The goal of our organization is to share: our contacts, our experiences and our friendships. We will inform you of the many professional agencies that we have in our area. We will notify you of any important news or legislation that could affect your family. We will listen to your concerns, share the fun and laughter at our family gatherings.
We are part of a team that will assist you and your family, as you navigate the world of autism.
No one should ever have the feeling that they are alone.
Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania exists to improve the quality of life across the lifespan of persons on the Autism Spectrum and their families in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Mercer Counties through:
Advocacy Education Service Support Research
Our activities are driven by the needs of our families. We promote an awareness of autism and other developmental disorders in the community at large and to that end, educators, social workers, and other professionals are welcome as an integral part of our family.
Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
View our Annual Report. Please contact the office (814)455-3540 to view a copy of our Form 990
Autism Society NWPA was privileged to receive the Charles H. Bracken Excellence in Nonprofit Governance Award. The award was presented to Autism Society NWPA Executive Director, Tish Bartlett, and Board Secretary, Natalie Braddock, at the 2019 Nonprofit Day by Adam Bratton, Executive Director Nonprofit Partnership.
The award exist to acknowledge exemplary governance in nonprofit organizations. This represents the commitment, conscientious efforts, and engagement of the Autism Society NWPA Board of Directors.
Thank you, Nonprofit Partnership and Bracken family, for this distinction.
Movie Nights at UPMC Park are back and this year we’re having our annual summer picnic before the movie! Our picnic will include a hot dog, chips, and a soft drink or bottled water. Desserts will be provided by the Recreation and Family Support Committee. The picnic begins at 7:15. . .
Join Autism Society NWPA as the SeaWolves take on the Bowie Baysox A sensory-friendly day at the ballpark will include: sensory break area reduced music levels Autism Society NWPA resources on the concourse For a day of family fun To see tomorrow’s Major League stars To increase awareness After every. . .
Friends & Pals Teen Club (age 13 – 21) provides an opportunity for friendship, conversation, and FUN! Teenagers need more independent social skills once they leave school for college or the job market. Our group gives teens on the Autism spectrum an opportunity to utilize their social skills and practice. . .
Welcome to Building Connections We are pleased to announce our official name is……Building Connections. 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 for grades K – 12 and. . .
Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania is extremely disturbed by the recent video that has surfaced on numerous social media platforms. We do not condone bullying of anyone including those on the autism spectrum and/or with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Today, bullying is a national epidemic causing significant concern for parents and caregivers. Media reports show widespread examples of victimization suffered by individuals of all ages and ability levels. Bullying is a behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates. Whether physically or emotionally, it can happen while at school, in the community, or online. Those bullying often have more social or physical “power,” while those targeted have difficulty stopping the behavior.
Although only ten U.S. studies have been conducted on the connection between bullying and developmental disabilities, all of these studies found that children with disabilities were two to three times more likely to be bullied than their nondisabled peers. (Disabilities: Insights from Across Fields and Around the World; Marshall, Kendall, Banks & Gover (Eds.), 2009.)
According to a study by Interactive Autism Network, 63% of individuals with autism ages 6 to 15 have been bullied at some point in their lives.
Adults are in no way immune to the problem. Increased use of social media, cell phones, and email have altered the bullying landscape. The National Crime Prevention Council reports 43% of teens have been cyberbullied by text messaging and social media. Easy access to cell phones and social media platforms has resulted in viral video clips of horrific bullying incidents. No matter how benign the intent – it is the responsibility of every individual to reject bullying in all its forms. Effects are far-reaching; violence and intimidation cause harm to victims leaving support systems to cope with the aftermath.
The Autism Society is here to empower individuals on the autism spectrum and support their families to take a stand against bullying. A useful resource, developed by the Educational Development Center, Inc., is available to provide successful bullying prevention that may be accessed on our website. Two additional resources are available to provide insight into the implications of bullying and its residual impact on victims are 3 R’ for Bullying Prevention: Recognizing, Respond and Report and Healing from Bullying for the individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Autism Society is committed to promoting awareness and understanding about the dangers of bullying and helping all affected by autism to combat its existence once and for all.
As a community, we must come together to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance.
Eyes on Bullying Toolkit
Thank you, Iron Empire Clothing, for supporting the Autism Society NWPA. In April, Iron Empire designed and sold a custom limited edition “Every Piece Belongs” t-shirts and hoodies. All funding for our programs and support is raised locally and benefits individuals and families living with Autism in our community. …
