FRHSD given state grant to start autistic program

The Freehold Regional High School District has received a grant for $262,613 to create an educational program for children with autism.

According to state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy, the FRHSD is one of 55 school districts in New Jersey that will receive a share of $15 million in state grant funds to establish, expand or enhance pubic school programs and services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

The new self-contained program for district students with autism will be held at Manalapan High School, according to Patricia Emmerman, assistant superintendent of student services. The new program, which will begin in September, will offer behavioral supports and speech and language services designed for students with autism.

According to a press release from the FRHSD, Gov. Jon S. Corzine established the competitive grant fund through his Initiative on Autism in the 2007 state budget. The Department of Education received 250 applications for the funding. District applications were evaluated on four components: statement of need, project description, program activity plan and budget.

"The grant funds will be used to develop comprehensive programs that address the unique behavioral, social and instructional needs of these children," Davy said. "I was pleased to see the wide range of quality programs that were proposed by the applicants."

The 15-month grant program is designed to increase the number of public program options available to students with autism and to encourage districts to work together to develop cross-district programs that will meet the needs of students efficiently and effectively, according to the press release.

Approximately 7,400 New Jersey children between the ages of 5 and 21 have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with autism have marked deficits in attention, imitation, communication, socialization and motivation - skills that are the foundation for early education.