This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. You'll find 15 local resources listed here, alongside Pennsylvania statewide programs and nationwide services, all verified and in one place. For children under three, Pennsylvania's starting point is Pennsylvania's early intervention program; for school-age children, special education and IEPs run through your local school district. Confirm details directly with each provider.
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 is the county's free program for babies and toddlers, birth to age three, who may have a developmental delay or disability. If you have concerns about how your child is growing, learning, or communicating, you can call the referral line to request a free evaluation.
This Allentown center runs an autism assessment clinic focused on toddlers 24 to 36 months old, using specialized tools designed for very young children. It's a good fit if you want an early, dedicated evaluation for a child in that age range.
Lehigh Valley Health Network's Reilly Children's Hospital team evaluates children for autism and other developmental concerns, with wait times often measured in weeks rather than years. Their specialists can assess delays, ADHD, and learning differences and help map out next steps for your family.
St. Luke's developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate children from birth through the teen years for autism, developmental delays, ADHD, and related concerns. If you're unsure where to turn for a diagnosis, their Pediatric Specialty Center is a trusted local option.
Via is a longtime local nonprofit that brings speech, occupational, and physical therapy plus special instruction right to your home for children birth to age three in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Their team supports families through everyday routines so your child can grow at their own pace.
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.
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.
This is your local, Lehigh County group of parents, school staff, and advocates who meet monthly to help families understand special education and speak up for their kids. It's a welcoming place to learn your rights and connect with others walking the same road.
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 public intermediate-unit program offers small, specialized classrooms (up to six students) for school-age children with autism who need more support than a typical school setting provides. Occupational, speech, and physical therapy plus sensory rooms are built right into the school day.
Run by Lehigh University, this licensed IBHS agency provides one-on-one ABA and Pivotal Response Treatment for children under 21 diagnosed with autism. Sessions happen at home, in school, in the community, or at their Bethlehem clinic serving Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
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 and the front door to Medicaid waiver services (Consolidated, Community Living, and P/FDS waivers) for a child or adult with autism or an intellectual disability. Call the Information and Referral team and they will walk you through enrolling and finding supports close to home.
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 local volunteer-run affiliate that hosts in-person, non-therapeutic fun groups for all ages and connects children, teens, adults, and caregivers across the Lehigh Valley autism community. They also help families find local resources, from diagnosis through adulthood.
An Allentown-based nonprofit serving people with all types of disabilities and their families in Lehigh and Northampton counties. They offer peer support, advocacy, youth and young-adult programs, and help navigating services so your family can build independence in the community.
A long-established Bethlehem-based nonprofit serving children and adults with autism and other disabilities, offering respite, recreation, community connections, early intervention, and family support. It is a warm place to turn when you need a break or want your child to have fun and belong.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
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.
A long-established nonprofit providing adults with autism and developmental disabilities local day programs, employment support, in-home help, supported living, and residential options right here in the Lehigh Valley. They also run a Transition to Independence program for young adults ages 16 to 26.
Pennsylvania's Medicaid Adult Autism Waiver funds long-term, community-based supports for adults 21 and older, including employment, day programs, and residential help. This is a key program to request as your child ages out of school-based services.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
Spot something out of date? Suggest or report a resource →