🌱 Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.
Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.
ASERT's statewide Resource Center helps Pennsylvania families understand autism supports and navigate the service system, including where to go for a diagnosis. Resource specialists give up-to-date, accurate information at no cost, in English and Spanish.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers thorough autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and specialist teams, plus ongoing follow-up care as your child grows. Families can request an appointment or a referral through their pediatrician.
This state-funded clinic offers free, virtual early autism diagnostic evaluations for children ages 18 to 36 months who are receiving Early Intervention services, so your child can be assessed at home. It also connects families to therapy referrals and parent coaching.
CONNECT is the statewide helpline for parents who have questions about their young child's development. One call connects you to your county's Early Intervention program for a free developmental screening and, if needed, an evaluation for children birth to age 5.
Pennsylvania's free Early Intervention program supports children from birth to age 5 who have developmental delays or disabilities, with services woven into your family's everyday routines. If you have any concern about your child's development, this is the state's front door to a free screening and evaluation.
This long-established Bucks County nonprofit brings speech, occupational, and physical therapy plus special instruction right into your home for children birth to three. Their family-centered approach weaves supports into your everyday routines and play.
If you have concerns about how your baby or toddler is growing, learning, or communicating, this free county program will listen, evaluate your child, and connect you with supports at no cost. It is the local starting point for any child under age 3 in Bucks County.
When your child ages out of Birth-to-3, or if concerns first show up between ages 3 and 5, the Bucks IU provides free evaluations and services like speech, occupational, and instructional support before kindergarten. Referrals are accepted year-round.
A Children's Hospital of Philadelphia partnership right in Bucks County, this Newtown center offers integrated early therapy for children age 6 and under, with behavioral, speech, and occupational support under one roof. If your child needs a diagnosis first, their team can connect you to a provider.
⚖️ School & IEP Rights
IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.
Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.
A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.
Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.
Pennsylvania's protection and advocacy organization gives families free legal advice and advocacy on special education and disability rights. Call their toll-free intake line if your child is being denied a full and inclusive education.
A program of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education, PaTTAN offers families free trainings and resources on special education, IEPs, and inclusion through its Families to the MAX network. Call the regional office nearest you for parent support.
PEAL is Pennsylvania's statewide, federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free, confidential help so you can be a strong partner in your child's IEP and special education. Their family specialists answer your questions by phone or email in English and Spanish, at no cost.
This free state help line connects you directly to a special education specialist who can explain your rights, your child's IEP or 504 options, and the procedural safeguards available to you. A bilingual specialist is available for Spanish-speaking families.
The county's public educational service agency evaluates children and supports families through the IEP process, from Child Find and early intervention to autism support, assistive technology, and secondary transition. This is your local, in-county starting point for special education services.
Pennsylvania's federally designated protection and advocacy organization offers free legal help and advocacy for disability-related problems in education, including special education disputes. Call their intake team to explain your situation and get connected to help.
A statewide legal advocacy nonprofit headquartered in Philadelphia that protects the right of children, especially students with disabilities, to a quality public education. They offer parent guides, resources, and intake help when a child's educational rights are at risk.
🧩 Therapy & Treatment
ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.
You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.
A searchable directory of nearly 200 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers across Pennsylvania, so you can find agencies in your county and see whether they offer home, center, or telehealth services and accept Medical Assistance. A practical tool for parents starting the search for ABA therapy.
A statewide, state-funded resource center where Pennsylvania families can find autism information, support groups, training, and Spanish-language help all in one place. Their friendly team can point you toward the right services in your county.
Pennsylvania's state hub for autism programs, walking families through waivers, the Adult Community Autism Program, insurance rights under Act 62, and how to connect with services. It's the official starting point for understanding what support your family qualifies for.
This is the county office that connects Bucks families to autism and developmental disability supports, from intake and eligibility to ongoing services. If you're not sure where to start, this local team can help you find the right door.
The Bucks IU provides Early Intervention screening plus speech, occupational, physical therapy and behavior support for children with autism and other needs across the county. It's the local hub for school-age and early-childhood evaluations and services.
A long-established Bucks County nonprofit offering IBHS-ABA therapy and specialized programs for children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum. They build personalized plans for every stage, from age one through adulthood.
💰 Financial Assistance & Benefits
Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.
PA ABLE lets people with disabilities save and invest money tax-free for everyday needs like housing, health care, and assistive technology — without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. It's run by the Pennsylvania Treasury, and enrollment is open online.
This Medicaid waiver is designed specifically for adults 21 and older with autism, covering long-term supports like employment help, therapy, and skill-building so they can live and take part in their community. The state's autism customer service line can help you understand eligibility and how to apply.
Pennsylvania's Medicaid waivers pay for services like behavioral support, respite, job coaching, and in-home help for people with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or autism. You apply through your county Mental Health/Intellectual Disability office, and this state page walks you through the steps.
This free, nonprofit law firm helps families when Medicaid or a waiver service is denied, cut, or stopped — including appeals and problems getting the coverage your child is entitled to. Their toll-free helpline is staffed by advocates who know the system.
This is your local county office for applying to Medicaid (Medical Assistance), cash assistance, SNAP, and heating help right here in Bucks County. Staff can walk you through eligibility and the application if the paperwork feels overwhelming.
A Pennsylvania Medicaid program that lets a person with a disability work and earn more while keeping their full Medicaid coverage, for a small monthly premium. It's a helpful option for older teens and young adults moving into employment.
🤗 Support Groups & Community
Find your people — in person and online.
The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.
The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.
Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.
Pennsylvania's official autism resource guide lets you search a county-by-county directory of parent support groups and social groups so you can find people near you who get it. Their statewide resource specialists can also help you sort out services over the phone.
This free, statewide program matches you with a trained parent who has walked a similar road with a child who has disabilities or complex health needs, so you never have to figure things out alone. Just call and ask to be matched with a peer supporter.
PEAL is Pennsylvania's federally designated parent center, run by families of children with disabilities to help you understand your child's rights, navigate school and services, and advocate with confidence. Their staff are warm, experienced, and glad to talk things through.
Since 1935, Variety has offered day and overnight camps, recreation, and enrichment programs for children and young adults with autism and other disabilities in the Philadelphia region, giving kids joyful experiences and families a welcome break. Call to ask about camps and program openings.
A Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, founded by parents, that runs a large network of local support groups for caregivers, adults, siblings, and grandparents across Allegheny County. Their staff can also help you find services and answer questions when you feel stuck.
A local community organization that connects families to a huge range of recreation and social opportunities, from Special Olympics and the Miracle League to adaptive dance, yoga, and monthly dances. A friendly hub for finding inclusive activities close to home.
A free program pairing you with a Family Support Specialist who is also a parent of a child with disabilities, so you get one-on-one guidance from someone who has been there. Open to all Bucks County families with children from birth to age 26, no diagnosis or insurance required.
County-supported short-term respite that gives caregivers a much-needed break while a trained provider cares for your child. Referrals go through Child and Family Focus, with programs organized by your child's age from birth through young adulthood.
A welcoming weekly group where parents and caregivers share experiences and learn positive parenting strategies alongside a master's-level clinician. Meetings are free and include childcare, snacks, and parking so you can focus on getting support.
🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A plain-language guide from Pennsylvania's ASERT autism initiative that walks families through guardianship, supported decision-making, and other legal options for autistic adults. A gentle first read before making big long-term planning decisions.
Pennsylvania's state office that runs adult autism services, including the Adult Autism Waiver and the Adult Community Autism Program, which provide long-term supports for autistic adults. A key starting point when your child is aging out of school-age services.
The state agency that helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, with counselors in all 67 counties. Many services, including counseling, evaluation, and job placement, are provided at no cost.
Delta's adult day program in Langhorne gives adults who have finished high school a warm place to build life and job skills, make friends, and get out into the community. They also run a guardian support group for families.
A long-established Bucks County nonprofit offering adults with autism and developmental disabilities a full continuum of residential homes, day programs, and vocational and employment training. Their Langhorne campus and community homes support people with complex medical and behavioral needs.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change — always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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