RESOURCES
Here are some resources to get started.
Extended School Year (ESY)
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The S.P.E.A.K. (Summer Program for the Enhancement of Autistic Kids) program, founded by Autism-Pittsburgh in 1974, extends the school year to prevent learning regression in children with autism. As the first and benchmark Extended School Year (ESY) program, S.P.E.A.K. provides ESY services based on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year. Emphasizing social skills through Community Based Instruction (CBI), the program is held at St.Therese in Munhall, featuring extensive facilities and a dedicated teaching team committed to annual improvement.
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The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) champions the principles of the disability rights movement for autism, aiming for a world where autistic individuals have equal access, rights, and opportunities. ASAN empowers autistic people globally to take charge of their lives and future, organizing the community to ensure their voices are included in national discussions. Guided by the motto "Nothing About Us, Without Us," ASAN is dedicated to self-advocacy and inclusion.
We are here to help you with your health care needs. We offer family care, express care, gyne, and aesthetics. Feel free to walk in or call ahead to schedule an appointment. If you are having a life threatening emergency please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
At the core of BehaviorWorx's success is our evidence-based approach. We have carefully designed our programs to incorporate the most up-to-date research and techniques focused on holistic approaches to behavior. Kristan will work with you to develop personalized strategies that address the root causes of behavior issues.
Assemble, located at 4824 Penn Avenue, serves Pittsburgh’s Friendship, Garfield, and Bloomfield neighborhoods. It connects local children with engaging events and workshops, fostering their interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
Discover Firelite Center, where fitness meets fun for all ages! Our facility boasts a large fitness area with multiple sensory swings, a large foam pit, climbing wall, and open space to develop movement and fitness skills.
The Autism Society of Westmoreland County creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Band Together Pittsburgh believes that music has the power to unify the world.
They envision using music to inspire and enrich the lives of those on the autism spectrum, enabling integration with family, friends, and society as a whole.
Regulation of Emotion in Autistic Adults, Childrens, and Teens
They aim to conduct research that will ultimately improve mental health and wellbeing for autistic people across the lifespan. REAACT focus on identifying the mechanisms of emotion dysregulation in autistic people, developing measures of meaningful outcomes, developing community-informed, innovative treatments, fostering meaningful community partnerships, and raising cultural acceptance of autism.
Autism Caring Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families by working diligently to provide support, resources, advocacy and offer training to community businesses to raise awareness and acceptance.
Pennsylvania State Police have a new tool for people with Autism. Police want people with Autism to carry the cards and show them to officers so that they can respond appropriately. The goal is to prevent any communication barriers during an emergency.
Evolve Coaching supports individuals with disabilities in the Pittsburgh area through education, employment, and the arts. Serving over 200 people annually, Evolve offers specialized coaching to help clients integrate into and contribute to the local community.
Values into Action partners with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to design and live their best lives. They provide direct services, support brokerage, and housing resources to empower individuals and enhance their quality of life.
Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them. Trying Together works regionally (in Southwestern Pennsylvania) and takes its expertise and models to statewide and national audiences.
Need help setting up a play space or sensory area? Looking for someone to coach you through sensory play? KUTP is here to help!
The mission of the PEAL Center is to educate and empower families to ensure that children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs lead rich, active lives as full members of their schools and communities.
Sensory-friendly movie screenings
Sensory-Friendly Screenings Offered Monthly at AMC Lowes Waterfront 22
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AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Sensory Friendly Films” program.
To provide a more comfortable setting for this unique audience, the lights are brought up and the sound turned down. Families are able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
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Call us at 412-856-7223 or AMC Loews Waterfront Theater 22 at 412-462-6550 for more information.
DENTAL CARE
One of the biggest challenges autism families face is a routine trip to the dentist. With unusual smells, sounds and sensations, dental treatments can be overwhelming and unbearable to an autistic child or teenager. With this in mind, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine offers a dental clinic through its Center for Patients with Special Needs (CSPN).
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The CSPN provides a full range of services including cleanings, x-rays, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery.
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Emphasis is put on providing appropriate, compassionate care with modifications made to equipment and the setting to make it more comfortable and safe for the special needs patient. Behavior guidance and pharmacological management through nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia are offered in conjunction with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and the Anesthesiology Department.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine at 412-648-3039 for patients 15 years or older or 412-648-8930 for infants to age 14. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, are accepted.