Autism Advocacy in the Susquehanna Valley

Local & Pennsylvania Resources

Neuropsychological Services: A Neuropsychologist looks at how a child’s brain is influencing their behavior. A thorough evaluation is done that looks at a child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to properly diagnose and treat psychological and behavioral problems. Strategies to balance a child’s strengths and weaknesses are developed based on the findings of the evaluation and the needs of that child. A vision to aid one young man with polio quickly grew to include 61 area children within the same year. With the cooperation of an orthopedic surgeon who traveled from Philadelphia to Williamsport every month and donations of beds and services by the Williamsport Hospital; Pennsylvania’s first known orthopedic clinic was started. We have gone from meeting the needs of children afflicted with polio in the 1930′s through an entire spectrum of services that now includes improving the lives of children with a large variety of disabilities; including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
The Bureau of Autism Services More Resources at DPW	In July 2005, Secretary Richman appointed Nina Wall-Cote as the Executive Director of DPW’s newly created Office of Autism Affairs. In February 2007, Secretary Richman announced the creation of a new Bureau of Autism Services within the Office of Developmental Programs. In her role leading the Bureau of Autism Services, Ms. Wall-Cote is actively working with Secretary Richman, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and a team of experts to implement and integrate the recommendations of the 2004 Autism Task Force Report, while creating a parallel service delivery structure that better serves individuals and families living with autism.
"At Community Care, our goal is to improve the health and well-being of the community through delivery of effective and accessible behavioral health services." "Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community through the delivery of effective, cost-efficient, and accessible behavioral health services." Learn More	The Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services has responded to the need for better services for the autism community by creating three Autism Services, Education, Research, and Training (ASERT) Centers across the commonwealth. Penn State Hershey is a partner of Autism Central PA, the ASERT center for the central region of Pennsylvania. The other Autism Central PA partners are the Philhaven Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and The Vista Foundation. AutismCentralPA.org or call 877-231-4244.

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit One of Pennsylvania's 29 Intermediate Units, offers educational programs and services to schools and communities. For more information on programs and services, contact the CSIU: Phone: (570) 523-1155 Address: P.O. Box 213 Lewisburg, PA 17837 Email: csiu@csiu.org	The CMSU system provides a wide range of mental health, mental retardation and drug & alcohol services to the citizens of Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union Counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each year, CMSU and its network of providers serves over 4,000 people
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania is a network created by families for families of children and adults with special needs. We connect families in similar situations with one another so that they may share experiences, offer practical information and/or support.	The Jones Center for Special Education Excellence is a nonprofit organization established by the family of Bill and Joan Jones in association with Bloomsburg University, Department of Exceptionality Programs.
"Envisioning a community where children, adolescents and adults with autism achieve their maximum personal potential in social, educational and vocational environments." "Maximizing Potential, Maximizing Possibilities"
Other Resources
	Autism Society of America (ASA) is a leading voice and resource of the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, research and support. The ASA is committed to meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. ASA accomplishes its ongoing mission through close collaboration with a successful network of chapters, members and supporters.
Camp Emerge Camp Emerge is a camp set up directly for the families of those touched by Autism. The camp is designed to help bring families together for a weekend, to work on their feelings, fears, dreams, and relationships with each other. It is designed to allow the family to sit back, relax and just be together without the worry of judgment or pressure to explain differences. Camp Emerge works in many ways to help not only the families, but the individual touched by Autism to learn how to deal with and feel comfortable with what they are facing. Camp Emerge tries hard to help each individual experience the best of the outdoors and have a good time doing it. For more information visit our various pages listed on the site.	Camp Emerge

	"Some of our families have been told to put their child in an institution. We're hoping for Harvard."