughter essential skills for daily living. Her daughter was able to make friends and improve her social interactions there. One of the aspects Leah appreciated was the program's accessibility: Nexus did not require navigating complex bureaucratic processes such as insurance approvals or state eligibility forms.

“It's a great program because you don't have to fill out any application. You don't have to worry about benefits or income requirements," she said.

But what most impresses her these days is her daughter’s ability to make french fries.

“She made me these fries, and I said, 'Don't tell Grandma,'" Leah said. "I'm sorry, but I used to say my mother's fries are the best fries. Now hers are the best."

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today .

Email: myers@northjersey.com

Twitter: @myersgene

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers club helps young adults with autism gain independence. Now it could go national