Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania: Therapeutic Programming for the Lifespan

Hosted by the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASNWPA).

Autism Society NWPA offers many therapeutic, evidence-based programs for individuals on the Autism spectrum throughout their lifespan. The therapeutic programs are designed to develop seven categories of life skills necessary for success. These consist of executive functioning skills, practical living skills, personal care, job skills, personal safety, people skills, and communication. These programs are open to all individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMMING: AGES 3 TO 5

• Feel the Beat (Offered in Fall): Free-spirited jam session designed to familiarize children with various sounds.

• Sticky Fingers (Offered in Spring): Sensory, ooey, gooey program designed to familiarize children with various textures.

CHILDREN AND TEEN PROGRAMMING: AGES 5 TO 21

• Building Connections Lego Club | Ages 5-21 (K-12): Sponsored by Auto Racers for Kids Charity. Sessions in Fall and Spring. LEGO Club is an effective way for children and teens with social difficulties associated with Autism to improve their social interactions and communication skills. The 2nd Saturday of the month.

• Friends & Pals Teen Club | Ages 13–21: Sessions in Fall and Spring. The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment. The 1st Thursday of each month.

• Bridge to Success | Ages 13-21: Sponsored by Debra Thompson in honor of her son, Michael Thompson. Thursday evenings. Fall Session: The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment. Spring Session: The group is based on building additional life skills for participants.

TEEN & ADULT LIFE & JOB SKILLS: AGES 16 AND UP

• Dress for the Job | Ages 16 and up: Grant funding provided by Erie Insurance. Fall Session: The group will teach appropriate workplace dress and hygiene. Tuesday evenings.

• Skills to Pay Bills | Ages 16 and up: Grant funding provided by Erie Insurance. Spring Session: Has 5 modules available: Banking, Cooking. Household Skills, Job Skills, Life Skills.

• Adult Social Club | Ages 21 and up: Sessions in Fall and Spring. The group gives adults with Autism an opportunity to continue to socialize with peers after they leave formal educational settings. The 2nd Saturday of the month.

• Drive to Success | Licensed Drivers/Passengers (Offered in Fall): Participate in hands-on training with local police officers and the Autism Society NWPA. Opportunity for licensed drivers identified with an Autism diagnosis to experience and practice real-time traffic stops. Limited space for unlicensed individuals with ASD. Help your young adult be prepared in the event of a traffic stop and/or accident. Four-week program includes Meet & Greet, Classroom training, Mock Traffic stops, and graduation. Personal vehicle required for Mock Traffic stops. This program is in collaboration with local Law Enforcement.

For more information, call (814) 455-3540 or email program@autismnwpa.org. You can view all the programs via the link below. 

The Autism Society NWPA provides support for individuals and families living with an autism spectrum disorder in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Mercer Counties. They offer support, referrals, mentors, education, and most importantly a community of understanding.