April is autism awareness month!

1. COMMUNITY CALENDAR APRIL 2013
Treating Autism
One Child, One Family at a Time, Near and Far
Barbie Zimmerman-Bier, M.D., chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and Genevieve Kumapley, PharmD, a pharmacist and an advocate
for families coping with autism, lead training sessions during a mission to Ghana.
A lifelong neurological condition, autism
affects one in every 49 children in
New Jersey. Last year the Centers
for Disease Control released the results of
a study that showed an alarming increase in
medical therapies used to treat children
with autism. The families attend lectures
about behavioral and medical treatments
while their children receive one-on-one
behavioral therapy in a separate classroom
the number of New Jersey children diagnosed with trained behaviorists. In addition, the
with autism. The study, which tracked autism families get to watch video feedback and
in 14 states, showed that the rate of autism in monitor their child’s response to therapies.
New Jersey had doubled in six years, placing This is the first program to combine medical
New Jersey second only to Utah. and behavioral therapies for children with
autism under one roof. So far, parent
At The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s response has been overwhelmingly
University Hospital, there is a hands-on, positive, according to Dr. Zimmerman-Bier.
comprehensive approach to the treatment
of symptoms that goes beyond prescribing The goal of the Ghanaian mission is to
medications. New doctors are trained in the establish the Haven International Center
early diagnosis of autism, research is under- for Special Education, an autism and
taken in partnership with major medical developmental disabilities treatment and
institutions, and all healthcare providers are training center. The center is a project of
involved in the development of the best Dr. Kumapley’s organization, MyGoal Inc.
treatment options for each child. Like other Last year’s trip was made possible in part
chronic conditions, autism affects whole by a grant from Focus Autism, located in
families. At Saint Peter’s, educational and Lakeview School student Eric Brennan during a behavioral Watchung.
emotional support are also available to session that is part of the Jump Start 4 Autism program started
caregivers. at the Edison school by Saint Peter’s. “Our mission is to work with local Ghanaian
resources to promote awareness of autism
In recent months, the Saint Peter’s autism and developmental disorders,” says
team has taken on an international mission professional. Both are the mothers of children Dr. Kumapley, a native of Ghana. As is
to Ghana, a country in West Africa, and the with autism. Dr. Zimmerman-Bier is the mother the case at Saint Peter’s, Haven’s work will
establishment of a parent-training program at of an adult child; Dr. Kumapley, an oncology be multidisciplinary and family-centered.
the Lakeview School in Edison. clinical pharmacist specialist at Saint Peter’s, The long-range plan calls for the eventual
is the mother of a school-age child. creation of a vocational program for adults
“Our goal is to support everyone who interacts with autism and a respite program for
with a child with autism — parents, siblings, Last fall, Saint Peter’s staff lent their expertise families coping with autism, Kumapley
pediatricians, nurses, teachers — to help them to the launch of two ongoing programs. A adds.
better handle the day-to-day situations that grant from Merck enabled Dr. Zimmerman-Bier
may arise, and to do this wherever we can,” to launch a series of innovative parent-training
says Barbie Zimmerman-Bier, M.D., chief of and child intervention workshops for families
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at of children newly diagnosed with autism
The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s. spectrum disorder. Families have been
Dr. Zimmerman-Bier leads the charge with referred from The Children’s Hospital at
Genevieve Kumapley, PharmD, a doctor of Saint Peter’s or the Children’s Center early
pharmacy and founder of the locally-based intervention program in Edison. The program, To learn more about autism services at
charity and parent support group called called Jump Start 4 Autism, is a six-week The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s
MyGOAL–My Gateway to Overcoming Autism hands-on training program that teaches University Hospital, call 732-339-7045 or
in Life, which runs support groups out of Saint parents about the latest behavioral and visit saintpetershcs.com/autism.
Peter’s. For both the cause is personal and
A LISTING OF PROGRAMS OFFERED THIS MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE.

2. y
APRIL 2013
All programs are designed for community members and are held at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, unless otherwise noted.
For more information or to register for a program, call the contact number listed or visit our Web site at www.saintpetershcs.com/newsandevents/
SUPPORT COMMUNITY Diabetes Self-Management Education
HELD MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS
SPECIAL EVENTS
GROUPS Group/Monroe MOBILE HEALTH Registration and doctor’s prescription required.
732-745-6667
WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
Alzheimer’s Support
APRIL 9, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM SERVICES
For more information about
Gestational Diabetes
Self-Management Class
7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
For more information, and to register, call
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center Lisa Lapinski at 732-745-8600, x8159.
200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township screenings and educational programs, HELD WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Rachel Kallish, CSW or the CMHS corporate flu shot program, Registration and a doctor’s prescription required.
Lisa Sparaco, MSW, LSW please call 732-745-8600, x8903. 732-745-6667 OPEN HOUSE FOR THE NEW
609-655-6853 DOROTHY B. HERSH PEDIATRIC
Bariatric Support Group
Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings
APRIL 12, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PARENT EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 9
APRIL 11, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lisa Lapinski, RD
New Brunswick Seniors, New Brunswick EDUCATION call Parent
For information, fees and registration,
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tour of and information about the new 14-bed
732-745-8600, x8159 APRIL 12, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM plus minor care pediatric emergency department
Elijah’s Soup Kitchen, New Brunswick Education at 732-745-8579, unless otherwise
Bereavement Support Group indicated. featuring private rooms and fast-track area. Call
APRIL 4 & 18, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM APRIL 24, NOON – 1:30 PM 732-339-7002 for more information.
732-745-8565 SHIPS @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Somerville Baby Care
APRIL 1 & 8, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Bereavement Support Group Breast Health FREE Y-BALANCE SCREENING
APRIL 2 & 16, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM APRIL 3, 3:00 PM APRIL 6, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
For spouses and significant others 55 and older. East Brunswick High School, East Brunswick Breastfeeding Class AGE 8 AND OLDER
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center Students and staff only. APRIL 6, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township Health Fairs WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sean O’Brien, MSW, LSW Breastfeeding Support Group SAINT PETER’S URGENT CARE CENTER
APRIL 1, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM APRIL 5, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Lisa Sparaco, MSW, LSW Montgomery Board of Education, Skillman The Village Shoppes at Montgomery
609-409-1363, Option 5 732-745-8600, x8820 1378 Route 206, Skillman
Staff only.
Marvelous Multiples Call 609-497-4597 to register.
Caregivers Support Group/Monroe APRIL 16, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM APRIL 15, 22 & 29, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Provided by the the Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine
APRIL 11, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Clergy Retirement Home, Diocese of Metuchen Institute’s licensed physical therapists.
Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center Diocesan priests only. New Daddy Class
200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township APRIL 25, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Stephanie Fitzsimmons-Sexton, RN, NP APRIL 21, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM RUTGERS DAY 2013
1-800-269-7508 or 609-655-2220 Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville New Mom Support Group SATURDAY, APRIL 27
APRIL 5, NOON – 1:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Craniofacial Boys & Girls Support Group APRIL 27, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Light lunch will be served at noon. College Avenue. Various Saint Peter’s departments
(boys and girls ages 11 to 17 meet separately) South Brunswick YMCA, South Brunswick Registration required. and Community Mobile Health Services will provide
MEETS SUNDAYS DURING YMCA Healthy Kids Day health education services and screenings.
THE SCHOOL YEAR Postnatal Yoga and Exercise Class
Helene Knee, LCSW Osteoporosis Screening (four-week sessions)
732-745-7943 APRIL 18, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM HELD FRIDAYS, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Hiddenbrook @ Franklin
SAVE THE DATE
Registration required.
Interstitial Support Group Residents only.
APRIL 23, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Prenatal Nutrition Class and Tour JUST FOR THE HEALTH
732-390-7943
Stroke Awareness APRIL 30, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM OF IT
APRIL 13, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Registration required. SATURDAY, MAY 4
Pregnancy after Loss Support Group Kiddie Keep Well Camp Linda Hudak, MS, RD 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(for pregnant women who have previously Seniors Campers only. 732-745-7930 Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick. Across from
experienced a loss) hospital on Easton Avenue. Ask the Doctor table,
Registration required. Sun Damage Screening Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Class
APRIL 13, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (four-week sessions) health education, blood pressure and blood sugar
Dawn Brady, MSW screening, appearance by Olympian Joetta Diggs,
732-745-8600, x5214 Using the DermaScan machine HELD WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS
Middlesex County Pride in Public Education Fair 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM fun bus, soccer, tennis, baseball, and music.
SHARE Support Group Route 18, Brunswick Square Mall, East Brunswick Registration required.
(pregnancy and infant loss support group) SIXTH ANNUAL BIKE RIDE
Prepared Childbirth Classes
APRIL 11, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
732-745-8600, x8522 DIABETES MONDAYS, THURSDAYS, OR ALL-DAY FOR AMY
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
CANCER EDUCATION SESSIONS SECOND AND FOURTH
WEEKENDS 7:00 AM Check-in
8:00 AM Start
Children’s Insulin Pump Group Registration required.
SERVICES
The American Cancer Society offers daily
APRIL 8, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Donna Dziedzic, RN, MSN, CDE
Sibling Class
APRIL 6, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the
Saint Peter’s program that provides screening
mammograms for women without health insurance.
information and support to cancer patients and 732-745-8600, x8751 Visit www.theamyfoundation.org for more
their families. Call 1-800-227-2345 to talk to a Visit our website at saintpetershcs.com/
information.
cancer information specialist 24-hours-a-day, maternity/ to watch our Maternity Virtual Tour.
seven-days-a-week or visit us online at
www.cancer.org. SAINT PETER’S COMMUNITY
GOLF OUTING
Breast Cancer Support Group TUESDAY, JUNE 11
APRIL 1 & 15, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 7:00 AM Registration
Guest speaker and open discussion. 8:00 AM Shotgun Start
Registration required. Forsgate Country Club, Jamesburg. Proceeds to
Cancer Institute of New Jersey benefit Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at The
Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University
732-235-7011 Hospital. Call 732-745-8542 for more information.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
APRIL 9, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
732-235-6792
Latina Women with Cancer
Support Group
APRIL 13, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center
Light lunch will be served. Free, but registration
requested. Sessions conducted in Spanish. Call
908-658-5400 for more information.
Living with Cancer Support Group Receive Saint Peter’s Community
APRIL 10 & 24, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Calendar via email every month http://
Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Barbara Hale, LCSW www.saintpetershcs.com/eNewsletter/
732-235-7557
This calendar is for information only. Do not rely on it to make healthcare decisions on your own; instead, talk with your healthcare provider for advice and treatment. Do not ignore medical advice or delay
seeking it because of something you read here. We do not suggest or endorse that you have any tests, use products, or use other information in this document without advice from your healthcare provider.
254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 732-745-8600 | 800-269-7508 | www.saintpetershcs.com
Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen | State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center
Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine | Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia