Programs

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. 

Preschool Programming: 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 and Teen Programming: ages 5 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. 

Teen & Adult Life & Job Skills: ages 13 and up

• Skills to Pay Bills | Ages 14-22 | (Spring Session)

Spring Session
Has 5 modules available:
Banking
Cooking
Household Skills
Job Skills
Life Skills

• 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

• 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.

For more information, call (814) 455-3540 or email program@autismnwpa.org.