Newark Celebrates Autism Awareness With Family Fun And Support

As many diagnosed with autism continue to go out without proper aid, one Newark organization endeavors to connect them to the experts, services and care they need to live more happily and independently.

Nassan’s Place founder and president, Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr, began organizing an annual event called Family Fun/Resources Day because she saw an opportunity to raise money and “provide community, unity and family resources” for those affected by autism. The event was finally held May 29 after weeks of weather-related delays, where guests were finally able to enjoy themselves for a fun, welcoming evening.

“[This event is] a day for the community to better understand and learn about autism. It’s an opportunity for families to get some much-needed fun time in with their kids and get resources that these families need,” said Wright-Arbubakrr. “A lot of them don’t know about the services that they can get that will enhance the quality of the life of their children with autism.”

As people with autism continue to be stigmatized and struggle to find and access proper support in the U.S., organizations like Nassan’s Place have become even more imperative, especially in New Jersey.

In the most recent study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.4% of 8-year-olds living in New Jersey, or 1 in 29 children, were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current national average is 3.2% (1 in 32 children), with New Jersey currently having one of the highest recorded rates in the United States. 

Wright-Arbubakrr has long been an advocate of autism awareness and acceptance. She had even named her nonprofit after her son, who was diagnosed with autism at two years old, roughly 18 years ago. Like so many other parents of children with autism, Wright-Arbubakrr initially didn’t have the knowledge or resources need to take care of her child’s needs. She also found it difficult to find and access the necessary services and support living in the Newark-East Orange area.

“When I got the diagnosis, I knew nothing about autism,” she said. “I couldn’t find programs and services, or even a support group….[It] took me six years, I decided that I didn’t want to be part of a problem that was plaguing, especially urban inner cities.”

Wright-Arbubakkr has dedicated her life to providing a supportive environment for her child and others like him, which led to the creation of Nassan’s Place in 2012. 

This organization has worked with over 7,000 people since its inception. It now continues its mission to support children “in and around under-served inner-city communities” and provide “low to moderate” income families with affordable educational and recreational programs and outings like the Autism Awareness Day.

The event was filled with excitement as kids and adults enjoyed a variety of activities and attractions. These include mascots, a bubble performer, an inflatable slide, and dancing with music provided by Newark’s own DJ Wallah. Several organizations specializing in mental health and autism care also set up tables offering their services to guests.

To bring this event to life, Wright-Arbubakkr partnered with Empower U, which provides therapy services for children and families in New Jersey. The event was even sponsored by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and the city’s Council President, Lawrence C. Crump, whose son was diagnosed with autism. Both of these local leaders appeared at Mulberry Commons with Council Members Louise Scout-Rountree and Patrick O. Council, to show their support.

Crump spoke of how Wright-Arbubakrr has been “such a champion for us and urban communities, families on the spectrum with autism.”

“When my son was diagnosed with autism, she literally spent about four hours on the phone with my wife that evening and just talked to her and talked her through everything,” Crump added. “And I don’t know where we would be without Nadine in terms of making sure that my son had all the services that he needed.”

With the continued support of Mayor Baraka and Newark’s city council, Wright-Arbubakkr hopes to expand the impact of Nassan’s Place by spreading autism awareness and creating more environments where autistic individuals and their families can thrive and be accepted.

Mayor Baraka has already provided Nassan’s Place with land where they are preparing to build a state-of-the-art autism center. They will also construct 44 units of apartments in Newark, with a percentage of these homes going to children and families affected by autism at an affordable price.

“I think it’s so important for municipalities throughout the state and throughout the county to ensure that they’re providing programs and services that are geared toward all abilities,” said Wright-Arbubakkr.