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74°
Monday, jun 15
Tag:
Autism
Police & Fire
NJ School Bus Aide Sexually Assaulted Children, Prosecutor Says
A 69-year-old Paterson school bus aide was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two minors in Roselle, authorities announced Friday, May 1. Frederico Nicasio Genao sexually assaulted teenagers who rode on his school bus, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel and Roselle Police Chief Helder Friere said. Genao appeared to target teenagers diagnosed with autism, one of whom was non-verbal, authorities said. He is charged with endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact and aggravated criminal sexual contact, authorities said.
Politics
Tylenol Responds To Trump Claiming Medication Causes Autism: 'We Stand With Science'
Tylenol is pushing back after President Donald Trump claimed the common pain reliever should be avoided during pregnancy because it could cause autism in children. At the White House on Monday, Sept. 22, Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about what they claimed are links between acetaminophen and autism. Trump ordered the Food and Drug Administration to notify doctors that using Tylenol during pregnancy is associated with a "very increased risk of autism." Tylenol rejected the Trump administration's claims in a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 23. "We stand …
Obituaries
Teen’s Sudden Death Due To Seizure Disorder Leaves NJ Community Heartbroken
Support is on the rise following the death of a 14-year-old New Jersey boy. Nicholas M. Leonor, 14, of Somers Point, died Friday, Sept. 19, at home from a seizure disorder, according to his obituary from Wimberg Funeral Home. A GoFundMe created by his sister Jennifer Leonor said, “On Friday, September 19th, our family’s world shattered. We lost my baby brother, Nicholas, to Epilepsy. He was only 14 years old, with his whole life ahead of him.” “Nicholas also lovingly known as Nicky, was so much more than his condition — he was funny, loving, and full of light and so smart,” the GoFundMe sa…
Politics
Medical Experts Blast Trump's Tylenol, Autism Claims: 'Astonishing Misinformation'
US and global health officials are rejecting President Donald Trump's claims that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol and other types of acetaminophen, saying his claims of a link to autism are not supported by science. At the White House on Monday, Sept. 22, Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned about what they claimed are links between the pain-relieving medication and autism in children. Trump is ordering the Food and Drug Administration to notify doctors that using Tylenol during pregnancy is associated with a "very increased risk of autism." Trump …
News
Trump To Link Tylenol To Autism, Report Says
President Donald Trump said his administration on Monday, Sept. 22, is set to release new findings on autism. Trump will announce that his administration believes the use of acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, during pregnancy is a large factor in the increased risk of autism, the Washington Post reports. He will also apparently announce Leucovorin (generally used for anemia and colon cancer) as a potential treatment for children with autism, WaPo reports. Two senior administration officials told Politico that the government will advise pregnant women to use acetaminophen only w…
Politics
Nephew, Ex-Congressman Says RFK Jr. Should Resign: 'Threat' To Americans' Health
Former Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III said Friday, Sept. 5, that his uncle, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is putting Americans’ health at risk and must resign. Joe Kennedy’s remarks came a day after a combative congressional hearing where Democrats and some Republicans criticized Robert Kennedy Jr. for his vaccine skepticism and conspiratorial tendencies. “Robert Kennedy Jr. is a threat to the health and well-being of every American,” Kennedy wrote in a post on X. “A United States Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with protecting the…
News
Hersheypark Rescue Hero Urges Autism Donations After Saving Boy On Monorail
The Bucks County dad who pulled a boy from the Hersheypark monorail tracks is asking the public to donate to autism charities, revealing in a new statement Sunday evening that the child he saved is on the spectrum. John Sampson, a veterinarian and father of three, became an unlikely hero on Saturday, Aug. 30, when he scaled an ice cream stand and pulled himself onto the Hersheypark monorail tracks to rescue a boy walking alone nearly 20 feet above the ground. Sampson told TODAY.com his “dad instincts” kicked in as he figured out how to reach the child while spectators looked on. “Being a da…
Obituaries
NJ Mom Dies After 7-Year Cancer Battle, Leaves Legacy Of Love
Compassionate. Courageous. Charismatic. This is how Lauren Gerardo-Marotta is being remembered. The 37-year-old New Providence mother died Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Morristown Medical Center after what her family described as “a courageous 7-year battle with leukemia." Lauren fought “not for herself, but for more time with the people she loved most,” according to her obituary on the Paul Ippolito Funeral Home website. Lauren graduated from New Providence High School in 2006 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, her obituary sa…
Police & Fire
Autistic Boy, 6, Found Dead Before Passaic Mom's Suicide Attempt: Prosecutor
A 48-year-old Passaic woman is facing child endangerment charges after authorities say she allegedly killed her 6-year-old autistic son before attempting to take her own life. Officers found the child already dead when they arrived at a home near Aspen Place and State Street around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, according to a news release from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. The child's mother, Nakija Martin, was also in the home and had unsuccessfully attempted suicide, officials said. Investigators believe Martin had intended to kill her son, who was autistic, the prosecutor's of…
News
Minnesota Mom Who Called Autistic Boy Racial Slur Raises Over $600K After Viral Video
A Minnesota mother who admitted to calling a 5-year-old autistic boy a racial slur in a viral video has raised more than $600,000 in online donations after claiming she feared for her life because of threats and harassment. Shiloh Hendrix identified herself as the woman in the widely circulated video, which was filmed last week at a park in Rochester, Minnesota. In a GiveSendGo fundraising campaign, she said she feared retaliation and sought public support. Hundreds of donors have contributed, helping her raise over half of her $1 million goal. "I am so grateful to all of you who have donat…
Lifestyle
NJ Dating Coach Shines On New Season Of Netflix's 'Love On The Spectrum'
Get ready to fall in love all over again — "Love on the Spectrum" Season 3 just dropped on Netflix, and yes, your favorite cast members are back. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix) The new season, which follows young adults on the autism spectrum searching for love, premiered Wednesday, April 2, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, bringing with it everything fans love about the hit Emmy® Award-winning docu-series: heart, honesty, and awkward-yet-sweet moments that will have you grinning through happy tears. …
Politics
FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns, Slams 'Misinformation And Lies' In Exit Letter
The nation's top vaccine regulator is stepping down — and he's not going quietly. Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), announced his resignation in a letter dated Friday, March 28, saying he will retire from federal service on April 5 after more than a decade at the agency. Marks — one of the key officials behind Operation Warp Speed — did not hold back in his two-page farewell, slamming what he called “an unprecedented assault on scientific truth” and accusing the Health and Human Services Secretary of seeking “subservient confirmation…
Politics
Trump Taps Vaccine Skeptic To Lead CDC
Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
Obituaries
Bernie Marcus, Billionaire Co-Founder Of The Home Depot From NJ, Dead At 95
Bernie Marcus, who helped found The Home Depot and grew up in Newark, died on Monday, Nov. 4 at the age of 95, the hardware chain announced. Born to Russian Jewish immigrants, Marcus dreamed of being a doctor while growing up in Newark, according to an obituary posted by The Home Depot. His family couldn't afford medical school, so he attended Rutgers University and received a degree in pharmacy, his obituary reads. Marcus worked for several companies before he became chairman of the board and president of Handy Dan Improvement Centers, according to his obituary. After getting fired from Ha…
Police & Fire
Boy With Autism, Father Reunited By Paramus Police After Jarring 2 Hours
Police officers in Paramus reunited a 13-year-old boy with autism and his father after the boy wandered off from the family home Sunday morning, Oct. 27, authorities said. The 5'9" Black male was wearing a black tracksuit and red and white sneakers when he wandered off near Split Rock Road around 8:15 a.m., Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said. The department deployed its drone unit and updated its social media accounts to notify the public. At 10:20 a.m., Officer Jason Hall spotted the boy safely walking along Farview Avenue, about half a mile away from home, the chief said.&nb…
News
Teacher Seen Assaulting Student In Disturbing Video Charged In Essex County: Cops
A West Orange teacher has been arrested for assaulting an 11-year-old student, authorities said. Jaron Spicer, 32, of Bayonne, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault — a disorderly persons offense — following an incident on April 18, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and West Orange Police Chief James P. Abbott said. Disturbing footage shared by Pix11 shows Spicer, a teacher at Mt. Carmel Guild Academy on Valley Way, throwing the boy to the ground and holding him down with his own body weight. The outlet s…
Police & Fire
NJ Man Missing After Taking Bus To Upstate NY In February: Police
A 20-year-old New Jersey man is missing, last seen boarding a bus to the Adirondacks on Thursday, Feb. 29, authorities said. Adam Ishak, of Roxbury Township, left his home at 3 a.m. and boarded a bus from New York City to Saranac Lake that left at 7 a.m., Saranac Lake police said. The bus arrived in Saranac Lake at 2:25 p.m., police said. He left a note for his mother telling her he was going to the airport and not to worry, police said. Ishak is 5-foot-8 and weighs 120 lbs. with green eyes and brown hair. His mother said he is possibly on the autism spectrum, though he ha…
Lifestyle
Shot Girl: Kylie Kelce Thrills Fans At Jersey Shore Bar (
Video
)
NFL wife and Montgomery County, PA native Kylie Kelce thrilled revelers at a Sea Isle City bar last weekend. The 31-year-old who is married to Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce, was captured in a video jamming out behind the bar at The Ocean Drive last weekend. Video captured by Franki Rudnesky was shared by wttwpodcast on Instagram. The Kelces were in town for Mike's Seafood's annual Autism Benefit Polar Walk. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike’s Seafood Run Walk for Autism (@mikesrunwalkforautism) Fans loved seeing Kylie in th…
Obituaries
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle
Christine Grogan, a 60-year-old Wyckoff resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. A special education teacher, Grogan worked as director of the Epic School in Paramus and for the Learners' Compass in Tenafly, according to her obituary. Grogan was devoted to helping people diagnosed with autism. Grogan was married to Christopher Grogan, a Glen Ridge police officer. The Glen Ridge Police Benevolent Association has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $10,000 has been raised. On Sunday, December 31, 202…
Lifestyle
3 NJ Seniors Revealed As Contestants On 'Golden Bachelor'
For the first time in Bachelor franchise history, 22 women in the prime of their lives will roll up their stockings and step into the spotlight for a chance at love. Three of the women — all ages 60 to 75 and hoping for lasting love with Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner — hail from New Jersey. They are: Anna, 61, a retired nutritionist from Summit Maria, 60, a health and wellness director from Teaneck Theresa, 69, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury These accomplished golden ladies will take time away from their established home lives, friends and family, in the quest to redisco…
News
NJ Boy With Autism Traumatized After Being Booted From Movie Theater Bathroom With Mom: Lawsuit
A Monmouth County mother is suing a local movie theater and its national holding company after police were called during what was supposed to be a special night out, her attorney says. Christine Gallinaro and her son, J.G., who has autism and is nonverbal, had tickets for Disney’s “Elemental” at Showtimes at Cinemark Hazlet 12 on June 16, according to the family's attorney, R. Armen McOmber. Trouble began when Gallinaro brought her son into the women's restroom with her for the second time that day, as the theater did not have family restrooms, leaving her with no other choice, according to…
Police & Fire
Parent's Worst Nightmare: Car Thief Steals Vehicle With NJ Child Still Inside, Reports Say
A family in Essex County experienced every parent's worst nightmare on Wednesday, July 5. The Irvington family's black Mercedes was stolen on Elmwood Avenue — their 7-year-old child inside, abc7 and CBS News report. The father had put his son, who was diagnosed with autism, in the vehicle when another man jumped behind the wheel and drove off, the outlet said citing police. The car was found several blocks away with the child inside and unharmed, according to reports. A suspect remains at large, according to reports. Irvington Police did not respond to Daily Voice's request for informatio…
Sports
Kelce Chugs 5-Second Beer, Pours Shots For Good Cause At Jersey Shore Bar
Like everyone else at the Jersey Shore, Jason Kelce was chugging beers — but at least he was doing it for a good cause. Kelce, a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, hosted his third annual Jersey Shore fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation on Wednesday, June 28 at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, raising more than $380,000 for the charity. Kelce, who was joined by his brother Travis, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, won a beer-chugging contest, defeating a Philadelphia radio host by chugging a 30 oz. beer in 5.7 seconds. Jason Kelce defeats James Seltzer, finishing his 30oz …
News
Flo Rida's Son In ICU After 5-Story Fall From Jersey City Window, Mom Taking Legal Action
The mother of rapper Flo Rida's 6-year-old disabled son is taking legal action after the boy fell five stories from a window of their Jersey City building earlier this month, leaving him seriously injured. Alexis Adams claims building management was negligent and careless and did not install size guards on windows, causing her son, Zohar Dillard, to fall out onto the pavement below, according to court documents filed by Steven P. Haddad, of the Haddad law firm. Zohar DillardSteven P. Haddad Zohar, who was diagnosed with autism and a brain condition, suffered a shattered pelvis, left met…
News
Immigrant Seized By ICE For Deportation After Beating Young Fairview Man With Autism: Police
A Guatemalan immigrant illegally living in Fairview was seized by ICE agents after he beat a defenseless young man with autism, authorities said. Alexander Castellanos, 33, was initially sent to the Bergen County Jail on aggravated assault charges following his weekend arrest, records show. Fairview police said Castellanos punched the 20-year-old victim in the face, sending him to the hospital with was believed to be a broken nose. The victim obtained a temporary restraining order, they said, but that won't be necessary now. Within hours of being booked into the county lockup on aggravate…
News
FBI Mitigates Threat Against NJ Synagogues
The FBI has interviewed a suspect who allegedly made a broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey, mitigating them as of Friday, Nov. 4, law enforcement sources told multiple news outlets. The FBI's Newark office had no immediate update on the case, but the office of the New Jersey Attorney General — and the governor of the state — said that the threat against the Jewish community had been "mitigated." Sources said the suspect had autism and lives in New Jersey. He was bullied in the past and had anger at Jews, they said. But he told law enforcement he would not hurt anyone because he …
News
Missing Teen With Autism Found Dead After Kidnapping, Beating: Police
Eight people have been charged including a 14-year-old girl and at least one family member in the kidnapping, beating and killing of a 19-year-old man with autism, authorities said. Hayden Robert Garreffa, of Dilltown, PA, was found dead by state troopers in a wooded area of Brush Valley Township on Saturday, Oct. 22 around 4 a.m., according to a state police briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 25. His death was believed to be a homicide, according to state police citing the Indiana County coroner's office. The police think he was kidnapped, and beaten on the same day that he was kille…
News
Extras Of All Ages Sought For Hollywood Movie Filming In New Jersey
Extras of all ages are being sought for a Hollywood movie being filmed in New Jersey. "Inappropriate Behavior" will be shooting through Oct. 14 in Jersey City. Starring Bobby Cannavale, Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne, Rainn Wilson and more, "Inappropriate Behavior" follows a married couple figuring out how to help their 11-year-old son with autism. Stand-ins are needed for the boy, Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson; and a variety of other characters including a little girl, toddler, a middle aged couple, a mom, a toddler in a stroller, an elderly couple, an…
Police & Fire
Update
: Missing Warren County Man With Autism Found Safe, Police Say
UPDATE: Bechaud has been located and is safe, police have confirmed. ------------------------------- Seen him? Authorities have issued an alert for a Warren County man with autism who has been missing for several days. Robert Bechaud, 31, was last heard from by his family on Thursday, June 9 around 7:30 p.m., Mansfield Township Police said in a release on Monday, June 13. Bechaud has a slim build with a trimmed goatee and beard, short crew-style haircut and tattoos on his left forearm, barbed wire tattoos around his right bicep and a heart over his heart, police said. He drives a 2012 gr…
Lifestyle
North Jersey Native Captures Hearts On Hit Netflix Dating Show
People all over the world are falling in love with Rachel Osterbach, a North Jersey native featured on hit Netflix show "Love on the Spectrum." In its third season and first in America, LOTS follows adults on the Autism spectrum on a quest to find love. WARNING: This story contains spoilers. Rachel, who grew up in Bergenfield before moving to Los Angeles, has Down Syndrome and made her TV debut on A&E's "Born This Way." The sweet, 39-year-old redhead dates LOTS cast member Subodh. Together, they share a meal and fly a kite before Rachel meets Subodh's parents — wearing a dress covered…
Lifestyle
NJ Dating Coach Featured On Hit Netflix Show 'Love On The Spectrum'
New Jersey native Jennifer Cook sits on the floor and rolls three balls in rapid succession to Abbey Romeo. The 25-year-old Los Angeles woman is on the Autism spectrum, and often struggles with keeping conversation. And so, every time Cook, who grew up in West Caldwell, rolls a ball to Abbey, she asks her a question. The balls are coming fast and Abbey struggles to keep up. But then, Cook — who is on the spectrum herself — rolls the balls slower, waiting until Abbey rolls one back with a response to ask another one. After a few turns, Cook looks at Abbey and asks, "Do you know what y…
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