Union Beach Woman Kicks Off Autism Awareness Month At NJ Board Of Education

UNION BEACH, NJ — Union Beach resident Angie Tener has driven from home to her job at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County in Neptune for over 20 years.

Tener, who works as an occupational therapist, has always had a soft spot for people with autism and has spent her days at the Children’s Center teaching young people the basics, like gaining independence in life skills and motor skills.

Though it can be a challenging field, she finds ways to bring spontaneity and joy to the job, often breaking out a disco ball and music to dance with her students.

According to Tener, April has long been a highlight of the year at the Children’s Center.

Staff and students decorate the hallway bulletin boards with Autism Acceptance decorations, participate in bake sales, and create picture frames, bookmarks, and jewelry.

As a participant of Autism New Jersey’s Ambassador program, Tener often led the charge, and this year, she was acknowledged for her work on behalf of the Autism community at the State Board of Education’s meeting on April 2.

The board and Autism New Jersey invited Tener to speak at the meeting and receive the board’s resolution, which formally recognized the month as Autism Acceptance in New Jersey.

During her speech, Tener memorialized 20-year-old twins who were students at the Children’s Center and died in a Trenton house fire in 2022.

“My student’s photo is my desktop background,” Tener said. “I think about him and his brother every day when I arrive at work, and every day when I leave. Their legacy drives me to help our students with autism and disabilities in any way I can.”

In New Jersey, one in 35 children is identified with autism spectrum disorder, and about a third of those children are nonverbal, experience severe challenges in social communication, or exhibit self-injurious behavior.

Through its trained helpline staff, Autism New Jersey helps caregivers identify signs of autism, navigate state assistance programs, connect to healthcare providers, and find autism-friendly services throughout the state.

The non-profit also runs an annual ambassador campaign, where people with autism, their families and friends, and professionals like Tener, team up to raise awareness during the month of April.

“Many of us see Autism Acceptance Month as a time of celebration,” Tener said during the board’s meeting. “And it certainly is. But it’s also a time of raising awareness, and that awareness drives action, policy, and funding.”

Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New Jersey’s executive director, agreed with Tener and spoke about how grateful they are for local leaders like her who dedicate their lives to raising awareness.

“Awareness drives action, policy, and funding," Buchanan said. "It enables schools to teach children life-saving skills, health care professionals to provide evidence-based therapies, and families to live in communities where everyone is accepted."

“We’re so grateful for local leaders like Angie, who dedicate their lives to raising awareness, and come alongside individuals with autism in their daily lives," Buchanan continued. "Angie was the perfect person to kick start Autism Awareness Month in our state.”

Upcoming awareness events in Monmouth and Ocean Counties include:

• The 4th Annual Shillelagh Plunge for Autism (April 12th — Belmar)
• Last Wave Brewing Company’s T-Shirt Fundraiser (Point Pleasant)

To learn more about Autism New Jersey, you can visit their website. To hear Tener’s full speech, you can watch here.