Autism Fair Connects Families To Key Resources

TOMS RIVER – Forget the stereotype of hushed whispers and dusty shelves – the Ocean County Library is proving libraries are more than just books. Most recently, the Toms River Branch held its seventh Autism Resources Fair – empowering families by offering them a wealth of resources and a supportive community.

Imagine the overwhelming flood of information that washes over parents after receiving an autism diagnosis. While potentially vast, the internet can feel like an unnavigable ocean of conflicting advice and questionable sources.

Wendi Smolowitz, a librarian who works for the Ocean County Library system, knows the struggle intimately. When her son, Joshua, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3, she experienced firsthand the tremendous sense of confusion and uncertainty that many parents face. However, armed with her background in research, Wendi possessed a vital skill – the ability to navigate the labyrinth of information.

“Joshua is fifteen now, and I’ll always remember June 21, 2012, as the date we were given the diagnosis,” shared Smolowitz. “We were not given a path to follow, no roadmap, no places to go for therapies.”

As Smolowitz reflected on her own “mom experience” as a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, she recognized a glaring disconnect between support systems and families looking for them. She contends that parents still aren’t given the tools to work with, and the life-changing diagnosis can alter the course of parenthood in unexpected ways.

“If you’re a parent who’s not a librarian or doesn’t know how to do research, it can be very difficult,” Smolowitz said. “At the same time you’re dealing with your emotions, you also have to figure out how to help your child.”

The realization sparked an epiphany as Smolowitz considered the services libraries inherently provide. Considering the core functions of a library – providing information and community support – she saw a clear opportunity to bridge the gap. She passionately advocated for an autism resource fair, convinced of its potential to empower families facing a challenging journey.

The very first Autism Resource Fair in 2017 featured a group of vendors offering services and information. Over the years, the Fair has flourished, incorporating educational workshops, entertainment, and refreshments. However, its core purpose remains the same – connecting families with organizations that can provide the support they need to help their loved ones.

Recognizing the impact of the Autism Resource Fair, Susan Quinn, Director of the Ocean County Library, praised the initiative. “The Fair began as a staff-driven idea, and I’m incredibly proud of Wendi and her team for their dedication,” Quinn said. “It’s all about helping people.”

She also extended her gratitude to the Ocean County Library Foundation for their ongoing sponsorship and support, which has been instrumental in making the Fair successful.

While dozens of stories about the impact of the Fair have come back, Smolowitz relayed two in particular that stuck out in her mind.

One year, a child experiencing a meltdown entered the Fair with overwhelmed parents desperate for resources. Fortunately, a prize wheel near the entrance provided a welcome distraction. The child, successfully spinning the wheel and winning a giant stuffed animal, beamed with joy, allowing his parents to navigate the Fair with renewed focus.

Another encounter involved an elderly couple seeking guidance for their recently diagnosed 41-year-old daughter. After connecting them with organizations specializing in adult autism support, Smolowitz witnessed the family engaged in conversation with representatives throughout the day.

These heartwarming anecdotes illustrate the Fair’s ability to provide information and moments of respite and hope for families facing autism diagnoses.

This year, the event offered a comprehensive selection of information from 44 organizations supporting individuals with autism. This vast array ensured the fair catered to a wide range of needs. Support groups, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, schools, nonprofit and public agencies, and vendors were all present to address families’ specific concerns.

Nancy Bustos of Toms River was among the many parents who found the fair to provide beneficial resources. Accompanied by her three children, Nancy specifically sought support for her 10-year-old daughter, Zoey, who is on the autism spectrum.

“I came here to find therapies for my daughter,” said Nancy. “I was happy to find someone to talk to who could help me.”

Families seeking information about recreational opportunities found resources like RWJBarnabas Health’s Field of Dreams program, the Ocean County YMCA’s adaptive swim and fitness programs, and art classes and events offered by the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC).

Educational institutions of higher learning were also represented, with both Ocean County College and Rutgers University offering information regarding accommodation for students with developmental disabilities. Notably, the Rutgers College Support Program specifically highlighted its services in helping neurodivergent students navigate the full university experience, from academics to social engagement.

In addition to informational booths, the Fair offered a series of seminars tackling topics crucial for families. Three one-hour sessions allowed attendees to hear from experts on subjects frequently researched by parents seeking support for their children with autism.

Peg Kinsell, Director of Public Policy for SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, offered guidance on navigating Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Her seminar, “IEP Meetings: What to Expect and How to Prepare,” equipped attendees with essential knowledge and tools to approach these crucial meetings with confidence.

Attorney Andrew Meltzer of Sussan Greenwald & Wesler provided an overview of “Special Education Law in New Jersey.” This session introduced attendees to their legal rights and protections within the state’s special education framework.

Finally, John J. Mulholland Jr., Executive Director of the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH), presented a seminar titled “Out-of-District Placement: How to Know When It’s Right for Your Child.” This session addressed the complexities of seeking educational placements outside a child’s local school district.

The Autism Resource Fair wasn’t just about information but about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. From meeting a friendly mermaid princess, to creating sensory-friendly rain stick crafts, coloring stations, and visits with calming therapy dogs, there was something for everyone to enjoy. A sensory-friendly show featuring bubbles, laughter, dancing, games, and storytime capped off the day’s entertainment.

For those who missed the Fair at the library’s Toms River branch or are interested in a second visit, there’s good news! The Ocean County Library will hold a repeat performance of the Autism Resource Fair at the Little Egg Harbor Branch on October 19.

Year-Round Autism Resources

The Ocean County Library’s dedication to families navigating autism diagnoses extends far beyond the walls of its annual Fair. This commitment is evident in the Fair’s success and the library’s ongoing efforts to provide resources and support throughout the year.

“I actually was behind the Reference Desk helping someone who wanted some information,” recalled Quinn. “And I went to our Autism Resources Center on our website, printed some information out and went over how to get some information.”

And it’s certainly something that makes sense considering the demographics of the library’s service area. A 2021 study published by Walter Zahorodny, Director of NJ Autism Study and an Associate Professor at Rutgers, found that Toms River joined Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth, whose number of children on the autism spectrum exceeded the state average.

The library website boasts a comprehensive Autism Resources Center featuring information for individuals with ASD, caregivers, and professionals. This one-stop-shop offers a wealth of information, including community events, library videos on autism-related topics, and a curated list of resources.

Sensory space is also available in the library’s Toms River and Jackson branches. Some of the featured items include an IRiS Musical Touch Wall, which provides visual and auditory stimulation, a Fiber Optic Color-Changing Light Waterfall, which provides tactile and visual stimulation, and LED Cube with Bluetooth Speakers, that aids in color recognition, sensory stimulation, and visual attention. A Round Musical Tactile Activity Wall Panel results in musical sounds when participants turn wheels and press shapes.

These are just some examples of the sensory space equipment that differs between the two library branches. The Ocean County Library was the first in the state to offer these fun spaces and often receives visitors from communities outside the local vicinity.