Regional autism services collaborative includes Carbon, Monroe
Debra Pellegrino is dean of The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. The university will serve as the leadership hub of the five family Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The leadership of AllOne Foundation, along with representatives of numerous health care, education and philanthropic entities, have announced a major regional initiative to significantly enhance the service delivery system and minimize the service gaps for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families living in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania.
The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence was formed to deliver a full array of services and supports for individuals with ASD, from early intervention to adult services.
John P. Moses, chairman of the Board at AllOne Foundation, said, “The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence represents an opportunity for our region to develop a sustainable framework to address existing service gaps. Moses said, “Working collaboratively, we seek to create a national model for scientifically sound innovation at the cutting edge of ASD care.”
ACCE will directly benefit preschool children through adults with ASD in the 13-county area of northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania, including Carbon and Monroe counties. Specific services will vary by age but will be available to families regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status. Based on combined county census data and a presumed ASD prevalence of 1 in 68, the estimated number of people in the region living with ASD is over 17,500, making this a high-impact initiative.
ASD is a behaviorally defined condition with diagnosable genetic disorders being the most common known causes. Developmental behavioral evaluation and genetic testing are recommended as part of the comprehensive diagnostic work-up of students with ASD. Because of long waiting lists for evaluation and a lack of adequately trained clinicians, many with ASD in experience delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, and relatively few undergo recommended medical and genetic testing.
For information, call 570-208-1200 or visit AllOneforAutism.
Those interested in more information about the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence may call 570-208-1200 or visit AllOneforAutism.
