It can be difficult navigating parenting a child with special needs — or parenting with special needs yourself. For those in the autism community here in South Central PA, there are tons of resources available to help local neurodivergent families not just survive, but thrive. From getting an autism diagnosis (for both adults and kids!) to finding therapies, it can feel incredibly overwhelming. But we’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a community to be a part of, extracurriculars, or help with health care, there is help available. Read on to find out what support is available, from Hershey and Harrisburg, to Lancaster and Reading and beyond.
READ: Resources for Down Syndrome Families in South Central PA
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Easter Seals Autism Diagnosis Clinic: The Autism Diagnostic Clinic uses a telehealth model to serve residents of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties. Families do not have to travel for services and the child is evaluated in familiar surroundings. A psychologist and/or developmental nurse practitioner administers the evaluation via teleconference while guiding the parent through activities with the child. Bilingual clinicians are available.
The clinic is conducted in collaboration with specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children using the TELE-ASD-PEDS. Families receive a same-day diagnosis and the service is provided at no cost to families thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
To participate, children must be 18 months to three years old and receiving Early Intervention services. Children are referred to the clinic through Service Access & Management (SAM) or their county Birth to Three program. Call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 to be connected to your county Early Intervention program.
Paragon Behavioral Health: Paragon is dedicated to providing quality evidenced-based care to our Autistic community. A barrier we have identified is access to psychological testing; specifically for the purposes of diagnosing both children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Paragon’s Dr. Breanne Cox, licensed clinical psychologist, is trained in assessing children using the ADOS-II; the gold-standard in diagnosing ASD.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: Our team of physicians and ADOS-trained clinicians at NeurAbilities Healthcare is available to evaluate your child and collaborate with the behavioral team to personalize a treatment plan.
Our NeurAbilities team will tailor evaluations and testing recommendations based upon an individual’s specific needs. To assess for autism or ASD, we may use any of the following gold standard screening tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), or an evaluation by a developmental pediatrician. We administer a fixed battery of tests and additional procedures based on the underlying question, clinical information from parents, teachers, and other service providers, in order to address areas of concern that are identified once testing is underway.
Therapies and Support
NeurAbilities Healthcare: Our dedicated and compassionate team begins with the understanding that each child is unique. Assessments are personalized and treatment plans are targeted with insight, guidance and support at NeurAbilities Healthcare every step of the way.
In our center-based Young Achievers ABA program, young children diagnosed with autism are taught a variety of skills that are individualized and essential for learning, growing, and thriving! This program is ideal for preparing children to be successful in a formal school-based program, ages 2-5 prior to entering first grade.
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Dayspring Homes: Dedicated to the Gospel Message, Dayspring Homes provides a continuum of care which meets the ongoing needs of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within a Christian Environment.
John Paul II Center: John Paul II Center is as unique as our students. We are the only Catholic school in Berks County that provides a comprehensive educational program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our school-age programming ranges from age five to 21. While students learn, develop, and boost their confidence throughout their time at John Paul II Center, our adult program is a great way for individuals who are 21+ with learning disabilities to maintain and develop new skills.
At JPII, we do more for each individual. Educating each student and adult academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually isn’t a process at John Paul II Center; it is an educational plan instilled with care.
Even though John Paul II is incorporated, we are still under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Allentown. The Bishop has final approval on all governing matters concerning the school. The diocese also provides financial services and human resource services. Financial support is received through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
All faiths and religious beliefs are welcome.
Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities: Provides services to persons with developmental disabilities in Berks County, including Habilitation, Prevocational Services, Homemaker/Chore Services, Adaptive Appliances and Equipment, Respite, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, Transportation, Specialized therapies not covered by MA, Behavioral Support, Vision/Mobility, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Support, Residential Care, and State Center Initiative.
Community
Autism Society of Berks County: We offer a wide range of opportunities and resources to individuals impacted by autism in Berks County, often with minimal or no cost, through the kindness and generosity of our supporters. These donations enable us to organize monthly family events, offer various therapies, and provide scholarships for camps, schools, and more.
Berks County Special Olympics: For nearly 50 years, Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) has used the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and unite everyone by fostering community and building a more acceptable and civil society. Through what has now blossomed into 55 local programs across the state, most of which are county or city-based, SOPA provides services that promote physical fitness and leadership skills development. Athlete Leadership Programs are offered to empower athletes to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change within the Special Olympics movement, and create inclusive communities around the world. Through these programs, athletes take on roles as Global Messengers (trained as public speakers for Special Olympics), athlete representatives, coaches, board members and more.
Autism Moms Support Group of Berks County: A group dedicated to local moms who want to share/vent/tell stories or get support in the daily ups and downs of raising children on the Autism Spectrum.
Abilities in Motion: We have a 2400-square-foot technology space tailored for individuals with disabilities. Here, they can explore and engage with computers, 3D printers, gaming consoles, virtual reality systems, STEM opportunities, and more! We also have a café that is a space to provide a safe, educational, and supportive working environment for those who may find gaining outside employment challenging and oftentimes, uncomfortable. This will also be a gathering space where people with all abilities can come together for support and fun!
Sunny Day Camp: This program is fully supported by the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association and numerous other contributors. Sunny Day Camp is a 501c3 non-profit organization, funded by donations from companies and individuals. The event is held in conjunction with Camp Cadet board of directors and Special Olympics.
This camp is based on the foundation of Camp Cadet. Our proud tradition started in 1971, allowing boys and girls to experience a variety of Law Enforcement activities, while promoting positive interaction with the professionals that serve in the community.
Sunny Day Camp began in 2016. Sunny Day Camp was created and implemented in Chester County, PA. Through its huge success it is currently being expanded across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2017 it branched out to four (4) locations and will continue to grow, so that everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be able to attend.
The State Police Academy in Hershey, PA is the Home Base for Sunny Day Camp. All residents of the Commonwealth are invited to attend with no age limitations.
Therapies and Support
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
Merakey: Merakey provides a continuum of care to individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We offer education and therapy services to help children, adolescents and young adults to be successful in their futures. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is embedded within all autism programs to teach basic skills and maximize communication.
Community
Nour Coffee: Nour is a coffee shop with a competitive integrated employment model. That means we train, employ, and empower neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals while delivering the highest quality coffee, tea, and food. We highlight all people’s value and celebrate our community’s diversity – where we are all BETTER TOGETHER! Neurodiverse people are more likely to be unemployed than people with any other disability. Unemployment for neurodivergent adults runs at least as high as 30-40% which is 3 times the rate for people with disability, and 8 times the rate for people without disabilities. We want to live in a world where people of all abilities have the opportunity for meaningful employment… so we’re going to create it!
The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties: The mission of The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC) is to empower, inspire, and educate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the community.
Neurodiverse Network: Neurodiverse Network, Inc. was incorporated in July 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The purpose of Neurodiverse Network is to provide resources & community support to individuals with brain differences or invisible disabilities and families of the south central Pennsylvania area. We hope to quickly obtain the proper funding to open a local support center, where there will be an ever-changing calendar of events that will include education, peer and caregiver support groups, a play sensory gym, social groups, and sensory tools to utilize and test. With these options, individuals and families can save time and money finding the items and life skills that help them or their children. Continued fundraising for our nonprofit organization will allow all people to access the space regardless of financial means.
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Penn State Health Developmental Pediatrics: Our team of experienced providers are here to evaluate children with suspected autism, learning, speech-language and attention problems.
Therapies and Support
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: This state-of-the-art center is designed for children with autism and other neurological and behavioral concerns. It will include:
Themed Indoor Playground
Individual & Group Treatment Rooms
“Farm” Theme
This treatment center compliments our evaluation and diagnostic centers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate “Hope Ambassadors” are available to guide families in accessing evaluations and ABA treatment services. We are in-network with many insurance providers, including IBHS. Evaluations and assessments are available at our diagnostic centers. ABA services are also offered in school, home and community settings.
Dauphin County Autism/Developmental Disabilities Program: The Dauphin County Intellectual Disabilities Program supports individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Dauphin County. Our services are designed to meet the specific needs of each person. All of our programs and services are designed to support individuals in their own home and/or in their community.
Vista Autism Services: Vista Autism Services is a leading expert focused on data-driven approaches to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families, from the time of diagnosis through adulthood. Vista provides an array of specialized services through 11 different programs and services to help individuals reach their unique potential.
BOLD, Inc: BOLD provides respite, residential, lifesharing, supported living, and housing & tenancy for adults who have IDD. We opened our doors in 2018, we have a fresh new approach to providing services. We left the old style of supports behind and have built an agency that focuses on teamwork and individual growth. Our team members are committed to our mission. They bring varied backgrounds and experiences which allow us to meet the needs of a variety of individuals in varied circumstances. Everyone’s contribution is valued and nurtured.
Whether you are looking for a worry-free weekend away with your spouse by using our Respite Care homes for your loved one. Or seeing your child achieve the independence that you may never have thought possible, through our Supported Living Program. Or you choose to participate in our Lifesharing Program where you choose to bring someone into your home to live as a part of your family. You will receive excellent support and feel the passion our well-trained experienced team puts forth into everything they do.
Expressive Pathways: Providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to those who need it most – specializing in empowering children and their families with evidenced-based strategies to overcome challenges with communication, behavior, and socialization.
Merakey: Merakey provides a continuum of care to individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We offer education and therapy services to help children, adolescents and young adults to be successful in their futures. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is embedded within all autism programs to teach basic skills and maximize communication.
Hope Springs Farm: Hope Springs Farm’s goal is to provide adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities a day program to maximize their abilities. “Growers”, as they are called, take part in various community activities including volunteering in the local community, visiting local museums, swimming, taking field trips, and shopping for the supplies they need to feed their animals and do their crafts. On the Farm, our Growers have a variety of farm chores: feeding the animals, cleaning up around the barn, planting, weeding and watering the gardens. They also learn a variety of independent living skills such as cooking, baking and shopping.
ABYay!: As an ABA therapy company serving Hershey, PA, and the surrounding area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional in-home and in-community services to the children and families we serve.
Our compassionate team of professionals is committed to designing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each child. Through our focus on early intervention, we help children overcome speech and language challenges.
Community
Neurodiverse Network: Neurodiverse Network, Inc. was incorporated in July 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The purpose of Neurodiverse Network is to provide resources & community support to individuals with brain differences or invisible disabilities and families of the south central Pennsylvania area. We hope to quickly obtain the proper funding to open a local support center, where there will be an ever-changing calendar of events that will include education, peer and caregiver support groups, a play sensory gym, social groups, and sensory tools to utilize and test. With these options, individuals and families can save time and money finding the items and life skills that help them or their children. Continued fundraising for our nonprofit organization will allow all people to access the space regardless of financial means.
Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg: The mission of the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. We promote opportunities for individuals with Autism to participate in the same valued life experience as other citizens do. We support the community in many ways, including:
- Providing the latest information on interventions, services, and research to our membership and the community
- Facilitating access to supports, education, and services needed by individuals with Autism to reach their fullest potential
- Creating opportunities for families to network, share information, and offer support
- Advocating for the interests of our members, children and adults with Autism, their family members, and the adults who work with them
- Supporting the efforts of local and national therapeutic, educational, and research communities
- Soliciting and receiving funds for the accomplishment of the above purposes
The Arc of Dauphin County: Over 69 years, The Arc of Dauphin County has been committed to providing a voice to those not best able to advocate for their basic needs. The mission at The Arc of Dauphin County is to provide our neighbors diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities the resources and skills to live their best lives. While our foundation is in advocacy services, we also offer other critical services such as family supportive services, representative payee services, and so many more.
Special Olympics Capital Area Region: Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Capital Area Region provides a year-round training and competitive sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities. The program provides training and competitions in 24 sports and leadership programs throughout the region.
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities (CADD): The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) opened on October 17, 2005, with a vision to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals with disabilities. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team of developmental specialists committed to addressing these concerns and supporting individuals and their families from infancy through adulthood.
CADD is committed to forming supportive relationships with families in Central Pennsylvania who are coping with the challenges of autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disabilities.
Improving the health of such individuals requires an early and accurate diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach, ongoing care, advocacy, and collaboration with other providers. We know that receiving an accurate diagnosis and obtaining multiple services can be challenging.
That’s why we’re here to work with families and offer a growing range of services in one location.
Therapies and Support
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Ephrata Area Rehab Services (EARS): EARS, Inc. (Ephrata Area Rehab Services) opened its doors in November of 1970. The concept for EARS was developed by a group of dedicated individuals from Bethany UCC, located in Ephrata. Their vision was to open a sheltered workshop for the residents of the Ephrata area who were intellectually disabled. The goal was to have these adults become productive and contributing members of their own community. The vision became a reality and continues to this day!
Occupational Development Center: The Mission of the Occupational Development Center is to provide high quality and cost effective not-for-profit vocational training and employment opportunities for Lancaster County adults with developmental disabilities. Through a wide variety of contacts within the Lancaster County business community, contracts for service are established.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: This state-of-the-art center is designed for children with autism and other neurological and behavioral concerns. It will include:
Themed Indoor Playground
Individual & Group Treatment Rooms
“Farm” Theme
This treatment center compliments our evaluation and diagnostic centers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate “Hope Ambassadors” are available to guide families in accessing evaluations and ABA treatment services. We are in-network with many insurance providers, including IBHS. Evaluations and assessments are available at our diagnostic centers. ABA services are also offered in school, home and community settings.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
The Arc Lancaster Lebanon: The Arc Lancaster Lebanon assists people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Autism and their families to navigate an often complex system by coming alongside and asking what makes a meaningful life and helping identify what is needed to make that life happen. We believe a person with a disability has value and equal worth, and it benefits our community when people with disabilities are included. We work to counter the stigma that people with I/DD come upon daily and help overcome barriers to inclusion and achievement.
Our staff are experienced in the qualifications of funding, the rules related to school Individualized Education Program (IEPs) or adult Individual Support Plan (ISPs), and are knowledgeable about the community service providers.
We work closely with Lancaster County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Lebanon County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention, Supports Coordinators and local service providers. We participate on local and statewide coalitions and committees (such as housing and transportation) to bring the voice of those we serve to the discussion making sure their needs are represented.
Excentia Human Services: We are a nonprofit organization providing supports to people with developmental needs from birth through adulthood. It’s our goal to be able to provide comprehensive supports for as little or as long as they are needed.
Friendship Community: Friendship Community is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultivating capabilities of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Our faith-based disability services, including residential services, day programs, and life enrichment opportunities, help to Impact the World with Capabilities. Our Team Members provide exceptional care consistent with our values of Relationships, Integrity, Spirituality, Excellence.
Success on the Spectrum: Success On The Spectrum provides ABA Therapy in Lancaster, PA. We give one-on-one instruction to children who are not currently learning like their peers. We teach children HOW to learn, then gradually reduce or eliminate the individualized support. Our goal is to teach valuable life skills that help our clients become productive and fulfilled adults in mainstream society.
Acclaim Autism: Acclaim Autism is a leading provider of home-based ABA applied behavioral analysis. Our licensed and independently certified professionals customize treatment plans so each child has an aligned strategy to meet individual goals. Progress to milestones is closely tracked.
We have a strong focus on providing the highest quality applied behavioral analysis therapy possible. We focus on hiring the best therapists and giving them solid training and support. Of course, we care most about what matters most, closely managing families’ goals for kids.
Disability Empowerment Center: The Disability Empowerment Center is the Center for Independent Living serving Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. DEC is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities. We dedicate our efforts to breaking through the barriers to Independent Living.
Community
Special Olympics PA – Team Lancaster: Special Olympics Lancaster County is a year-round sports training and competition program for persons with intellectual disabilities. We offer 13 different sports throughout the entire year plus social functions as dances, picnic and fishing day.
Therapies and Support
The Arc Lancaster Lebanon: The Arc Lancaster Lebanon assists people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Autism and their families to navigate an often complex system by coming alongside and asking what makes a meaningful life and helping identify what is needed to make that life happen. We believe a person with a disability has value and equal worth, and it benefits our community when people with disabilities are included. We work to counter the stigma that people with I/DD come upon daily and help overcome barriers to inclusion and achievement.
Our staff are experienced in the qualifications of funding, the rules related to school Individualized Education Program (IEPs) or adult Individual Support Plan (ISPs), and are knowledgeable about the community service providers.
We work closely with Lancaster County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Lebanon County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention, Supports Coordinators and local service providers. We participate on local and statewide coalitions and committees (such as housing and transportation) to bring the voice of those we serve to the discussion making sure their needs are represented.
Quest, Inc: The affluence of many Americans in the 1950s brought an economic force behind calls for an accessible society. As families moved out of cities and into newly built suburban communities, residents began demanding access to community amenities for themselves and their children with disabilities. QUEST, Inc. has its roots in the movements of the 1950’s.
Today, QUEST offers options for people with disabilities that include specialized occupational training, job placement, employment services, and expanded community integration opportunities. With over sixty years of providing Community Benefit, vocational rehabilitation training, work experiences, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, QUEST, has become a major provider of vocational programs and services for the residents of Lebanon County and surrounding areas.
Lebanon County MH/ID/EI Program: The Lebanon County MH/ID/EI Program provides funding and administrative oversight for services in our community that support people and their families living with serious and persistent mental illness, children and adolescents with a mental health diagnosis, individuals with intellectual disability and children birth to age three (3) for early intervention services.
The MH/ID/EI office provides the intake process to determine eligibility for services to:
- Adults with serious mental illness
- Children and adolescents with a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance
- Individuals with an intellectual disability
- Individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum
- Children birth to three years old who have special needs due to a developmental delay or disability
- Individuals with a medically complex condition age 0-21
- Individuals with a developmental disability under the age of nine (9)
Consultation and Education services are available on request.
Achieving True Self: Achieving True Self is proud to provide Autism Services to Lebanon County PA and the community at large. Our treatment services are data-driven and delivered through the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – a practice supported by over five decades of scientific research. Our history and experience providing behavioral health treatment with a strong family systems approach proves effective in assessment and treatment of persons with autism and behavioral health diagnoses in creating sustainable change. Our team members focus on the transference of skills throughout all stages of treatment to support the ultimate independence of the individual served, their family, and their surrounding community.
Community
Sunny Day Camp: This program is fully supported by the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association and numerous other contributors. Sunny Day Camp is a 501c3 non-profit organization, funded by donations from companies and individuals. The event is held in conjunction with Camp Cadet board of directors and Special Olympics.
This camp is based on the foundation of Camp Cadet. Our proud tradition started in 1971, allowing boys and girls to experience a variety of Law Enforcement activities, while promoting positive interaction with the professionals that serve in the community.
Sunny Day Camp began in 2016. Sunny Day Camp was created and implemented in Chester County, PA. Through its huge success it is currently being expanded across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2017 it branched out to four (4) locations and will continue to grow, so that everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be able to attend.
The State Police Academy in Hershey, PA is the Home Base for Sunny Day Camp. All residents of the Commonwealth are invited to attend with no age limitations.
Lebanon County Special Olympics: Lebanon County Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round training and competition in Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and closely related developmental disabilities providing them physical fitness, joy, and a sense of community. We are 100% volunteer run and receives no assistance from federal, state, or local programs. We provide these services for free to athletes and their families.
Therapies and Support
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Able-Services: Able-Services provides life-span services and customized day programming experiences for adults with special needs, ages 18 through 59. Our parent company, Leg Up Farm, opened as an outpatient therapy center in April of 2010 for children and young adults with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. The need was realized for the next step in services for their clients, since many they served would eventually age out of the programs they offered. Our agency was founded by Leg Up Farm in June of 2014 to provide an environment for our participants to explore various interest areas and opportunities for skill development in many areas, including:
- activities of daily living
- socialization
- communication
- independent living
- self-advocacy
- nutrition/health
- fitness/recreation
- community integration
Participants will also be able to enjoy specific opportunities in horticulture and gardening through our on-site greenhouse and outdoor garden areas.
Jessica & Friends Community: Jessica & Friends Community was founded in 1998 by Peter and Paulette Teague, and several close friends, to bring glory to God through their experiences caring for their intellectually disabled daughter Jessica. What started as a single residential home has grown to be our Five Pillars we use to guide our services.
By faith, we strive to fulfill and proclaim the good news of the gospel by providing service to families impacted by intellectual disabilities regardless of financial standing.
Our mission is to provide faith-based services and supports for individuals and families with autism and intellectual disabilities.
The Arc York & Adams Counties: The Arc of York and Adams Counties is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in York and Adams Counties.
Since our founding in 1952, The Arc has played a leading role in changing the way citizens with intellectual disabilities are perceived, supported, and empowered. The Arc envisions a day when our community recognizes the value of people with intellectual disabilities, makes equal opportunities available to them, and supports them in whatever manner is necessary for their full participation in our community.
The Arc of York and Adams Counties provides a wide range of services to its consumers and to the general public in order to fulfill its mission. Services include summer and year round recreational programs for children and adults; adult employment training and job placement; transition-from-school-to-work aimed at preparing high school students with disabilities to enter the working world upon graduation; agency with choice services that help families and clients adapt to the general community through habilitation and respite services; and community education about intellectual disabilities and intellectual disability prevention.
The Arc of York and Adams Counties is a chapter of The Arc of the United States, a grassroots organization with more than 140,000 members who are affiliated with nearly one thousand state and local chapters across the country.
Behavior by Design: Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) is considered to be the most recognized, evidence-based treatment for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapy helps to decrease and eliminate harmful or inappropriate behaviors and helps to increase communication, functional life skills, and appropriate social behavior (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2019; US Surgeon General, 1999; American Psychological Association, 2017).
Our services are provided to support families and help individuals diagnosed with ASD meet their goals and improve socially significant behaviors. We serve our clients in the home, school, and community settings.
Amazing Kids Club: The Amazing Kids Club is a year-round, on-site therapeutic group program for children and adolescents from 2 to 20 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The program focuses on developing communication, socialization and play skills in a less intense environment than one-on-one strategies and is designed as either a stand-alone program or a supplement to other forms of treatment.
The program is a combination of behavioral and relationship therapy strategies and our highly trained Master’s Level Clinicians design treatment plans to meet the developmental needs of each individual. Family involvement and service coordination is a key component of our programs. We offer Pre-School and After School sessions, as well as an 11-week specialized therapeutic summer day program.
Community
Autism York: Autism York is a non-profit group operated by a board of volunteers dedicated to supporting our local autism community. Our group exists for the sole purpose of providing support in a safe and friendly environment. Our events and programs are offered at low or no cost to families and individuals living with autism spectrum disorder in York and surrounding counties.
Autism York offers opportunities for families and individuals on the autism spectrum to learn, grow and develop relationships that help guide one another through this journey.
Typical Life Corporation: Typical Life Corporation was founded on a progressive, innovative approach to service individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a 501©3 nonprofit, TLC supports individuals in a person-centered approach in both York and Adams Counties.
- Berks County
-
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Easter Seals Autism Diagnosis Clinic: The Autism Diagnostic Clinic uses a telehealth model to serve residents of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties. Families do not have to travel for services and the child is evaluated in familiar surroundings. A psychologist and/or developmental nurse practitioner administers the evaluation via teleconference while guiding the parent through activities with the child. Bilingual clinicians are available.
The clinic is conducted in collaboration with specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children using the TELE-ASD-PEDS. Families receive a same-day diagnosis and the service is provided at no cost to families thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
To participate, children must be 18 months to three years old and receiving Early Intervention services. Children are referred to the clinic through Service Access & Management (SAM) or their county Birth to Three program. Call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 to be connected to your county Early Intervention program.
Paragon Behavioral Health: Paragon is dedicated to providing quality evidenced-based care to our Autistic community. A barrier we have identified is access to psychological testing; specifically for the purposes of diagnosing both children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Paragon’s Dr. Breanne Cox, licensed clinical psychologist, is trained in assessing children using the ADOS-II; the gold-standard in diagnosing ASD.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: Our team of physicians and ADOS-trained clinicians at NeurAbilities Healthcare is available to evaluate your child and collaborate with the behavioral team to personalize a treatment plan.
Our NeurAbilities team will tailor evaluations and testing recommendations based upon an individual’s specific needs. To assess for autism or ASD, we may use any of the following gold standard screening tools including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), or an evaluation by a developmental pediatrician. We administer a fixed battery of tests and additional procedures based on the underlying question, clinical information from parents, teachers, and other service providers, in order to address areas of concern that are identified once testing is underway.
Therapies and Support
NeurAbilities Healthcare: Our dedicated and compassionate team begins with the understanding that each child is unique. Assessments are personalized and treatment plans are targeted with insight, guidance and support at NeurAbilities Healthcare every step of the way.
In our center-based Young Achievers ABA program, young children diagnosed with autism are taught a variety of skills that are individualized and essential for learning, growing, and thriving! This program is ideal for preparing children to be successful in a formal school-based program, ages 2-5 prior to entering first grade.
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Dayspring Homes: Dedicated to the Gospel Message, Dayspring Homes provides a continuum of care which meets the ongoing needs of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within a Christian Environment.
John Paul II Center: John Paul II Center is as unique as our students. We are the only Catholic school in Berks County that provides a comprehensive educational program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our school-age programming ranges from age five to 21. While students learn, develop, and boost their confidence throughout their time at John Paul II Center, our adult program is a great way for individuals who are 21+ with learning disabilities to maintain and develop new skills.
At JPII, we do more for each individual. Educating each student and adult academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually isn’t a process at John Paul II Center; it is an educational plan instilled with care.
Even though John Paul II is incorporated, we are still under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Allentown. The Bishop has final approval on all governing matters concerning the school. The diocese also provides financial services and human resource services. Financial support is received through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
All faiths and religious beliefs are welcome.
Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities: Provides services to persons with developmental disabilities in Berks County, including Habilitation, Prevocational Services, Homemaker/Chore Services, Adaptive Appliances and Equipment, Respite, Environmental Accessibility Adaptations, Transportation, Specialized therapies not covered by MA, Behavioral Support, Vision/Mobility, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Support, Residential Care, and State Center Initiative.
Community
Autism Society of Berks County: We offer a wide range of opportunities and resources to individuals impacted by autism in Berks County, often with minimal or no cost, through the kindness and generosity of our supporters. These donations enable us to organize monthly family events, offer various therapies, and provide scholarships for camps, schools, and more.
Berks County Special Olympics: For nearly 50 years, Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) has used the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and unite everyone by fostering community and building a more acceptable and civil society. Through what has now blossomed into 55 local programs across the state, most of which are county or city-based, SOPA provides services that promote physical fitness and leadership skills development. Athlete Leadership Programs are offered to empower athletes to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change within the Special Olympics movement, and create inclusive communities around the world. Through these programs, athletes take on roles as Global Messengers (trained as public speakers for Special Olympics), athlete representatives, coaches, board members and more.
Autism Moms Support Group of Berks County: A group dedicated to local moms who want to share/vent/tell stories or get support in the daily ups and downs of raising children on the Autism Spectrum.
Abilities in Motion: We have a 2400-square-foot technology space tailored for individuals with disabilities. Here, they can explore and engage with computers, 3D printers, gaming consoles, virtual reality systems, STEM opportunities, and more! We also have a café that is a space to provide a safe, educational, and supportive working environment for those who may find gaining outside employment challenging and oftentimes, uncomfortable. This will also be a gathering space where people with all abilities can come together for support and fun!
Sunny Day Camp: This program is fully supported by the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association and numerous other contributors. Sunny Day Camp is a 501c3 non-profit organization, funded by donations from companies and individuals. The event is held in conjunction with Camp Cadet board of directors and Special Olympics.
This camp is based on the foundation of Camp Cadet. Our proud tradition started in 1971, allowing boys and girls to experience a variety of Law Enforcement activities, while promoting positive interaction with the professionals that serve in the community.
Sunny Day Camp began in 2016. Sunny Day Camp was created and implemented in Chester County, PA. Through its huge success it is currently being expanded across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2017 it branched out to four (4) locations and will continue to grow, so that everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be able to attend.
The State Police Academy in Hershey, PA is the Home Base for Sunny Day Camp. All residents of the Commonwealth are invited to attend with no age limitations.
- Cumberland County
-
Therapies and Support
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
Merakey: Merakey provides a continuum of care to individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We offer education and therapy services to help children, adolescents and young adults to be successful in their futures. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is embedded within all autism programs to teach basic skills and maximize communication.
Community
Nour Coffee: Nour is a coffee shop with a competitive integrated employment model. That means we train, employ, and empower neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals while delivering the highest quality coffee, tea, and food. We highlight all people’s value and celebrate our community’s diversity – where we are all BETTER TOGETHER! Neurodiverse people are more likely to be unemployed than people with any other disability. Unemployment for neurodivergent adults runs at least as high as 30-40% which is 3 times the rate for people with disability, and 8 times the rate for people without disabilities. We want to live in a world where people of all abilities have the opportunity for meaningful employment… so we’re going to create it!
The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties: The mission of The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC) is to empower, inspire, and educate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the community.
Neurodiverse Network: Neurodiverse Network, Inc. was incorporated in July 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The purpose of Neurodiverse Network is to provide resources & community support to individuals with brain differences or invisible disabilities and families of the south central Pennsylvania area. We hope to quickly obtain the proper funding to open a local support center, where there will be an ever-changing calendar of events that will include education, peer and caregiver support groups, a play sensory gym, social groups, and sensory tools to utilize and test. With these options, individuals and families can save time and money finding the items and life skills that help them or their children. Continued fundraising for our nonprofit organization will allow all people to access the space regardless of financial means.
- Dauphin County
-
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Penn State Health Developmental Pediatrics: Our team of experienced providers are here to evaluate children with suspected autism, learning, speech-language and attention problems.
Therapies and Support
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: This state-of-the-art center is designed for children with autism and other neurological and behavioral concerns. It will include:Themed Indoor Playground
Individual & Group Treatment Rooms
“Farm” ThemeThis treatment center compliments our evaluation and diagnostic centers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate “Hope Ambassadors” are available to guide families in accessing evaluations and ABA treatment services. We are in-network with many insurance providers, including IBHS. Evaluations and assessments are available at our diagnostic centers. ABA services are also offered in school, home and community settings.
Dauphin County Autism/Developmental Disabilities Program: The Dauphin County Intellectual Disabilities Program supports individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Dauphin County. Our services are designed to meet the specific needs of each person. All of our programs and services are designed to support individuals in their own home and/or in their community.
Our program is designed around the fundamental concept of Everyday Lives. That means that with the support of family and friends, individuals with intellectual disabilities can live, work and play in their community. Folks with intellectual disabilities can decide how to live their lives and what supports they need. It also means that they are responsible for their decisions and actions.
Vista Autism Services: Vista Autism Services is a leading expert focused on data-driven approaches to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families, from the time of diagnosis through adulthood. Vista provides an array of specialized services through 11 different programs and services to help individuals reach their unique potential.
BOLD, Inc: BOLD provides respite, residential, lifesharing, supported living, and housing & tenancy for adults who have IDD. We opened our doors in 2018, we have a fresh new approach to providing services. We left the old style of supports behind and have built an agency that focuses on teamwork and individual growth. Our team members are committed to our mission. They bring varied backgrounds and experiences which allow us to meet the needs of a variety of individuals in varied circumstances. Everyone’s contribution is valued and nurtured.
Whether you are looking for a worry-free weekend away with your spouse by using our Respite Care homes for your loved one. Or seeing your child achieve the independence that you may never have thought possible, through our Supported Living Program. Or you choose to participate in our Lifesharing Program where you choose to bring someone into your home to live as a part of your family. You will receive excellent support and feel the passion our well-trained experienced team puts forth into everything they do.
Expressive Pathways: Providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to those who need it most – specializing in empowering children and their families with evidenced-based strategies to overcome challenges with communication, behavior, and socialization.
Merakey: Merakey provides a continuum of care to individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We offer education and therapy services to help children, adolescents and young adults to be successful in their futures. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is embedded within all autism programs to teach basic skills and maximize communication.
Hope Springs Farm: Hope Springs Farm’s goal is to provide adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities a day program to maximize their abilities. “Growers”, as they are called, take part in various community activities including volunteering in the local community, visiting local museums, swimming, taking field trips, and shopping for the supplies they need to feed their animals and do their crafts. On the Farm, our Growers have a variety of farm chores: feeding the animals, cleaning up around the barn, planting, weeding and watering the gardens. They also learn a variety of independent living skills such as cooking, baking and shopping.
ABYay!: As an ABA therapy company serving Hershey, PA, and the surrounding area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional in-home and in-community services to the children and families we serve.
Our compassionate team of professionals is committed to designing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each child. Through our focus on early intervention, we help children overcome speech and language challenges.
Community
Neurodiverse Network: Neurodiverse Network, Inc. was incorporated in July 2022 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The purpose of Neurodiverse Network is to provide resources & community support to individuals with brain differences or invisible disabilities and families of the south central Pennsylvania area. We hope to quickly obtain the proper funding to open a local support center, where there will be an ever-changing calendar of events that will include education, peer and caregiver support groups, a play sensory gym, social groups, and sensory tools to utilize and test. With these options, individuals and families can save time and money finding the items and life skills that help them or their children. Continued fundraising for our nonprofit organization will allow all people to access the space regardless of financial means.
Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg: The mission of the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. We promote opportunities for individuals with Autism to participate in the same valued life experience as other citizens do. We support the community in many ways, including:
- Providing the latest information on interventions, services, and research to our membership and the community
- Facilitating access to supports, education, and services needed by individuals with Autism to reach their fullest potential
- Creating opportunities for families to network, share information, and offer support
- Advocating for the interests of our members, children and adults with Autism, their family members, and the adults who work with them
- Supporting the efforts of local and national therapeutic, educational, and research communities
- Soliciting and receiving funds for the accomplishment of the above purposes
The Arc of Dauphin County: Over 69 years, The Arc of Dauphin County has been committed to providing a voice to those not best able to advocate for their basic needs. The mission at The Arc of Dauphin County is to provide our neighbors diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities the resources and skills to live their best lives. While our foundation is in advocacy services, we also offer other critical services such as family supportive services, representative payee services, and so many more.
Special Olympics Capital Area Region: Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Capital Area Region provides a year-round training and competitive sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities. The program provides training and competitions in 24 sports and leadership programs throughout the region.
- Lancaster County
-
Where to Get a Diagnosis
Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities (CADD): The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) opened on October 17, 2005, with a vision to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals with disabilities. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team of developmental specialists committed to addressing these concerns and supporting individuals and their families from infancy through adulthood.
CADD is committed to forming supportive relationships with families in Central Pennsylvania who are coping with the challenges of autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disabilities.
Improving the health of such individuals requires an early and accurate diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach, ongoing care, advocacy, and collaboration with other providers. We know that receiving an accurate diagnosis and obtaining multiple services can be challenging.
That’s why we’re here to work with families and offer a growing range of services in one location.
Therapies and Support
Helping Hands Family: We use the American Medical Association endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. We always use a child-led and play-based approach to ABA. Our goal is to foster data-backed continuous improvement over the course of our autism treatment.
Our clinical team works hard to ensure our care plans are built on achievable and individual goals for each child. After the initial assessment we work with each family to establish a set of ABA goals based around various functions such as communication, harmful behavior reduction, motor skills, and social skills. We then use data tracking software to continue to update and track progress on each child’s personalized goals.
In the first 6 months of treatment our clinicians have recorded 60% increase in communication, 70% improvement in behavior related goals, and 30% in social skills goals. The whole team is extremely proud of these results and continues to track daily.
We are a collaborative, highly skilled and experienced team that loves what we do. Together, we build patient-focused, individualized therapy plans that we administer with care, compassion and consistency. In addition, our clinical team leaders provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to all of our clinicians to ensure the most productive therapeutic experience as well as a positive environment for everyone. Find out more about how our highly trained team can nurture amazing achievement in your child.
Ephrata Area Rehab Services (EARS): EARS, Inc. (Ephrata Area Rehab Services) opened its doors in November of 1970. The concept for EARS was developed by a group of dedicated individuals from Bethany UCC, located in Ephrata. Their vision was to open a sheltered workshop for the residents of the Ephrata area who were intellectually disabled. The goal was to have these adults become productive and contributing members of their own community. The vision became a reality and continues to this day!
Occupational Development Center: The Mission of the Occupational Development Center is to provide high quality and cost effective not-for-profit vocational training and employment opportunities for Lancaster County adults with developmental disabilities. Through a wide variety of contacts within the Lancaster County business community, contracts for service are established.
NeurAbilities Healthcare: This state-of-the-art center is designed for children with autism and other neurological and behavioral concerns. It will include:Themed Indoor Playground
Individual & Group Treatment Rooms
“Farm” ThemeThis treatment center compliments our evaluation and diagnostic centers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate “Hope Ambassadors” are available to guide families in accessing evaluations and ABA treatment services. We are in-network with many insurance providers, including IBHS. Evaluations and assessments are available at our diagnostic centers. ABA services are also offered in school, home and community settings.
Keystone Human Services: When Bree Dougherty started in the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), she was in her early 20s. Like many of her peers at that age, she was trying to make her way in the world. Through ACAP, she worked with staff who supported her with her goals based on her strengths, dreams, and aspirations. She now has her own apartment, and since she’s a very creative person, she has designed a well-organized space in her home to craft the “Blind Date with a Book” packages she leaves in the local Little Library.
ACAP’s flexible services and supports provide adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder the support they need to develop skills to reach their goals and participate meaningfully in their community. These comprehensive and individualized services can be tailored to each person’s needs.
The Arc Lancaster Lebanon: The Arc Lancaster Lebanon assists people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Autism and their families to navigate an often complex system by coming alongside and asking what makes a meaningful life and helping identify what is needed to make that life happen. We believe a person with a disability has value and equal worth, and it benefits our community when people with disabilities are included. We work to counter the stigma that people with I/DD come upon daily and help overcome barriers to inclusion and achievement.
Our staff are experienced in the qualifications of funding, the rules related to school Individualized Education Program (IEPs) or adult Individual Support Plan (ISPs), and are knowledgeable about the community service providers.
We work closely with Lancaster County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Lebanon County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention, Supports Coordinators and local service providers. We participate on local and statewide coalitions and committees (such as housing and transportation) to bring the voice of those we serve to the discussion making sure their needs are represented.
Excentia Human Services: We are a nonprofit organization providing supports to people with developmental needs from birth through adulthood. It’s our goal to be able to provide comprehensive supports for as little or as long as they are needed.
Friendship Community: Friendship Community is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultivating capabilities of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. Our faith-based disability services, including residential services, day programs, and life enrichment opportunities, help to Impact the World with Capabilities. Our Team Members provide exceptional care consistent with our values of Relationships, Integrity, Spirituality, Excellence.
Success on the Spectrum: Success On The Spectrum provides ABA Therapy in Lancaster, PA. We give one-on-one instruction to children who are not currently learning like their peers. We teach children HOW to learn, then gradually reduce or eliminate the individualized support. Our goal is to teach valuable life skills that help our clients become productive and fulfilled adults in mainstream society.
Acclaim Autism: Acclaim Autism is a leading provider of home-based ABA applied behavioral analysis. Our licensed and independently certified professionals customize treatment plans so each child has an aligned strategy to meet individual goals. Progress to milestones is closely tracked.
We have a strong focus on providing the highest quality applied behavioral analysis therapy possible. We focus on hiring the best therapists and giving them solid training and support. Of course, we care most about what matters most, closely managing families’ goals for kids.
Disability Empowerment Center: The Disability Empowerment Center is the Center for Independent Living serving Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. DEC is a private, nonprofit, nonresidential organization run by and for people with disabilities. We dedicate our efforts to breaking through the barriers to Independent Living.
Community
Special Olympics PA – Team Lancaster: Special Olympics Lancaster County is a year-round sports training and competition program for persons with intellectual disabilities. We offer 13 different sports throughout the entire year plus social functions as dances, picnic and fishing day.
- Lebanon County
-
Therapies and Support
The Arc Lancaster Lebanon: The Arc Lancaster Lebanon assists people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Autism and their families to navigate an often complex system by coming alongside and asking what makes a meaningful life and helping identify what is needed to make that life happen. We believe a person with a disability has value and equal worth, and it benefits our community when people with disabilities are included. We work to counter the stigma that people with I/DD come upon daily and help overcome barriers to inclusion and achievement.
Our staff are experienced in the qualifications of funding, the rules related to school Individualized Education Program (IEPs) or adult Individual Support Plan (ISPs), and are knowledgeable about the community service providers.
We work closely with Lancaster County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Lebanon County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention, Supports Coordinators and local service providers. We participate on local and statewide coalitions and committees (such as housing and transportation) to bring the voice of those we serve to the discussion making sure their needs are represented.
Quest, Inc: The affluence of many Americans in the 1950s brought an economic force behind calls for an accessible society. As families moved out of cities and into newly built suburban communities, residents began demanding access to community amenities for themselves and their children with disabilities. QUEST, Inc. has its roots in the movements of the 1950’s.
Today, QUEST offers options for people with disabilities that include specialized occupational training, job placement, employment services, and expanded community integration opportunities. With over sixty years of providing Community Benefit, vocational rehabilitation training, work experiences, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, QUEST, has become a major provider of vocational programs and services for the residents of Lebanon County and surrounding areas.
Lebanon County MH/ID/EI Program: The Lebanon County MH/ID/EI Program provides funding and administrative oversight for services in our community that support people and their families living with serious and persistent mental illness, children and adolescents with a mental health diagnosis, individuals with intellectual disability and children birth to age three (3) for early intervention services.
The MH/ID/EI office provides the intake process to determine eligibility for services to:
- Adults with serious mental illness
- Children and adolescents with a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance
- Individuals with an intellectual disability
- Individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum
- Children birth to three years old who have special needs due to a developmental delay or disability
- Individuals with a medically complex condition age 0-21
- Individuals with a developmental disability under the age of nine (9)
Consultation and Education services are available on request.
Achieving True Self: Achieving True Self is proud to provide Autism Services to Lebanon County PA and the community at large. Our treatment services are data-driven and delivered through the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – a practice supported by over five decades of scientific research. Our history and experience providing behavioral health treatment with a strong family systems approach proves effective in assessment and treatment of persons with autism and behavioral health diagnoses in creating sustainable change. Our team members focus on the transference of skills throughout all stages of treatment to support the ultimate independence of the individual served, their family, and their surrounding community.
Community
Sunny Day Camp: This program is fully supported by the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association and numerous other contributors. Sunny Day Camp is a 501c3 non-profit organization, funded by donations from companies and individuals. The event is held in conjunction with Camp Cadet board of directors and Special Olympics.
This camp is based on the foundation of Camp Cadet. Our proud tradition started in 1971, allowing boys and girls to experience a variety of Law Enforcement activities, while promoting positive interaction with the professionals that serve in the community.
Sunny Day Camp began in 2016. Sunny Day Camp was created and implemented in Chester County, PA. Through its huge success it is currently being expanded across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2017 it branched out to four (4) locations and will continue to grow, so that everyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be able to attend.
The State Police Academy in Hershey, PA is the Home Base for Sunny Day Camp. All residents of the Commonwealth are invited to attend with no age limitations.
Lebanon County Special Olympics: Lebanon County Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round training and competition in Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and closely related developmental disabilities providing them physical fitness, joy, and a sense of community. We are 100% volunteer run and receives no assistance from federal, state, or local programs. We provide these services for free to athletes and their families.
- York County
-
Therapies and Support
Mission Autism Clinics: Incredible change is possible — we see it every day. We use ABA therapy to help your child to consistently achieve small victories that, over time, build up to big results. We work one-on-one with your child at their pace to improve communication skills and guide challenging behavior, rewriting the story of what’s possible for their future.
Able-Services: Able-Services provides life-span services and customized day programming experiences for adults with special needs, ages 18 through 59. Our parent company, Leg Up Farm, opened as an outpatient therapy center in April of 2010 for children and young adults with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. The need was realized for the next step in services for their clients, since many they served would eventually age out of the programs they offered. Our agency was founded by Leg Up Farm in June of 2014 to provide an environment for our participants to explore various interest areas and opportunities for skill development in many areas, including:
- activities of daily living
- socialization
- communication
- independent living
- self-advocacy
- nutrition/health
- fitness/recreation
- community integration
Participants will also be able to enjoy specific opportunities in horticulture and gardening through our on-site greenhouse and outdoor garden areas.
Jessica & Friends Community: Jessica & Friends Community was founded in 1998 by Peter and Paulette Teague, and several close friends, to bring glory to God through their experiences caring for their intellectually disabled daughter Jessica. What started as a single residential home has grown to be our Five Pillars we use to guide our services.
By faith, we strive to fulfill and proclaim the good news of the gospel by providing service to families impacted by intellectual disabilities regardless of financial standing.
Our mission is to provide faith-based services and supports for individuals and families with autism and intellectual disabilities.
The Arc York & Adams Counties: The Arc of York and Adams Counties is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in York and Adams Counties.
Since our founding in 1952, The Arc has played a leading role in changing the way citizens with intellectual disabilities are perceived, supported, and empowered. The Arc envisions a day when our community recognizes the value of people with intellectual disabilities, makes equal opportunities available to them, and supports them in whatever manner is necessary for their full participation in our community.
The Arc of York and Adams Counties provides a wide range of services to its consumers and to the general public in order to fulfill its mission. Services include summer and year round recreational programs for children and adults; adult employment training and job placement; transition-from-school-to-work aimed at preparing high school students with disabilities to enter the working world upon graduation; agency with choice services that help families and clients adapt to the general community through habilitation and respite services; and community education about intellectual disabilities and intellectual disability prevention.
The Arc of York and Adams Counties is a chapter of The Arc of the United States, a grassroots organization with more than 140,000 members who are affiliated with nearly one thousand state and local chapters across the country.
Behavior by Design: Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) is considered to be the most recognized, evidence-based treatment for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapy helps to decrease and eliminate harmful or inappropriate behaviors and helps to increase communication, functional life skills, and appropriate social behavior (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2019; US Surgeon General, 1999; American Psychological Association, 2017).
Our services are provided to support families and help individuals diagnosed with ASD meet their goals and improve socially significant behaviors. We serve our clients in the home, school, and community settings.
Amazing Kids Club: The Amazing Kids Club is a year-round, on-site therapeutic group program for children and adolescents from 2 to 20 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The program focuses on developing communication, socialization and play skills in a less intense environment than one-on-one strategies and is designed as either a stand-alone program or a supplement to other forms of treatment.
The program is a combination of behavioral and relationship therapy strategies and our highly trained Master’s Level Clinicians design treatment plans to meet the developmental needs of each individual. Family involvement and service coordination is a key component of our programs. We offer Pre-School and After School sessions, as well as an 11-week specialized therapeutic summer day program.
Community
Autism York: Autism York is a non-profit group operated by a board of volunteers dedicated to supporting our local autism community. Our group exists for the sole purpose of providing support in a safe and friendly environment. Our events and programs are offered at low or no cost to families and individuals living with autism spectrum disorder in York and surrounding counties.
Autism York offers opportunities for families and individuals on the autism spectrum to learn, grow and develop relationships that help guide one another through this journey.
Typical Life Corporation: Typical Life Corporation was founded on a progressive, innovative approach to service individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a 501©3 nonprofit, TLC supports individuals in a person-centered approach in both York and Adams Counties.