Autism Services

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania is devoted to helping improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families. We offer several programs to serve the needs of children with autism and their families.

ABA Therapy Coaching for parents of children with autism
We offer two options for parents: consultation service and a coaching program. The consultation is meant to help parents who are caring for a child with autism full-time during the Coronavirus epidemic. An Easterseals BCBA provides interventions and strategies to manage behaviors and increase engagement.

The coaching program provides one-on-one sessions with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques. Parents and other caregivers learn about Applied Behavioral Analysis, which breaks down all behavior into three parts: antecedent, behavior and consequence. Parents are taught how to analyze their child’s behavior in this way and employ strategic techniques and interventions to improve communication and social interactions, develop new skills, increase appropriate behaviors and decrease inappropriate behaviors.

Autism Diagnostic Clinics
Easterseals conducts Autism Diagnostic Clinics in Berks County and the Lehigh Valley in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Both clinics are provided at no cost to families and utilize a full tele-medicine model during the COVID pandemic.

Free developmental screenings
If you are concerned that your child’s development may not be progressing as expected, our Make the First Five Count program offers free online screening tools for children from birth through age 5. The screenings allow you to measure and keep track of your child’s growth and development. The results will help you see if your child’s progress is on track and alert you to any potential concerns. Our child development specialist will contact you to go over the results.

Early Intervention (ages birth to three)
Easterseals provides Early Intervention services to toddlers with a diagnosis of ASD as well as those who may be on the spectrum, but do not have a diagnosis. Getting the right support early is vital to your child’s development. Easterseals offers special instruction, behavioral services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and special instruction to children ages birth to three. Our services promote child development and minimize the impact of disability while coaching parents and caregivers on how to build on their child’s strengths.

Summer Day Camps (ages 8-21)
Camp Lily is a summer day camp offered in a series of one-week sessions from July through August at our campgrounds in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County. Campers enjoy a full schedule of arts and crafts activities, outdoor sports, swimming, music, games, science exploration and guests teaching special topics.

Summer Overnight Camp (ages 10 to adult)
Easterseals Camp Growing Green is held on the beautiful campus of the Pocono Environmental Education Center. Campers gain environmental awareness and enjoy traditional camp activities like hiking, canoeing, sports, and arts & crafts. Campers may participate in a hands-on employment exploration experience, spending part of each day exploring different career tracks. Easterseals Camp Growing Green runs for 6 weeks each summer and campers attend for one or more weeks.

Recreation (ages 12 – young adult)
Hang Time is an evening recreation program that provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to come together with their peers to socialize, engage in fun activities and create meaningful connections. Traditionally, we meet out in the community to enjoy a variety of activities, but we have transitioned to a virtual platform during the pandemic. Hang Time meets Friday evenings from October through May and serves residents of the Lehigh Valley and Berks County.

LEAP Employment Preparation
LEAP is a 4-week comprehensive employment preparation program for youth with disabilities, ages 16-21, who attend school and are eager to work and earn a paycheck. It combines workplace and independent living skills instruction with real work experience to provide participants with the skills they need to transition successfully into adulthood.

Community Supports/Habilitation
We offer individualized programming to empower young adults and adults with disabilities to live independent and rewarding lives in their community. Customized services include exploring volunteer, recreation and educational opportunities while developing critical life skills, participating in community life and engaging in satisfying activities.

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