Nexus: Empowering Autistic Adults in NJ

Frances De Cicco, a young adult on the autism spectrum, faced numerous challenges after completing high school. Now 22, she doesn’t drive, is unemployed, and struggled to keep up with the demands of college. Despite these hurdles, she’s considered too capable to qualify for state support services, leaving her in a difficult position that many individuals on the spectrum experience once they transition into adulthood.

Her mother, Leah, is deeply concerned about her daughter’s future and her ability to live independently. Like many parents in her situation, Leah’s primary hope is that Frances gains essential life skills that will help her lead a more self-sufficient life.

“I won’t be here forever,” Leah De Cicco said, reflecting on her daughter’s long-term needs.

In New Jersey, where the prevalence of autism is notably high, Frances’ situation is far from unique. Many families face the reality of limited resources and programs designed to help adults on the spectrum transition into independent living. One of the significant gaps in services is the lack of programs tailored to those who fall through the cracks—individuals who are too high-functioning to qualify for extensive state-funded assistance but still require support to navigate daily life.

Recognizing this issue, Aaron Dallman, an assistant professor specializing in occupational therapy at Rutgers School of Health Professions, developed a unique program called Nexus. Dallman’s goal was to address the service gap for young adults like Frances, offering them a space to build skills that promote self-sufficiency and independence.

Based in Newark, Nexus is grounded in the clubhouse model of mental health care, which focuses on creating community-centered environments for individuals to gather and develop skills. Nexus offers young adults the opportunity to socialize, learn, and grow in a supportive environment that encourages self-direction. Unlike many other programs, the activities at Nexus are not predetermined but are chosen by the participants themselves, with guidance and support from Rutgers students.

“There is nothing like this in New Jersey,” Dallman emphasized, noting the program’s unique approach.

The program, which launched in the spring, operates within the Rutgers occupational therapy program space. The facility is designed to replicate a home environment, complete with a kitchen and living area, where participants can practice skills like cooking and cleaning. These functional skills are vital for individuals striving for greater independence in their daily lives.

“We saw the potential to leverage our existing class space to meet community needs,” Dallman explained, highlighting the dual benefit of using the school’s resources to serve the local community.

One of the significant challenges for individuals with disabilities is the loss of state-supported services after they turn 21. For many, this transition can be abrupt and leave them without the necessary support to continue developing life skills. In areas like Newark, where resources for autistic adults are limited, families often face tough decisions, especially when private services are prohibitively expensive.

“If programs exist, they’re often outdated. People sit around watching TV or doing crafts with little interaction,” Dallman said. “We have students eager to learn and a community in need. We thought, ‘Let’s bring them together to solve this problem.’”

Nexus also provides Rutgers students with hands-on experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, fostering a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and challenges. This kind of exposure is invaluable in breaking down biases and misconceptions about autism.

“We want to decrease bias and stigma through exposure and experience, showcasing the strengths of people with autism,” Dallman said.

The collaborative nature of Nexus is one of its defining features. Upon arrival, participants like Frances are warmly welcomed by Rutgers students, and together, they decide which activities to pursue. When Frances first visited, she expressed a desire to learn how to iron.

“We said, ‘Of course,’” Dallman said, demonstrating the program’s commitment to supporting participants in achieving their personal goals.

Other members of Nexus have worked on skills like resume-building and cooking, while some practice for job interviews, aiming to secure positions in industries they’re passionate about. The program also emphasizes leadership, with both students and participants taking turns as group leaders, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.

“If we’re doing it right, you won’t know who’s a member, who is a student, and who is the professor,” Dallman explained, underscoring the inclusive environment Nexus strives to create.

The success of Nexus has captured the attention of other institutions. Melanie Wright, a recent graduate of the occupational therapy program who played a key role in developing Nexus, shared her observations of the program’s impact. She saw firsthand how participants began taking greater ownership of their decisions.

“People don’t give those with disabilities enough credit for having autonomy,” Wright said. “We encourage them to take the lead and pursue their own ideas. They don’t have to wait for somebody to give them directions.”

For Frances, the experience at Nexus has been life-changing. Not only has she developed practical skills like resume writing and cooking, but she’s also built friendships and gained a sense of community. Nexus has become a place where she can continue growing and exploring new interests.

“I really do like it there,” Frances said, reflecting on the positive experiences she’s had at the program.