Rutgers Launches Nexus, a Program That Gives Those With Autism Self-Sufficiency

An assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Health Professions creates initiative to help people on the spectrum develop essential skills

Frances De Cicco, who is on the autism spectrum, struggled after completing her high school education. At 22, she doesn’t drive or work and couldn’t succeed in college, yet she is considered too capable to qualify for state support services.

Her mother, Leah, worried about her daughter’s future and wanted her to gain life skills and become more independent.

“I won’t be here forever,” Leah De Cicco said.

In New Jersey, where autism rates are high, De Cicco’s situation isn’t uncommon. To address this gap in services, Aaron Dallman, an occupational therapy assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Health Professions who specializes in autism, created a unique program based in Newark called Nexus.

Based on the clubhouse model of mental health care, Nexus is intended to help young adults in the Newark area gather, socialize and develop essential skills for independence. Unlike other programs, the activities at Nexus are self-directed by the young adults themselves, with support from Rutgers students.

“There is nothing like this in New Jersey,” Dallman said.

The program, which began in the spring and can serve up to 25 young adults, utilizes the school's occupational therapy program space, which includes a kitchen and living area, to teach functional skills.

"We saw the potential to leverage our existing class space to meet community needs," said Dallman.

Young adults with disabilities can often lose access to crucial state-supported services once they turn 21. This is particularly challenging for people like De Cicco, whose needs may not be considered severe enough for state-funded help. In the Newark area, resources for autistic adults are scarce, and families often can’t afford private services.

“If programs exist, they’re often outdated.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 benefits the graduate students, who gain valuable experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum.

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

When members arrive at Nexus, they are eagerly greeted by Rutgers students. Activities are decided collaboratively. When De Cicco first visited, she wanted to learn to iron.

“We said, ‘Of course,’” Dallman said.

Others worked on resume-building and cooking. One member practiced job interviews for a potential position at a video game store. Leadership skills also are emphasized, with everyone – students included – taking turns as group leaders.

“If we’re doing it right, you won’t know who’s a member, who is a student, and who is the professor,” Dallman said

Nexus has garnered interest from other institutions. For example, Rocky Mountain University in Wisconsin is planning to implement a similar program.

Melanie Wright, an occupational therapy program graduate who helped develop Nexus, said she observed members growing more confident in making decisions.

“People don’t give those with disabilities enough credit for having autonomy,” she 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 De Cicco, Nexus has been a lifeline. She worked on her resume, learned to make pasta and made friends.

“I really do like it there,” she said.