Spectrum360

Spectrum360 is an educational non-profit organization that serves children and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities. It is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity that was originally founded as an orphanage and shelter in Newark, NJ, in 1883 before expanding its mission in the twentieth century. Today it has multiple facilities and several programs dedicated to providing a level of support and knowledge to individuals on the spectrum that they cannot receive from other existing resources.

Spectrum360 offers continuing education for students from age 3 to 21 in Verona and Livingston, NJ, and additional day programs for adults over 21 that provide additional skill training and personal development courses that they may choose at their discretion. These include a culinary institute and a film production studio that serve both the student and adult programs and offer vocational and internship opportunities.

What’s New

Walk for a Lifetime 2021 Raises Over $125,000

Thanks to contributions by the SWK Team and many other participants, Spectrum360 was able to raise over $125,000 in online and other donations to its Walk for a Lifetime 2021 event. The annual Walk allows donors to sponsor their respective teams, raising money and awareness for Spectrum360’s mission of serving children and adults on the spectrum. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event featured mixed in-person and virtual attendance, with latter participants able to contributed pictures of their walking progress with their team.

For more information on Walk for a Lifetime 2021, Click Here.

Our Stories

Beth McNeill – Senior Technical Consultant

I have firsthand experience with Spectrum360 through my son, who is autistic and is currently involved in Spectrum’s adult programs. He struggled to find somewhere to go after graduating high school because of his disability and Spectrum provided the opportunity for him to get more training and interact with others like him. I have seen such a difference since he joined and his confidence has really improved. He’s more outspoken now, he’s got friends from the program that he hangs out with all the time. Spectrum’s programs give them a chance to participate in activities that they wouldn’t have access to in a normal school system. They get to go bowling together, learn how to cook professionally, and go on weekend group retreats.

Spectrum is the only private organization in New Jersey that can help children and young adults with autism. State resources aren’t enough to help these kids, and Spectrum fills a gap that’s needed. They’ve grown a lot since they started as a small school in Verona and now have a high school in Livingston and a new facility for adults. The schools are especially designed to accommodate for young people with disabilities, and they control things like the lighting to make sure every one of their students feels comfortable and ensure their conditions are properly managed. It’s amazing what these teachers and group leaders do for these children. Spectrum’s really the only place where children and young adults with autism can go and socialize, find employment, and just live a normal life. There’s just no better place.

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