Senator Sweeney with a student and PCDI teacher.
From left: Debbie Charrette, Autism NJ Public Policy Director, Suzanne Buchanan, Autism NJ ED;David Miller, parent; Senator Sweeney; Pam Machold, Founding Parent; Marianne Lynch, Parent; Senator Turner; Assemblywoman Muoio; Patti Gianone, parent; Derek Gianone, student; Matt Gianone, parent; Assemblyman Gusciora; Roland Machold, parent; Councilwoman Heather Howard; Mayor Liz Lempert; Mark Mautone, 2014-2015 NJ Teacher of the Year; Greg MacDuff, PCDI ED.
On Thursday, April 2, Senate President Steve Sweeney visited the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) to recognize the value of the work done by the institute and other groups in support of those with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Senator Sweeney was joined by Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Liz Muoio, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert, Princeton Councilwoman Heather Howard, and members of Autism New Jersey, a statewide advocacy group, to help mark April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
On March 16, the New Jersey Senate approved unanimously a resolution sponsored by Senate President Sweeney designating April 2nd of each year as “World Autism Day.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain disorder characterized by difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and learning everyday skills.
PCDI aims to provide quality treatment, education, and professional training and mentoring in New Jersey. Through research, the institute has pioneered comprehensive intervention models that are used nationally and internationally for the benefit of persons with autism. PCDI shares its pioneering programs, technology, and research with professionals in the US and abroad so that all people who struggle with autism may benefit.
