Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources
If you know of services or programs available for children on the spectrum, please email [email protected] so we an add it to this list. This list is in no particular order and we are not affiliated with any of the services.
Please join Turn To Us’ Facebook group for Autism Moms
Looking for Help With Your Special Needs Child This Summer?
We Can Help…
- Provide Home Health Aide or Nursing services while you work
- Accompany child to camp or day program
- We check insurance coverage for you and handle all the paperwork
Give us a call to learn how our services can enhance your summer and give you peace of mind.
Carbon & Schuylkill Counties
Call our office at 610-377-4717 or email to [email protected]
ABA Therapy Services
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy – Beth Raiola (516) 320-4787
Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and ADHD
Counseling Services.
Most Insurance Accepted. MA ACCEPTED!
Our Ideal Customer
Families wishing to learn a system to create more harmonious dynamics.
Access Services
Access Services empowers and serves people in need of specialized supports by providing innovative services that improve their ability to live fulfilling lives in the community. We believe in unlocking every individual’s potential through the effective delivery of community-based, specialized services.
340 South Liberty St. – Orwigsburg, PA 17961
570-366-1154
AHEDD
Meeting the Employment Needs of People with Disabilities and the Business Community Since 1977.
1-866-902-4333 ext. 63001
The Arc of Philadelphia
Advocate with and for all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, to promote active citizenship, self-determination, and full inclusion.
2350 W. Westmoreland St. – Philadelphia, PA 19140
570-972-6668
Anthracite Region Center For Independent Living
ARCIL can help answer your questions about support services, government benefits, adaptive equipment, accessibility and other topics related to disabilities.
Markle Building- 8 West Broad St. Suite 228- Hazleton, PA 18201
1-800-777-9906
Camp Victory
58 Camp Victory Rd
Millville, PA 17846
Phone: 570-458-6530
We believe that children who experience chronic health problems or catastrophic illness, or who are physically or mentally disabled, need help and encouragement to cope with their lifelong challenges. Recognizing the sense of isolation and frustration these challenges can bring to the children and their families, Camp Victory’s founders ensured that the design and building of the various facilities would incorporate their special needs.
At Camp Victory, partner groups with specialized knowledge and training operate camps for children who live with chronic health disadvantages. The children receive the greatest possible care, support and personal growth, have much fun and make many friends.
We believe that by sharing their challenges with each other in the relaxed atmosphere of a summer camp, the children become mutually supportive, teaching each other confidence, courage and self-esteem. We believe that the personal growth children experience at Camp Victory remains with them throughout their lives, helping them achieve a greater measure of independence, thus benefiting them, their families and the world around them.
Our greatest reward is constantly rediscovering that the children bring to every camp a quality of joy, love and extraordinary kinship. It’s these special kids who truly make Camp Victory a special place.
Carbon County “Right From the Start” Parents as Teachers Program
This program recognizes that parents are their child’s first and best teachers; all children are born to learn. We support parents in fostering their child’s learning and development and believe that all families have strengths. Parent Educators work with each family’s strengths, allowing the family to learn, grow and develop in their own parenting style.
410 Center Avenue – Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
570-325-2771
Caregiving Support Program
This is a reimbursement program for grandparents and other older relatives raising children. The caregiver may be eligible for reimbursement of respite care, such as in-home child care, or day care. In addition, the caregiver may be reimbursed for services, supplies, or assistive devices required for the care of the child.
Carbon County Area Agency on Aging
401 Delaware Ave – Palmerton, PA 18071
610-824-7830
Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP)
This program facilitates access to quality behavioral health and development services that empowers individuals and families on their journey toward independence and wellness.
Promotes an environment where all community members receive the supports they need to be self-sufficient and to maintain quality of life in a community that fosters acceptance and embraces recovery.
428 South 7th Street, Suite 2 – Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-0773
Community And Residential Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.)
C.A.R.E.S. is an organization providing person-centered services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We specialize in connecting our self-advocates with opportunities to be family focused, self-determined, individualized, person centered, and strength based. We optimize their opportunities for community participation and inclusion, growth, independence and job readiness all through our day programs as well as providing an opportunity for long-term support from caring families within our lifesharing program.
105 W. Broad St., Suite 200 – Tamaqua, PA 18252
570-225-7360
Developmental Services
This program facilitates access to quality behavioral health and developmental services that empowers individuals and families on their journey toward independence and wellness.
Promotes an environment where all community members receive the supports they need to be self-sufficient and to maintain quality of life in a community that fosters acceptance and embraces recovery.
428 South 7th Street, Suite 2 – Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-0773
Disability Action Crew
In collaboration with the ARCIL, the DAC works to resolve issues around Accessibility, Job Discrimination, Fair Housing, Transportation, Education, and ADA and Section 504 Regulations.
8 West Broad St. Suite 228- Hazleton, PA 18201
1-800-777-9906
Early Intervention Services
The purpose of Early Intervention is to provide family members, caregivers, and early education practitioners with supports and resources to enhance children’s learning and development. Supports and services are based on a family coaching/training model provided within the context of the child and family’s daily activities and routines.
428 South 7th Street, Suite 2 – Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-0773
easterseals
All of our programs and services are tailored to the needs of kids and adults with disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, and play.
610-289-0114
Horse Therapy
Equi-librium
Equi-librium is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic horsemanship activities for children and adults with a broad spectrum of special needs. It was founded in 2001 to continue and expand the services formerly offered by Easter Seals’ RISE program.
Therapeutic horsemanship activities are beneficial for those with physical disabilities, cognitive, behavioral, and mental health issues and developmental delays.
The mission of Equi-librium is to empower individuals with special needs to reach their highest potential through horse-related activities.
524 Fehr Rd. – Nazareth, PA 18064
610-365-2266
Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center (HHTLC)
Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center, Inc. (HHTLC) is where the “magic” of horses helps to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
Therapeutic horseback riding at HHTLC is a unique combination of recreation, therapy and learning, using the horse to obtain results that cannot be obtained in a normal clinic setting. It is located at Helping Horse Farm, in a beautiful farming valley between the towns of Tamaqua and New Ringgold in eastern Pennsylvania.
Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center, Inc. welcomes children and adults of all ages with a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. These include, but are not limited to: cerebral palsy, mental retardation, multiple sclerosis, autism, learning disabilities, hearing and vision impairments, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays.
375 Zions Stone Church Rd.
New Ringgold, PA 17960
570-386-5679
Live Learn & Play
Live Learn & Play is a sensory room and resource center dedicated to helping local families with Autism and special needs by promoting acceptance and inclusion. Our center is for everyone.
3300 Lehigh Street, Suite 518 – Allentown, PA 18103
610-797-5483
Mountain Karate Academy
Karate is a great source of sensory input! The Martial Arts teach focus, discipline, respect, self-confidence and self-control.
We have two dedicated instructors on the floor, but each child also needs a one on one so they can stay on task as we teach. therefor we require for each student a TSS, BSC, or parent present.
Instructor Kim has a child on the spectrum and understands many of the different needs each child exhibits.
Class is open to 4-8 year olds.
636 Delaware Ave – Palmerton, PA 18071
610-377-0323
Music Therapy Associates
Through music therapy sessions, board certified music therapists use music to achieve goals that are not necessarily music related. For instance, most of us learned our alphabet through the use of the familiar tune, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
610-740-9890
National Autism Association
The National Autism Association is a parent-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, NAA is the leading voice on urgent issues related to severe autism, regressive autism, autism safety, autism abuse, and crisis prevention.
The mission of the NAA is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.
One Park Avenue, Suite 1 – Portsmouh, RI 02871
877-622-2884
PA Family Network
PA Family Network will help families connect to one another, find community resources, provide individual mentoring, and assist families to navigate disability service systems.
1-844-723-7645
PathStone
Begun in 1969, PathStone is a private, not-for-profit community development and human service organization serving Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Vermont.
PathStone’s Head Start program provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. The Head Start program promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. We engage our parents in their children’s learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. PathStone’s offering of a variety of Head Start program gives parents two different options which include both home-based option and center-based options. In various locations, PathStone offers Early Head Start, Head Start, Migrant & Seasonal Head Start and Pre-K Counts program.
400 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
(800) 888-6770
Pediatric Pool Program
This program teaches children with disabilities water adjustment and learning to swim skills. This unique program utilizes adaptive techniques and/or equipment to maximize the child’s independence in the water. The warm water pool (94-95 degrees) provides an ideal setting for learning. The program requires an adult to accompany the child in the water throughout the program.
Good Shepherd Health and Technology Center – 850 S. 5th St. – Allentown, PA 18103
610-778-1006
Pennsylvania Autism Action Center
At PAAC we use Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupation Therapy, and Speech Therapy to develop treatment programs that are carefully tailored to each client’s current abilities and treatment goals.
2071 Route 209 – Broadheadsville, PA 18322
570-992-6720
Service Dogs
Susquehanna Service Dogs
1078 Gravel Hill Road | Grantville, PA 17028
(717)-599-5920
http://www.keystonehumanservices.org/susquehanna-service-dogs/apply-for-a-dog.php
- Application, personal interview, and home interview required
- The personal interview determines which do you will receive (you will be interacting with dogs during the interview)
- The home interview will determine whether or not your home is suitable for a service dog
- $25 application fee
- Waiting time for a service dog can be up to 2-3 years
- There is a $5000 fee for a service dog that must be paid by the client or a third party
- A limited amount of scholarships are offered and are only available to PA residents; these scholarships are need-based
- Fundraising and grant application assistance is provided
- Clients must participate in training session with your new service dog
- Training can last up to eight months, and varies depending on the client’s need and type of service dog
- Service, Balance, Hearing, Facility, In-Home, and Companion dogs are available
- Offers service dogs for men and women who serviced in the military
New Hope Assistance Dogs
3 Scott Run Road | Warren, PA 16365
(814)-726-1620
http://www.newhopedogs.net/home.html
- $25 application fee
- Dogs are provided based on the best match rather than time; the dog that best matches you may need more time to complete training
- Training is required for the first four to ten days; clients must train three to five hours a day
- Clients must provide transportation, lodging, meals, and personal aid during training sessions with a new service dog
- Clients will receive weekly checkup calls for the three months after training graduation
- Clients must keep in contact with their trainer for one year after training graduation
- Clients with Public Access service dogs will be required to have their service dog certified for the PAT test
- This is required annually for first three years; after three years, you must re-certify your service dog every five year
- Assistance, Companion, Skilled Companion, Hearing, Seizure Response, Service and Therapy/Facility dogs are available
- Provides a list of businesses and organizations (often local) that will assist you in raising funds to purchase a dog.
Social Security Ticket to Work
Several million disabled and blind Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, or both. Many also have help from Medicare and Medicaid in paying bills. Many people with disabilities, however, want to work. To help them, Social Security has work incentives, including the Ticket to Work program.
Some of the work incentives allow you to keep some cash benefits, and your Medicaid or Medicare, while you transition to the workplace. And, if you find that you can’t work, it’s easy to start your payments again.
If you’re an adult age 18 through 64, and you get disability benefits, you qualify for the Ticket to Work program. You can use the Ticket to Work program to get the services and support you need to go to work or to earn more money. The goal is to help you earn enough money so you can become financially independent.
1-866-968-7842
Special Kids Network (SKN)
The SKN, in partnership with the PA ELKS Home Service Program, helps children and youth with special health care needs by helping their families get the services and support these young people require in order to thrive in the community and develop to their full potential. If your child has a physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional need, call or visit our website. There is no charge for any SKN service.
1-800-986-4550
Success Engagement Education Determination (SEED)
College can be intimidating for any student, and those with disabilities face unique challenges. Lehigh Carbon Community College’s individualized and fully integrated SEED AACHIEVE program supports students, and its comprehensive Summer Bridge program gives participants a head start on preparing for the personal and academic demands of college and adult life.
4525 Education Park Drive – Schnecksville, PA 18078
Supports Coordination Services
Provides supports and services to persons with developmental disabilities in a manner that promotes individual choice and community inclusion.
428 South 7th Street, Suite 2 – Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-0773
Via of the Lehigh Valley
Provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
336 W. Spruce Street – Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-317-8000
Joni and Friends
Call or Text: 818-707-5664
Product Orders: 800-736-4177
Fax: 818-707-2391
Mailing Address
Joni and Friends
International Disability Center
PO Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333
Family Retreats and International Family Retreats offer a haven for special needs families. Here, families are cared for, encouraged, and rejuvenated in a fully accessible camp environment. Each Retreat site offers fun, age-appropriate activities and cultivates meaningful connections with families who understand the challenges of life with disability.
The ARC of PA
115 Meadow Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
Tel: 570.346.4010
Fax: 570 346 8436
Vocational – Based out of Adult Day Services, The Arc’s Vocational
Services provide meaningful and gainful facility-based work experience
to individuals participating in the Adult Training Facility. Work opportunities
and assignments include outside contracts with various community
businesses where quality production standards are met and compensation
is provided.
Supported Employment – Supported Employment
Services assists adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities gain and maintain employment. Particular
to individual needs, an Arc Job Coach will assist with
the application process, skill development, and any
area related to acquiring and keeping a job including
transportation and social skill awareness.
Recreation – Throughout the year The Arc offers a
variety of recreational opportunities. Every effort is made to meet the needs
of our participants by offering a diverse selection of both community and facility- based activities. We strive to make inclusive options available which lead our consumers to independent leisure skill development. Regularly scheduled leisure choices are offered each week throughout the year. Programs are varied and include dinners, dances, swimming, bingo, arts/crafts, special events and much more. Our Fun and Friendship Bowling League meets on Tuesday and Friday evenings. For children, the Arc offers a six-week summer camp program. In addition “Arc Tracks” presents travel prospects for those who enjoy excursions to destinations such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Lancaster for shows and shopping. We also experience amusement parks, and sporting events.
Carbon County Special Dates
2017
Dance – February 10th – 7:00pm
Dance – March 10th – 7:00pm
Dance – April 7th – 7:00pm
Dance – May 19th – 7:00pm
Dance – June 16th – 7:00pm
Picnic – July
Picnic – August
Dance – September 15th – 7:00pm
Dance – October 27th – 7:00pm
Dance – November 10th – 7:00pm
Community Residential – Community Residential affords people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to enjoy “everyday life” in regular homes on ordinary streets throughout our neighborhoods. Individuals are encouraged to maximize their independence at home and in the community. Trained staff in each home assist individuals in various aspects of household routines such as shopping, laundry, cooking, budgeting and entertaining. During the day, individuals participate in Adult Day Services, volunteer services, center based or community employment. Others may enjoy retirement in their homes or around their communities. There are currently nine Arc sponsored homes within Lackawanna and Wayne counties. Each residence is monitored twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.
Services/Support
Supported Living – The Arc Supported Living program assists individuals to fully function as members of our community with-out twenty-four hour staff supervision. A Supported Living Coach provides “supports” to individuals in one or more of the following areas: scheduling appointments, budgeting, shopping, transportation, etc. This unique program empowers individuals by promoting increased independence and control in financial matters, socialization and recreation, employment, and in maintaining a home or apartment.
Life Sharing through Family Living – Family Living/Life Sharing offers an opportunity for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a family or individual to share their lives. Family Living/Life Sharing is based on the importance of enduring and permanent relationships as the foundation for learning life skills, developing self-esteem and learning to exist in interdependence with others.
For additional information on Family Living/ Life Sharing or other services provided by The Arc, please contact the administrative office or visit our web site www.thearcnepa.org.
Advocacy
Information and Referral – Individuals and families may not be aware of community supports and services available for them. Therefore, The Arc will provide information about available community resources and make referrals as needed.
Individual Advocacy – In most cases this is a short term association between the advocate and the client. Issues are diverse and include accessing services, employment, benefits, exploitation, education, housing, abuse, neglect, legal matters and more.
Systems Advocacy and Governmental Affairs – In line with our on-going effort to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc actively communicates with legislators regarding pending and/or necessary legislation.
Public Awareness and Community Education – The Arc speaks to individuals and groups on various issues related to prevention and reducing the consequence of intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, research, advocacy, and the support of families, friends and community.
Autism Speaks
1 East 33rd St. 4th Floor | New York, NY 10016
(212)-252-8584
- Offers grants, services, and programs for those with autism; performs research on the cause, prevention, and cure for autism
- Financial Assistance can be received through Autism Speaks Cares; includes grants, medicaid, insurance, and housing assistance
- Provides services such as apps, employment network, and housing support
- List of Camp Programs for children in Pennsylvania: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/by-state/126/Camps/PA
- For more resources or questions call (888) 288-4762
Pennsylvania Autism Action Center
570-992-6720 AutismSpeaksCenter.com
- Offers Social Skills Classes, ABA Services, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Professional Training, Family/Parent Training
Travel Tips for Families with an Individual on the Autism Spectrum
Preparing the Person
- Think of the individual’s daily routine and the items he or she likes or needs and bring them along to make him feel more at home. Bring whatever foods and drinks will keep him happy on the trip, especially if there are dietary restrictions.
- Buy some small, inexpensive toys or books that he or she can play with during the journey and that if you lose it will not be the end of the world.If he only plays with one favorite item, try to find a duplicate and see if you can “break it in” before the trip.
- Do not wash any items (including plush toys) before the trip as the individual may feel comfort in the home smell of his cherished item
- Put a monthly calendar with the departure date clearly marked, and have the person check off every day until departure
- Put together a picture and word “travel bok” f what means of transport you are going to be using to, who you are going to see, where you will sleep, and what you will do or see at your destination. Go over this with the person, like you would a storybook as often as you like in preparation for the trip. Using a three-ring binder is best, as you can add extra pages or insert the calender mentioned above for use on the trip.
- Taking a short trip before attempting long trips, if possible, is recommended. This will help the person get used to traveling and give you the opportunity to see and plan ahead for possible areas of difficulty.
Preparing the Environment
- When staying in a hotel it is a good idea to call ahead and ask for a quiet room. You may wish to explain about the person’s behavior if there is a likelihood of him or her exhibiting them in the public part of the hotel. Same with a friend or family’s home. It can be a bit disconcerting for everyone concerned if your child or adolescent takes his clothes off and races through your friend’s home stark naked.
- If you are traveling by plane call the airlines as far in advance as you can, and tell them that you will be traveling with someone with special needs. Some airlines have a special needs coordinators. You may wish to explain the person’s needs and some of the behaviors that may affect other travelers, such as rocking in their seat. If you need help getting luggage to the gate ask for a wheelchair, this guarantees that someone will be waiting for you and available to assist you.
- Persons with autism should always carry identification. Make sure he or she has an id tag attached to them somewhere with a current phone number attached to it. You can order medical bracelets, necklaces, and tags to attach to shoelaces. Additionally, if the person can carry it in his or her pocket, make an id card with a current photo, date, and phone numbers. Don’t forget to put on allergies and medications and any special information.