Support Group Happenings
ELK COUNTY
Elk County Support
April Odenbaugh
elkcountyautismfamily@gmail.com
The topics have been around stress and how to manage it. They had a night of pampering and dinner, facials etc! They also discussed how it may be stressful for the parents’ friends as well, and how they can support their friend who has a child with autism. SUPPORT has been in action now for 6 months. We have learned from each other, gather information, laughed gained confidence and most importantly friendships. Not only do we address concerns of autism but also apraxia, vision, hearing down syndrome, children that have IEP's and 504's and much more. If you are looking for support in Elk County we are here and always looking for a fresh insight that you might have to help someone else.
ERIE COUNTY
KaleidAScope, Inc. Adult Social Group
Janice Lane
814-824-4515
On Thursday evenings KAS hosts a social group for adults on the Spectrum. Activities vary from week to week. Please check our website at kas-erie.org for the months schedule. Only requirement is that you be a High School graduate, and be able to come and go independently. Parents of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PAASD) meet quarterly, some meetings are just to talk but most have a speaker to discuss relevant issues.
FAYETTE COUNTY
HALO
Kimberly Elayazra
This group meets at Fayette Mental Health. They have planned a fun group event at the Splash Lagoon, shared the information about the ACCESS card discounts at various locations and play games and crafts.
JUNIATA COUNTY
Autism Support Group
Jessica Guyer
Due to very hectic "mom schedules" most of our sharing and support is done on our facebook page. We share local resources and general news links as it pertains to our followers. Once a year we try to plan a group activity for parents and/or caregivers and their children. This year we're working on a "mommy & me" painting day to hold when the weather gets warmer.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY
NEPA Aware Special Needs Family Support Group of Lackawanna County
Elaine A. Jimenez
NEPA Aware is a capacity building, support group network for families of children with Autism and Co-Occurring Disorders. NEPA Aware focuses on socializing our children with typically developing children, and children with emotional, and multiple disorders to encourage acceptance and build integrity. We provide monthly activities such as Special Education Self Advocacy, Support group meetings, Family Swim Night, Moms night out, and Kids Day at the Pocono Raceway every year.