Autism Service, Education, Research & Training

Our mission is to improve regional access to quality services and interventions, providing information and support to families, training professionals in best practices and facilitating collaboration among providers of services throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Blog

Asperger's Softball Sports Hero

The thing that separates 8-year-old Reilly from other girls is aspergers. A condition that keeps some kids socially awkward. But as 40/29 Sports Director Mike Jacques found out softball is helping her to interact with other kids.

To view this inspiring news story CLICK HERE

Autism Network International Presents Autreat

July 2-6, 2012

Johnstown, PA

Autreat is a retreat-style conference run by autistic people, for autistic people and our friends. Autreat focuses on positive living with autism, NOT on causes, cures, or ways to make us look more normal.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Volunteering for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)is a nonprofit organization by autistic people for autistic people. They are committed to being included in the nationwide conversation about autism. While public policy is a major emphasis, ASAN has many other aspects including many programs. These activities need people to sustain it.

Are you interested in their efforts? Do you have a little time each day? Week? Month? ASAN invites you to fill out the volunteer form as they are always on the lookout for energetic autistic people and allies.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Research Study: Pittsburgh Early Autism Study: How Babies Develop Intellectually (directed by Dr. Mark Strauss)

Where: Infant & Toddler Development Center, University of Pittsburgh (free parking provided)

When: Infants are seen at 6, 11, 16, 24, 36 and 48 months of age

What: Babies watch pictures and movies (e.g. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood) while we record how they look at them

Infants who do not have a sibling with autism are also welcome in this study

For more information CLICK HERE or email infants@pitt.edu

4th Annual Family Fun Fair sponsored by UCP Central PA's Family Support Services

June 02, 2012 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Special Entertainment: 12:30 PM Oops the Clown
1:00 PM Steven Courtney
2:30 PM George Patrick Magic

Food and Activities:
* Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, and Drinks
* Moon Bounce
* Over 15 Carnival Games and Prizes And More!

The Fun Fair provides an excellent opportunity for families of children with disabilities to get together for some fun, food, and fellowship in a relaxing atmosphere.

**A $5.00 donation per person is appreciated (includes food, games, and entertainment).

Space is limited - RSVP Required by May 25, 2012 to Roxanne or Denyse at familysupportservices@ucpcentralpa.org or call 717-975-0611

Progressive Parenting Classes: A 7-weeks Parent Education Program through Pinnacle Health Psychological Associates

Raising your child into a responsible teen & ultimately an adult can be a challenging task. It will often force you to explore your own biases & childhood experiences which could help you engage or disengage with your child, often leaving you wonder if you made the "right decision"

The journey of parenthood is not meant to be a solitary task. You are not alone. This group can help decrease your anxiety about raising a child and provide the opportunity to make more conscientious decisions about raising a healthy, responsible child or teenager.

Some of the issues that will be addressed by this class are: Parenting Styles, Basics of childrearing, Discipline, Teenagers, Building healthy relationships, Recognizing the pitfalls of troubled families, Aid in appropriate decision making about your family & assist in changing negative patterns of functioning

When: 7/11/12 - 8/22/12 - Wednesday's from 6:30PM - 7:45 PM

Cost: $150

For more information contact (717)231-8360

Seven Tips for Selecting an Asperger's Syndrome Therapist

It can often be helpful for those with Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism to have a respected and knowledgeable therapist to help them process their emotions and understand more social nuances, among other things. People with Asperger's syndrome often have trouble understanding the world around them, and as a result often carry around a lot of frustration. They might have resentment from ways they were treated in the past that they don't understand. But what kind of psychotherapist would be most effective for someone with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism?

There are many different types of therapists out there. Many believe that the best therapists tend to be the ones who don't subscribe to any particular theory, but instead use a variety of therapies depending on what they think will help each individual client.

Click here to read more.

Hang Out With Friends Of Doylestown, PA

Helping Young Adults Access The Community Through Various Supervised Activities. We are looking for young adults (18-23) with Aspergers/High Functioning Autism who are interested in participating in a new program of various supervised activities typically enjoyed by young adults.

Participants would meet at a central location in Doylestown and then travel by van to various activities. A maximum of 10 participants for each activity. We hope to plan at least 4 activities per month, generally on the weekend. Activities would include bowling, sporting events (Sixers, Phillies, etc.), movies, ice skating. Outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing, visits to museums and plays. Additional activities would be planned according to the interests of the group.

We hope to begin activities in the first quarter of 2012.

Participants would be accompanied by a social worker/teacher and an assistant who will also be providing transportation.

Please email Kathleen Czupich at kczupich@artemis-finance.com

My Child is Being Evaluated ... What Tests Should I Request?

"I think my child has a learning disability - what tests should I request?"

You want to select an evaluator who is knowledgeable about your child's disability. Your evaluator should have expertise and knowledge about a variety of tests and should use this expertise to select appropriate tests for your child. (Parents do need to provide their evaluator with proper information about the child - this information will help the evaluator decide which tests to administer. At a minimum, you should provide your evaluator with all previous testing and evaluations. Ask the evaluator what additional information s/he needs.

Click here to read more about What Tests to Request.