Autism resources in
Lancaster County.

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 is the county's free front door for developmental screenings and evaluations for children birth to age three, right here in Lancaster. Any parent can call to request a screening, and if concerns come up they'll evaluate your child at no cost and connect you with services.

A long-standing Lancaster nonprofit providing outpatient and in-home therapy, evaluations, and early intervention for children from birth through their teens. They serve thousands of local families each year and welcome children of all abilities.

A Lancaster County center offering autism diagnostic evaluations, therapy, and family guidance for children, teens, and adults, without needing a physician referral. They've focused on this care since 2005, so you're in experienced hands.

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.

This local Lancaster nonprofit can walk beside you through the IEP and 504 process, help review your child's plan, and even attend school meetings with you. It's a warm, no-cost place to start when you feel unsure how to advocate for your child.

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.

A neurodevelopmental healthcare group with a Lancaster office providing one-to-one ABA therapy and a center-based early-learning program for young children with autism. Their broader network also offers diagnostic evaluations, neurology, and psychology.

An established central-Pennsylvania nonprofit devoted entirely to autism, serving Lancaster County families with early-intervention programming, a specialized school, and behavior support across the lifespan. Their team blends education and therapy to help each child grow.

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 the local office where Lancaster County families apply for Medicaid (Medical Assistance), which opens the door to health coverage and disability-related benefits for your child. You can apply here in person, by phone, or online through COMPASS.

This is your county's front door to intellectual and developmental disability services, including the Medicaid HCBS waivers that can fund respite, in-home supports, and supports coordination. Reach out here to start the eligibility and intake process for your child.

MidPenn offers free legal help to lower-income Lancaster County families on issues like Social Security/SSI, disability benefits, and Medical Assistance denials. If a benefit is denied or you need help navigating the system, their attorneys can stand with you.

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 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services program serving adults with autism in Lancaster County with community, social, and recreational supports all coordinated under one roof. It offers a comprehensive, wrap-around option as your loved one moves into adulthood.

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 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.

This is the county's front door for adults with autism or a developmental disability, connecting your family to a supports coordinator who helps arrange day programs, employment services, residential support, and waiver funding as your child ages out of school. Start here to get connected to services in Lancaster County.

Founded by families in 1989, this Pennsylvania nonprofit serves as a trustee for special needs trusts and provides ongoing care management. They help families set up and manage long-term financial and care plans so a loved one is supported for life.

A Lancaster-based nonprofit that has served people with disabilities for over 60 years, offering care management specifically for adults with autism, employment services, adult enrichment programs, and home supports. A warm local place to help plan your child's adult life.