Ocean County Library to co-host virtual seminar on autism, early childhood development

Gabriela L. Laracca, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

With so many children being diagnosed with autism as young as 2 years old, families are often left with many questions.

What are early signs to watch for? Where can we find helpful services? How can we support and be there for our child or loved one?

To help answer some of these questions, the Ocean County Library is partnering with the Center for Autism Research, or CAR, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for a free virtual discussion at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29.

"Autism, Early Childhood Development and Early Literacy" will teach attendees about CAR and its services, as well as early signs of developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. It will be followed by a Q&A.

The Joseph H. Vicari Sensory Space in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch supports the local neurodiverse community.
The Joseph H. Vicari Sensory Space in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch supports the local neurodiverse community.

More ASD resources: It's Autism Awareness Month: Here are sensory inclusive spaces around the Jersey Shore

The center coordinates studies of ASD and supports individuals and their families, aiming to develop effective treatments by identifying underlying causes.

According to a 2021 Rutgers University study, as many as 7.3% of children in Toms River have ASD, the highest in the state.

This program is part of the library's Milestones in Neurodiversity and Literacy to Grow program, providing literacy-based services for the neurodiverse community, from birth to age 5.

Both the library and CAR are providing "information to our communities ... to continue fostering literacy skills, inclusivity and enhance the lives individuals of all abilities and their families," said Kate Sanchez, Youth Services Librarian for OCL.

To register and receive a Zoom link by email, visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events. For more information, visit or contact the Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, at 609-294-1197. Those interested may register until the date of the program.

Go: "Autism, Early Childhood Development and Early Literacy," 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, free virtual discussion presented by the Ocean County Library and the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ocean County Library co-hosts free online autism seminar