Cope Center for Autism

Monthly IEP Review Clinic
2026-03-04 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | NJ
Monthly IEP Review Clinic
Your child’s IEP can make all the difference in their school success. Our experienced Parent Education team helps parents feel confident, informed, and empowered.
Parent Consultants will:

Review your child’s IEP for effectiveness
Identify goals that may need updating
Explain accommodations in plain language
Provide actionable advice to keep your child’s IEP individualized and appropriate
Offer recommendations for your next IEP meeting.

Make an appointment here!

Virtual Parent Support Group
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | NJ
Thursday, February 26, noon

Meet other parents
Share experiences
Gather resources
Enjoy supportive conversations with families who truly understand the autism journey.

Zoom link here: https://zoom.us/j/7085754336?pwd=[REDACTED]

Unwind: President's Week Spring Break Club Feb 16 and 17
2026-02-16 02:00 - 18:30 | NJ
Unwind: President’s Week Spring Break Club
February 16 and 17
2:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Activities of the day:
Art 2:30-3:30
Yoga 4:30 – 5:15

Unwind Valentine's Day
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
Valentine’s Party
For Autistic Tweens and Teens (ages 11-17). Siblings and Friends Welcome
Pizza, snack, and drinks
February 13th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The event is free, but RSVP is required https://www.hisawyer.com/cope-center-for-autism/schedules/activity-set/1764088

Webinar: Designing an IEP for Meaningful and Measurable Progress
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:30 | NJ
Sign up here.

Understand your child’s rights and FAPE
Advocate for inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment
Keep IEP goals focused, measurable, and impactful
Learn how private evaluations can strengthen IEP objectives
Resolve disagreements and work effectively with schools

With Judith Weinstock, Esq., Parles and Rekem, and Connie Sproul, Cope Center for Autism

IEP Review Clinic
2026-02-04 08:00 - 17:00 | NJ

Unwind Open House
2026-01-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
Unwind Open House
Saturday, January 10th, 9 am – 2 pm
Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood
Unwind is an after-school program for autistic tweens and teens ages 11-17
Stop in at any time.

Webinar: Why Social Skills Are Hard: The Executive Function Link
2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:00 | NJ
Many kids spend years in social skills groups but still struggle in real life. It’s not because they aren’t trying. It’s because social skills rely on something deeper: executive function. It’s not that social skills groups are inherently bad, but in this webinar, you’ll learn the role of fundamental executive function skills required that shape social communication and why progress may stall when these skills aren’t supposed. You’ll walk away understanding what’s been missing and some practical strategies you can begin to implement right away to shape those foundational skills that might be missing.
Professional Bio
Amy Zembriski, MBA, M.S., CCC-SLP specializes in supporting autistic and ADHD children through a neurodiversity-affirming, executive function–centered approach. She has extensive training in supporting children who use delayed echolalia to communicate, in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and in understanding how executive function shapes language, behavior, and social connection. As a late-diagnosed ADHD clinician, Amy blends clinical expertise with lived experience, giving her a nuanced perspective on how differently brains learn, communicate, and thrive. This allows her to design supports that are individualized, respectful, and aligned with each child’s natural way of processing the world. Amy has served as an expert speaker, providing professional development for professionals through large educational summits, podcasts, and state conferences, where she shares practical guidance on executive function, AAC, and gestalt language processing. Her work continues to center on empowering families and professionals with research-informed, compassionate, and practical tools that create meaningful change.
Find Amy at Speech Therapy Connections Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy | Communication
Sign up here

IEP Review Clinic
2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 09:00 - 16:30 | Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States

Unwind Winter Break Camp, December 29 and 30
2025-12-29 02:00 - 2025-12-30 18:30 | NJ
Winter Break Camp
Chill out with us!
December 29 and 30, 2:00-6:30th

Unwind Schedule for December 15-19th
2025-12-15 03:30 - 2025-12-19 18:30 | NJ

Webinar: Planning for Two Lifetimes: Creating Financial Confidence for Families With Special Needs
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | NJ
Planning for Two Lifetimes: Creating Financial Confidence for Families With Special Needs
Michael Ringel, CPA, RICP®, CExP™, ChSNC, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Strategies for Wealth
Many families raising a child with special needs worry about one enduring question: “What will happen when I’m no longer here or if I need care myself?” The future can feel overwhelming when navigating financial systems, legal tools, and government programs that were not built with your child’s unique needs in mind.
This webinar is designed to demystify the planning process and offer families a framework to build a sturdy, secure, coordinated strategy. Participants will learn how to integrate three essential elements of a successful plan: (1) financial strategies to build sustainable resources with protection, savings, and growth, (2) estate planning tools like Wills, ABLE, and Special Needs Trusts to ensure long-term care and asset protection, and (3) the intelligent coordination of government benefits to supplement private planning.
The webinar will also explore the role of permanent life insurance as a financial foundation — providing guarantees, liquidity, and long-term control — and how to make investing decisions grounded in academic, mathematical, and scientific principles rather than traditional speculation.
Contact: mringel@strategiesforwealth.com
Sign up here

Open House at the Cope Center!
2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | NJ
Open House at the Cope Center

December 6th, Saturday
1:00 – 4:00 pm
579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood

Meet the team and check out the facilities!

Ask the medical team about research and evaluations!
Chat with the parent education team about therapy and schools!
Tour the amazing after-school space for teens!
Bring the whole family for snacks!

Unwind December Calendar
2025-12-01 00:00 - 2025-12-30 23:59 | Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
Join us in December for an Open House, STEM Night, Holiday Gift-making making and more!

Opening the Doors of Unwind
2025-11-10 15:30 - 18:00 | NJ
Register for classes. Learn more here.
Or email us at — unwind@CopeCenterforAutism.org
Or call us at 551-380-4870

FREE November at Unwind
2025-11-10 08:00 - 2025-12-04 17:00 | NJ
🎉 BIG NEWS for Teens & Families! 🎉
This November, our After School Program for Autistic Teens is 100% FREE for all participants!
🧘‍♀️🎮🎨 Whether you’re into yoga, gaming, DIY art, coding, or just hanging out — come experience our vibrant program without any cost this month!
✨ Safe, inclusive, and designed with YOU in mind.
📍 Ridgewood, NJ
📅 Ages 13–17
👉 Spots are limited, visit Unwind Sign Up – Cope Center for Autism to get started!
#FreeNovember #AutismFriendly #TeenAfterSchoolProgram #NeurodiverseCommunity #RidgewoodNJ
Sign up here: Unwind – Cope Center for Autism

Webinar: How to Help Your Autistic Child at Home: Tips from BCBAs
2025-11-05 19:00 | NJ
Webinar: How to Help Your Autistic Child at Home: Tips from BCBAs
Sign up here
Want to help your autistic child increase communication skills, express feelings appropriately, and get along with their siblings? We have some ideas to help you in your home.
Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA therapy is often the first choice for families whose children are newly diagnosed with autism. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are experts in ABA.
Our panel of four BCBAs will share their years of experience and provide ideas for families to help their children at home.
Our panelists include:

Lauren Bacotti, MS, Ed, BCBA, Clinical Director, Centered Solutions
Rachelle Wisotsky, MS BCBA LBA, Clinical Director, RightWay ABA
Jessie Dello Russo, MA, BCBA, LBA (CT, NJ), Director of Operations, SEARCH Learning Group
Melina Dos Santos-Falquez, MA, BCBA, After School Program Coordinator, Cope Center for Autism

Halloween Trick or Treat
2025-10-31 19:00 - 21:00 | NJ
🎃👻 Calling all spooky teens! 👻🎃
Join us for a FREE Halloween Party at the Cope Center for Autism, hosted by Unwind—a fun, inclusive evening for teens (ages 13–17) with Level 1 Autism!
🕷️ Expect spooky activities, candy, snacks, and good vibes!
🗓️ Date: Friday, October 31st
🕖 Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Location: 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ
✨ Parents & guardians are welcome to stay and chaperone. We’ll have a cozy space for adults to relax and connect while teens enjoy the festivities.
🎭 Costumes encouraged but not required.
📲 RSVP now via HiSawyer to save your spot!
Let’s make this Halloween SPOOKTACULAR! 🦇🕸️ #UnwindHalloween #AutismFriendlyEvents #RidgewoodNJ #TeenHalloweenParty
Cope Center for Autism – Halloween Party 2025

IEP Drop In Day
2025-10-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Cope Center for Autism, 579 Franklin Turnpike, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450, United States
Bring your IEP and get a FREE 15-minute consultation from our Parent Consultants.

Webinar: Navigating the Disability Safety Net: SSI, Medicaid, and DDD
2025-10-16 18:30 - 19:30 | NJ
A CAPE presentation from the Cope Center’s Laura McKenna, Director of Parent Education and Outreach. Sign up here.
