In 1990, JRI's Pediatric Rehabilitation Department began the first early intervention program in New Jersey specifically designed for children with autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Since then, our unique approach has been the model for many other programs throughout New Jersey as well as the NY/NJ and Northeast regions.

JRI offers a range of pediatric therapy services for children with autism and PDD, including:

• Autism and PDD diagnosis and evaluation
• Early Intervention program for children with autism and PDD
• The You & Me School for Children with autism - an NJ state-approved private school for the disabled (preschool and primary grade classes)
• Individual and group therapy programs
• Social skills groups
• Applied Behavioral Analysis
   

Children with autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder may exhibit all or some of the following characteristics: 

• Limited or lack of responsiveness to people
• Lack of communication or impaired communication
• Difficulty adjusting to change in routines or activities
• Extremely difficult to manage – exhibiting temper tantrums or self-injurious behavior
• Limited attention span
• Ritualistic play schemes; unusual fascination with objects
• Inappropriate responses to sensory stimuli
   

The goals of JRI's pediatric therapy services for children with autism and PDD include:

• Development of interactive foundational skills for communication
• Development of receptive and expressive language skills
• Improvement of tolerance for changes in routine
• Expansion of attention span and play skills
• Development of prerequisite skills for group participation and peer interaction

For more information about the You & Me School for Children with autism, please call 732-548-7610.