Therapeutic Programming For The Life Span
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. These programs are currently offered in Spring (Feb-May) and Fall (Sept-Dec). Registration for Spring Sessions open in December and registration for Fall sessions open in July.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS.
For more information, call (814) 455-3540 or email program@autismnwpa.org.
Cancellations made at least 7 days in advance will receive a full refund minus any fees. Refunds cannot be processed after this period. Thank you for your understanding.
SCHOLARSHIP: Therapeutic Scholarship Application
Eligibility
- Scholarships are available for individuals of all ages diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Preference will be given to current AS NWPA Members; however, non-members are also encouraged to apply and may be awarded scholarships based on available funding and demonstrated need.
- Applicants must reside within AS NWPA’s service region.
- Scholarships will be awarded only if program seats are available at the time of review.
The maximum total scholarship award for any individual within a calendar year is $200.00. This may be used across multiple seasonal sessions, based on need and availability. The scholarship is available for program registration assistance only. The scholarship does not cover membership or event costs.
PRESCHOOL: AGES 3 TO 5
- Feel the Beat | Ages 3-5|(Fall Session)
Sessions in Fall. Free-spirited jam session designed to familiarize children with various sounds.
- Sticky Fingers | Ages 3-5| (Spring Session)
Sessions in Spring. Sensory, ooey, gooey program designed to familiarize children with various textures.
CHILDREN: AGES 5 TO 13
- Building Connections LEGO Club | Ages 5-22 (K-12) | (Fall and Spring Sessions)
Sessions in Fall and Spring
The 2nd Saturday of the month. LEGO Club is an effective way for children and teens with social difficulties associated with Autism to improve their social interactions and communication skills.
- Friends & Pals Teen Club | Ages 13–22| (Fall and Spring Sessions)
Sessions in Fall and Spring
The 1st Thursday of each month. The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment.
This program is 4 weeks long.
- Bridge to Success | Healthy Relationships | Ages 13-22| (Fall Session)
Thursday evenings
The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment. The group is based on building additional life skills for participants.
- Bridge to Success| Small Bites | Ages 13-22| (Spring Session)
Thursday evenings
The group teaches students about nutrition and healthy snack making through a series of hands-on lessons. This program is 6 weeks long.
TEEN: AGES 13 TO 22
- Building Connections LEGO Club | Ages 5-22 (K-12) | (Fall and Spring Sessions)
Sessions in Fall and Spring
The 2nd Saturday of the month. LEGO Club is an effective way for children and teens with social difficulties associated with Autism to improve their social interactions and communication skills.
- Friends & Pals Teen Club | Ages 13–22| (Fall and Spring Sessions)
Sessions in Fall and Spring
The 1st Thursday of each month. The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment.
This program is 4 weeks long.
- Bridge to Success | Healthy Relationships | Ages 13-22| (Fall Session)
Thursday evenings
The group gives teens with Autism an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment. The group is based on building additional life skills for participants.
- Bridge to Success| Small Bites | Ages 13-22| (Spring Session)
Thursday evenings
The group teaches students about nutrition and healthy snack making through a series of hands-on lessons. This program is 6 weeks long.
- Skills to Pay Bills | Ages 14-22 | (Spring Session)
Spring Session
Has 5 modules available:
Banking
Cooking
Household Skills
Job Skills
Life Skills
- Full Spectrum Fitness | Ages 14 & UP | (Fall and Spring Session) | NEW PROGRAM!
Fall and Spring Session Session
A 10-week adaptive fitness program at Lewko Tensity Gym & Training Center is designed specifically for individuals with autism. This inclusive and supportive class promotes physical health, builds confidence, and fosters social interaction through personalized fitness activities.
- Drive to Success | Licensed Drivers/Passengers (Fall Session)
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
ADULT: AGES 18 & UP
- Adult Social Club | Ages 18 and up | (Fall and Spring Sessions)
Sessions in Fall and Spring
The 2nd Saturday of each month. The group gives adults with Autism an opportunity to continue to socialize with peers after they leave formal educational settings
- Beyond the Boundaries |Lunch and Lyrics | Ages 18 and up | (Fall Session)
Sessions in Fall.
An 11-week program designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity through music! This group offers a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can enjoy a shared lunch and explore various music therapy activities. No prior music experience is required! Enjoy group karaoke, songwriting, instrument playing, and more.
- Beyond the Boundaries |World Cuisine| Ages 18 and up | (Spring Session)
Sessions in Spring.
This 10- week chef led program engages participants through the exploration of the culture and cuisine of ten countries. In the kitchen, participants learn how to follow a recipe, prepare, and cook ingredients, and always leave the kitchen as clean as they found it. This Common Threads Chef led program challenges participants to use a wide variety of cooking equipment and ensures that they know how to safely and effectively use each tool, including chef’s knives, graters, peelers, stoves, and ovens.
- Drive to Success | Licensed Drivers/Passengers (Fall Session)
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
- Full Spectrum Fitness | Ages 14 & UP | (Fall and Spring Session) | NEW PROGRAM!
Fall and Spring Session Session
A 10-week adaptive fitness program at Lewko Tensity Gym & Training Center is designed specifically for individuals with autism. This inclusive and supportive class promotes physical health, builds confidence, and fosters social interaction through personalized fitness activities.
SUMMER PROGRAMMING | AGES 13 & UP
- Summer Social Series | Ages 13 and up | (Summer Session)
Session in Summer.
The Summer Social Series Program is designed to empower teens and young adults living with Autism by fostering friendships and inclusivity through 6 Summer Meet-Ups.
- Empowered Employees | Ages 13 and up | (Summer Session) NEW PROGRAM!
Session in Summer.
Empowered Employees ages 13 & Up. This 6-week program helps individuals on the autism spectrum strengthen job soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Participants will also tour local workplaces and practice mock interviews in a supportive environment.
Therapeutic Program Events
Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01. A 10-week adaptive fitness program at Lewko Tensity Gym & Training Center is designed specifically for individuals with autism. This inclusive and supportive class promotes physical health, builds confidence, and fosters social interaction through personalized fitness activities. …
Read More…Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01. An 11-week program designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity through music! This group offers a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can enjoy a shared lunch and explore various music therapy activities. No prior music experience …
Read More…Fall 2025 Teen Social Club | Bridge to Success: Healthy Relationships Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01.Teen Social Club (age 13 – 22) gives teens on the Autism spectrum an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice them in a comfortable environment. While …
Read More…Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01.The group gives adults on the Autism Spectrum an opportunity to continue to socialize with peers after they leave formal educational settings. Age 18 and older. Must be registered to participate. Fall 2025 | September 13th, October 11th, …
Read More…Welcome to Building Connections LEGO Club Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01. Registration to public opening 08/01. The LEGO Social Club is an effective way for children and teens with social difficulties associated with an autism spectrum disorder to improve their social interactions and communication skills. The club is designed …
Read More…Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01. Participate in hands-on training with local police officers and the Autism Society NWPA. This program offers individuals who have obtained their permit or drivers license on the Autism spectrum the opportunity to experience and practice real-time traffic …
Read More…Fall registration opening to Members ONLY 07/01- 07/31. Registration to public opening 08/01. A 45week program facilitated in collaboration with Mercyhurst Music Therapy students to give individuals with Autism ages 3-5 an opportunity to explore with music. For this program, a parent/ guardian is required to stay on the premises. …
Read More…
