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. A 5-week interactive program designed for children with autism to explore and become comfortable with a variety of textures in a safe and engaging environment. The program emphasizes hands-on sensory experiences that promote tactile exploration, fine motor skills, and sensory integration.
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.
- Teen Social 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| The Cooking Lab | Ages 13-22| (Spring Session)
Thursday evenings
This teaches participants about nutrition and healthy cooking 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.
- Teen Social 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| The Cooking Lab | 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) | POSTPONED
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.
- 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)
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
Spring 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…Spring 2026 registration opening to Members 12/15. Registration to public opening 01/05. 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 …
Read More…Spring registration opening to Members ONLY 12/15. Registration to public opening 01/05. Teen Social Club (ages 13 – 22) 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 …
Read More…Spring registration opening to Members ONLY 12/15. Registration to public opening 01/05. 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. Spring 2026 | February 14th, March 14th, …
Read More…Welcome to Building Connections LEGO Club Spring registration opening to Members ONLY 12/15. Registration to public opening 01/05. 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…Spring registration opening to Members ONLY 12/15-. Registration to public opening 01/05. A 5-week interactive program designed for children with autism to explore and become comfortable with a variety of textures in a safe and engaging environment. The program emphasizes hands-on sensory experiences that promote tactile exploration, fine motor skills, …
Read More…
