{"data":{"id":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-30-6d-62.3","jurisdiction":"us-nj","citation":"N.J. Stat. § 30:6D-62.3","heading":"Findings, declarations relative to Asperger's Syndrome.","body":"1.\tThe Legislature finds and declares that:\na.\tAsperger's Syndrome is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder often characterized by autistic-like behaviors and marked by deficiencies in social and communication skills;\nb.\tChildren with Asperger's Syndrome tend to be self-absorbed, have difficulty making friends, are often preoccupied with their own interests and easily become the victims of teasing or bullying;\nc. The best studies conducted to date indicate that Asperger's Syndrome is five to six times more common than classic autism;\nd.\tThose with the disorder are often misdiagnosed with other neurological disorders such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder;\ne.\tAlthough those with Asperger's Syndrome have a better prognosis than those with other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, people with Asperger's Syndrome often continue to demonstrate difficulties in social interactions well into their adult lives and face an increased risk of developing psychosis, depression and anxiety;\nf.\tPersons with Asperger's Syndrome who are diagnosed and treated early have an increased chance of living independently and leading healthy, productive lives;\ng.\tBecause individuals evidencing this syndrome may have normal to superior intelligence, and do not always evidence significant functional impairments across a range of life skills, they may not be eligible for services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services;\nh.\tThe range of support needs for persons with Asperger's Syndrome typically includes: social skills training; social supports, including supported employment; housing supports; and psychiatric and psychological services for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other neurological disorders; and\ni.\tThe public policy of this State should seek to provide a vehicle to address the needs of those who suffer from Asperger's Syndrome through the establishment of a demonstration program that provides vocational, educational and social training services to individuals with this disorder.\nL.2007, c.169, s.1.","path":["TITLE 30 INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES"],"source_url":"https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/statutes/STATUTES-TEXT.zip","current_through":"P.L.2025, c.405, and J.R.22","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T17:54:13Z","sha256":"9672161032f6ae6be1e879317f359de8693a56a6757a1b0bec8ce4ec7d469802","source_id":"us-nj","stale":true,"prev":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-30-6d-62.2","next":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-30-6d-62.4"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}