Apps For Autism

By clicking Here you can access hundreds of apps for many platforms. These apps are specially made for children with autism and are great learning tools!

Summer Camp Grant - Bucks County

This grant is only for those who live in Bucks County!!

Autism Services

Welcome to the Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs. The information shared in this site is intended to communicate the Department of Public Welfare’s efforts to enhance the quality of life and independence of Pennsylvanians with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and to support their families and caregivers. Please scroll through this page to learn about the work we are doing to help families and adults with autism in the Commonwealth.

We are committed to hearing your questions, suggestions and feedback about our initiatives.

You can contact us or call the Bureau of Autism Services at 1-866-539-7689.

Mailing address:
Department of Public Welfare
Bureau of Autism Services
P.O. Box 2675; 605 Health and Welfare Building
Harrisburg, PA 17105

2012 Bureau of Autism Services Family and Individual Mini Grants

The Bureau of Autism Services of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is pleased to announce the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and families that include an individual with ASD. Learn more...

A focus of this project is to reach out and serve individuals and families that are not able to access existing support systems for various reasons (for example: eligibility criteria, age, waiting lists). The term “family” may include an immediate family member or other relative, a person providing foster care or a legal guardian or custodian, but does not include a person or entity who acts in a paid employment capacity. These grants are funding opportunities that will only be offered once and are time limited. The full application packet including the application, instructions to apply, and frequently asked questions is available to download and print off of our website.

How Do I Apply?

The full application packet including the application, instructions to apply, and frequently asked questions is available to download and print by clicking here: 2012 BAS Mini-Grant Application Packet

Mail your completed application and supporting materials, which may include brochures, printouts from the Internet, statements on sponsoring organization letterhead, or statements of cost to the address on the application packet.

The deadline for submission is April 15, 2012. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 15. Applications which are faxed or e-mailed will not be accepted. BAS cannot be responsible for applications returned for insufficient postage, delayed or lost in transit to our office. Incomplete and illegible applications will not be considered for funding. Please be sure that your application is signed and complete with all necessary documentation attached. BAS cannot be responsible for applications completed or submitted by a third party such as a case manager, BSC, etc.

http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/forchildren/autism/index.htm

Applications are due (postmarked by):	April 15, 2012
Notification of awards sent by mail on a rolling basis beginning on or about:	May 16, 2012 (on or about and continuing through the end of the fiscal year.)
Activities must occur between these dates:	March 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012

Labels for Education

Big Red Safety Box

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: February 14, 2012

Contact: Wendy Fournier, NAA (Portsmouth, RI) 401-835-5828 Lori McIlwain, NAA (Cary, NC) 919-741-7646

National Autism Association Announces Second Launch of “Big Red Safety Box” to Combat Deaths In Autism Community Boston, MA – In an ongoing effort to combat the rise in wandering-related tragedies and deaths within the autism community, the National Autism Association (NAA) announced today its second launch of “The Big Red Safety Box,” a program that provides free toolkits to caregivers with an at-risk child or adult. Similar to wandering behaviors in the Alzheimer’s community, wandering/elopement, or “running,” behaviors in children and adults with autism have led to countless tragedies across the country. In 2011, preliminary data from an Interactive Autism Network study found that: Roughly half, or 48%, of children with autism attempt to wander/elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings More than one third of children with ASD who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number Two in three parents of elopers reported their missing children had a “close call” with a traffic injury; 32% of parents reported a “close call” with a possible drowning Wandering was ranked among the most stressful ASD behaviors by 58% of parents of elopers Half of families with elopers report they had never received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional Over the last three years, accidental drowning accounted for 91% of total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism ages 14 and younger subsequent to wandering/elopement, according to NAA. Earlier this month, a 12-year-old boy with autism wandered from his Michigan home and was killed after being struck by a vehicle, another common occurrence. “People with wandering tendencies can be gone in the blink of an eye despite even the most diligent supervision,” says NAA President Wendy Fournier. “It is our hope that these safety boxes will provide the critical support caregivers need to protect their loved ones with autism.” The Big Red Safety Box includes educational materials, door alarms, a wearable ID, and visual prompts to deter children and adults from exiting their homes. Because at least 18 students with autism were reported missing over the last six months after leaving a school or school bus, visual prompts may also be used for classroom and other non-home settings. This second round of the program will provide 1000 free boxes to 1000 at-risk individuals, and is made possible by the generous support of Autism Speaks and LoJack SafetyNet. Those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and who are at risk of wandering/eloping from a safe environment, qualify to receive a Big Red Safety Box while supplies allow. Beginning at 10:00 am ET, families may apply by, clicking here. To make a donation to support this important program, please click here. About National Autism Association (NAA): NAA is a parent-run nonprofit organization and the leading voice on issues related to autism safety and crisis prevention. The organization’s mission is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. For more information on wandering prevention, visit NAA’s Safety Site at AutismSafety.org, or its sister site at AWAARE.org.

Autism Conference

Valentine's Dance