YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health Provides Free Autism Evaluations for Local Families

Initiative expands early childhood development service for children under 5 for families in Essex County

Newark, N.J. (December 23, 2025) – Youth Consultation Service (YCS), a leading nonprofit behavioral health and social services agency in New Jersey, announces that the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health is now offering free autism evaluations for children under 5 living in East Orange, Newark, Irvington, and Orange, NJ. Funded by The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, this initiative expands access to early developmental assessments for families who may otherwise face barriers to timely care.

Through this effort, the Institute is increasing its capacity to provide developmentally focused autism evaluations conducted by clinicians specializing in early childhood mental health. Evaluations are available by appointment only and are offered in both English and Spanish at the Institute’s location at 60 Evergreen Place, 10th Floor, East Orange, New Jersey.

“Offering free autism evaluations ensures that more young children can receive early developmental support during the most critical years of growth,” said Tara Augustine, President and CEO of YCS. “With autism now affecting one in 29 children in New Jersey, early evaluation and intervention are critical. The sooner children receive support, the more opportunities they have to build lifelong skills and thrive. We are grateful to The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for recognizing this need and helping us remove barriers for families seeking answers and guidance.”

The Institute provides a range of early childhood mental health services, including developmental screenings, therapy, caregiver advice, and interventions that support the social, emotional and behavioral needs of infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. The addition of free autism evaluations strengthens YCS’s commitment to ensuring families receive timely and compassionate care.

Families and child-serving providers in East Orange, Newark, Irvington, and Orange, NJ may schedule a free autism evaluation by calling (973) 395-5500 or emailing institute@ycs.org.

To learn more about YCS and its services, visit www.ycs.org.

About Youth Consultation Service (YCS)
Youth Consultation Service (YCS) is a leading nonprofit behavioral health and social services agency that has supported New Jersey’s most vulnerable children, young adults, and families for more than 100 years. With over 70 programs across 16 counties, YCS provides a full continuum of therapeutic care, including residential placements, special education, and community-based services, touching the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually. Through its dedicated team of more than 1,000 professionals, YCS partners with at-risk children and adults with developmental disabilities to build happier, healthier, and more hopeful lives within their families and communities.