Contact Us

Treatment Programs

The Center uses a comprehensive assessment as the foundation for each person’s unique treatment plan, which is designed to reduce the symptoms of autism.  Treatment focuses on communication, interaction, change and transitions, behaviors and responses, social competencies and sensory processing.

The Center measures progress through objective and continual observation and assessment. Through treatment, the Center’s experienced therapists teach individuals how to build relationships with significant people in their life, and learn skills that will help them succeed.

The individual’s family is viewed as a full partner in the therapeutic process. The Center provides the family with the support, education, treatment and resources that are needed to appropriately advocate for the person with autism. The Center also coordinates with agencies that are significantly involved in the individual’s clinical, educational or occupational program to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment.

C.O.R.E Program

C.O.R.E – Creating Opportunities for Relating & Engaging

The C.O.R.E. Program is a center-based program for children ages 2 to 6 years old. The primary goal is to address the core deficits of autism so that each child may improve upon their communication, social interaction, self-regulation and behaviors. The children participate in predetermined structured activities each day that are based upon the goals defined in their individual treatment plan.  To promote lifelong success, the program combines center-based programming with in-home and community services for the child and family.

Children are placed into treatment groups based upon their developmental levels and individual needs. The child-to-staff ratio can range from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the treatment group.  The program is held Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm at the Market & Grant locations; the program operates year-round.

Social Competency

Our Social Competency Program is for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 16 that have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals attending the program participate in a variety of groups that address identifying and interpreting social cues, perspective taking, understanding emotions and feelings, self-esteem and working collaboratively with others.

Children and teens attend two days a week for two hours each day; the program operates year-round. Individuals are grouped by their developmental levels and individual needs. The child-to-staff ratio is four-to-one and the program is held Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

The Social Competency program also offers extended hours of 3:30-6:30pm on the client’s regularly scheduled days during the summer months. This provides clients with additional opportunities for socialization when clients are on summer break from school.

S.T.E.P. Program

The S.T.E.P. Program is a weekly program for older teens and young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Program is specifically designed to help promote each individual’s engagement in the community, and help transition to post-secondary education and/or the workplace.

Treatment primarily focuses on teaching pre-vocational and independent life skills. These activities can include performing household chores, traveling in the community, preparing meals, adolescence & puberty, shopping, socialization, and other expectations of living independently in a community.

This program runs in 12-week sessions year-round. The program is held on Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Outpatient Program

The Outpatient Therapy Program at the Center for Autism works with clients across the lifespan and across developmental level. Outpatient therapy is offered in one-on-one, family, and small group therapy sessions, facilitated by a Masters level clinician. Hour long weekly sessions aim to address each individual’s unique needs and build upon their strengths. A variety of frameworks and treatment modalities are used based on what is most appropriate for the client. Any child under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Family participation is preferred and welcomed.
At this time, sessions are operating both in person and via Telehealth based on what is clinically appropriate for the client.

Our Treatment Approach

Quality of Care

  • Comprehensive and continual assessment of needs
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • Multidisciplinary relationship-based approach
  • Experienced, dedicated clinicians

Better Outcomes

  • Develop and improve communication
  • Establish important relationships
  • Build meaningful social interaction
  • Improve behaviors that interfere with success
  • Overcome challenges in sensory processing
  • Learn skills to thrive in school and in the community

Family Involvement

  • Participate as full partners in the therapeutic process
  • Receive support and education
  • Learn to navigate systems and advocate for the future
  • Collaborate with agencies to ensure a comprehensive approach

CFA Connect is a Center for Autism-sponsored family group

that is aimed at connecting families within the community. Hosting events throughout the year, CFA connect gives children and families the opportunity to experience different activities, meet other families affected by ASD and learn about autism-related topics. This group is free and open to all families that are currently enrolled in a CFA Program or waiting for services.

Testimonials

A Family's Story: Pierce

My son Pierce was a wonderful baby. He cried little, smiled often and slept well. His big personality and determination to succeed was evident from... Read More

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, acquired The Center for Autism on February 4, 2020.

The Center for Autism is an equal opportunity employer & service provider.
The organization is a licensed outpatient clinic under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.  Sitemap.

© 2024. Website Design & Web Development by AYC Media