The Vanguard School and Services

#ASDNext is a new campaign designed to spotlight the most helpful resources and information for Pennsylvania teens and adults with autism.

Featuring projects and resources on a wide range of topics including housing and community living, autism and employment, postsecondary educational opportunities, autism speaks adult services grants, advancing futures for adults with autism, adults with autism in the news and adults with autism resource library.

Community Integrated Services’ mission is to empower people with disabilities through individualized employment opportunities that foster self-sustainability, equality, and community. Through partnerships with area businesses and organizations, CIS works to find jobs that fulfill the employment goals and desires for the people they serve.

Customized Workforce Solutions (CWS), a program of Valley Forge Educational Services, provides employment-related services to adults with disabilities.

Children and adults with behavioral health diagnoses often exhibit sensory systems that are imbalanced or not 'in-sync.’ In-Synch and Social provides both individual and group therapy to address sensory and socialization deficits.

JCHAI’s family of programs offer supportive independent living for people with disabilities 18 years and older.

JEVS Human Services has 20 successful programs providing skills development, job readiness and career services, vocational rehabilitation, recovery services, adult and residential day services and in-home personal assistance.

Kaleidoscope Family Solutions (KFS) provides a collection of services designed to help special needs children and adults achieve their dreams and live meaningful lives. Through its Specialty Divisions, KFS provides the following services: Autism, IDD and Behavioral Services; K12 School Staffing Services and Training and Development Services.

KenCrest provides the following services and supports:Autism Services; Educational Services; Residential Living; In Home Services; Vocational Services; and Professional Training.

LifePath’s residential housing wasestablished for adults with developmental disabilities as the transition from institutionalization to community-based supports continued.

New Avenue Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3 Public Charity, a non-profit organization that promotes and supports employment, stimulating activities, skill-building classes and creative housing for people with disabilities.

Learn about navigating the path to employment as a person with a disability, and find how to evaluate an employer’s standards of accessibility, accommodation and acceptance in order to find the right career fit.

www.thespectrumcareers.com is a job portal for Employees, Job Coaches, and Employers offering employment opportunities nationwide to individuals who may not have the chance for a face-to-face interview. Rangam will automatically match you to a job specific to your skillset and location.

Unending Promise provides support and information for individuals living with special needs, currently offer our Older Teens and Adults Social and Support Group. Mission is to provide adults living with autism, primarily in Berks County, Pennsylvania, opportunities to learnmeaningful skills in a safe and productive environment.

C.F. Counseling Connections' social groups provide community-based outings with the goal of increasing social interaction, independence and self-esteem. For adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 18-30 years of age.

An autism research institute focused on public health science.

The Asperger and Autism Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, community support for families, individuals and professionals.

A website for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities, and the providers who support them.

The Autism Society is the leading voice and resource of the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, research and support.

Autism Speaks' awareness, fundraising, science, and advocacy efforts are featured in this news section.

Helpful information about your students with autism and tools and strategies to achieve positive interactions and increase learning.

The Roadmap is a website containing almost 400 articles about Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan. The Roadmap also includes a searchable Resource Directory with over 1000 listings.

Resource for families, individuals, and medical professionals who deal with the challenges of Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder/ Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS).

Video by Craig Kendall

This Puberty and Adolescence Resource, also known as the [P.A.R.] Tool Kit, represents a joint effort of Parents and Professionals from the U.S. and Canada, to create what we hope is an intelligent, yet easy to read and share document for those who support an adolescent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.These materials are the product of on-going activities of the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, a funded program of Autism Speaks.

Chesco LIFE Program is a county-wide program that serves Chester County families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with emotional, behavioral, social needs, intellectual disabilities, or have involvement with the dependency or delinquency systems.

Continuum Behavioral Health is an ABA company which provides services in the home, schools and community. We work with a variety of individuals with learning differences and behavior related disorders.

We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA} services to children with autism and other developmental delays.

Each year, the Chester County Council plays host to Special Needs Troops, and Community Organizations from South-Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.

A 3.5-week sleep-away camp in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont.

Camp Lee Mar is a private residential special needs camp for children and teenagers with mild to moderate learning and developmental challenges.

Camp Pegasus at Rosemont College is a co-ed day camp run by Mike Fogel who brought you the award-winning Art of Friendship Social Skills Program.

The Summer Program at Centreville Layton School combines academic skills improvement with recreational activities.

At Fick Educational Services, we offer educational advocacy, tutoring, social skills courses, executive function / study skills courses, and home-school evaluations. In addition, we offer a variety of themed summer camps for children ages 3-13 of all learning abilities.

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy camp is centered around the horse, riding, the daily care and how the horse has benefitted us through history.

iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.

Lavner Camps, accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), offers 30+ cutting-edge summer camps, ranging from sports, technology, the arts, and academics throughout the East Coast and Midwest.

Indoor & outdoor camps. Beginner friendly & for ages 4-15. Full & half-day options available.

Summer Experience now offers three great weeks of programming at its beautiful space in Malvern.

At the SEC we understand the importance of consistent and structured summer programming. We offer a variety of therapeutic services and programs to ensure your child’s summer is engaging and FUN!

Camp @ VFES (Formerly Summer L.I.F.E.) offers children and young adults with special needs traditional camp activities such as canoeing, zip-lining and more during week-long sessions on a 200+ acre wooded camp property in Schwenksville, PA. Programs are designed to help campers foster independence and friendships.

Summit Camp is an ACA accredited program that provides support for kids aged 8–19 years old struggling with attentiveness, social connection, impulsivity, and related challenges.

Using a variety of dramatic techniques, Theatre Horizon’s Autism Drama Program inspires imagination, communication, and interest in personal relationships for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Designed for young adults with special needs, the Vocational Immersion Program (VIP) is a four-week intensive, pre-employment program with a strong focus on work readiness, career exploration and community-based vocational experiences.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA), representing the needs and interests of children affected by apraxia of speech.

Through proper planning, you can protect your loved ones, even when you're no longer there. Learn about 10 Basic Steps for Special Needs Caregivers.

Helping you navigate through life's twists and turns—providing you the stepping stones for disability planning. Services offered: obtain maximum Social Security benefits; understand and apply for state government programs including state Waivers (community support services); navigate working with maintaining all or some of their cash benefits; create a Person Center Plan and guidance in creating safeguards in a special needs trust.

Experience helping families with special needs. We can serve as a single point of contact to help you address many aspects of your financial situation, including issues that may be unique to individuals with special needs.

A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts.

Ruggiero Law Offices LLC helps families plan for the future care of a child with special needs. A key component of planning is the establishment of a special needs trust so that government benefit eligibility is preserved and selecting a guardian by age 18. Additionally, we provide guidance in creating a family mission statement and proper handling of insurance. Ruggiero Law Offices LLC is here to present options so you are confident in your child's long-term care. Contact us at 610-889-0288.

Financial advisors providing advice tailored to individual circumstances.

Through education and support, the dedicated staff of The Arc of Chester County patiently guides people with disabilities toward the most self-sufficient life possible. The ultimate goal of all programs and services is to help each person reach his or her greatest level of independence. Our services span a lifetime from infancy through senior-hood.

Our mission is to provide the finest and most appropriate dental care to all children we serve, while partnering with parents and families to educate and facilitate a lifetime of excellent oral health.

Put your health in good hands with our Nutritionists. They are here to help you and your family stay well and make better food choices. Look for them as your shop, attend a class, or schedule a private consultation to discuss your nutritional needs. Read their bios and contact information as well as find their class schedules here.

From the pitfalls of extended screen time to using social media responsibly to avoiding cyberbullying situations, educate children about safe Internet use.

Parental Controls to help you manage what sites and information they have access to on the Internet.

NetSmartz offers free, multimedia Internet safety presentations tailored for specific audiences – parents and communities, tweens, teens, and younger children. Resources to help you recognize potential Internet risks, engage children in conversations and empower children to protect themselves online.

Federal Trade Commissions free online security tips and resources

Step-by-Step instructions to setup parental controls in Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy devices.

Step-by-Step instructions on Restrictions, also known as parental controls, to block or limit specific apps and features on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

With the prevalence of online activity on computers, smartphones, and other devices, it’s crucial that people understand the dangers associated with these activities and know how to stay safe on the Internet. Children are using the Internet with increased frequency, so kids must also understand the basics of Internet safety to avoid potentially dangerous situations. From the pitfalls of extended screen time to using social media responsibly to avoiding cyberbullying situations, educate children about safe Internet use.

Instructions for monitoring wireless activities and setting usage limits and restrictions for each user on an account with FamilyBase or Usage Controls.

ACT of PA provides advocacy support to families of children with special needs.

Ensures all children in Pennsylvania have access to quality public educational services and to the full range of educational options that are available to their peers.

A law firm that provides legal counseling and representation in special needs education law and other matters to families and children throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Providing the families of Pennsylvania with exceptional legal representation in special education, estate planning and disability law.

CAP is an advocacy program for people with disabilities administered by the Center for Disability Law & Policy. CAP helps people who are seeking services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services, Centers for Independent Living and other programs funded under federal law.

The Law Office of David T. Siegel, LLC offers families legal guidance and planning for the future of their special needs loved ones through estate planning, special needs planning and government benefits planning.

Information on both child and adult attention deficit disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with AD/HD lead better lives.

A magazine focused on living well with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Connects parents and others with essential resources, provides educators with evidence-based tools and engages advocates in public policy initiatives.

A collaborative research effort between the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.

You are invited to participate in a study that examines brain activity when performing everyday skills in infants, children, adolescents, and adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Philadelphia is teaming up with The Ruttenberg Autism Center® to provide a brand new sensory friendly LEGO® experiences. Tuesday, February 20. 5:00-7:00 pm.

Relaxed performances are specially adjusted sensory-friendly shows, designed to create a theatre experience that is welcoming, judgment-free, and inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences. View the schedule of Relaxed Performances.

People's Light is a center for community gathering with theatre at its core. People's Light offers relaxed performances and invite and encourage individuals with autism, ADD, ADHD, dementia and sensory sensitivities to enjoy the performance in our “shush-free” zone.

Sexuality is a normal part of human development. It is important that all individuals are educated about sexual development and have the chance to express their sexuality in positive and healthy ways. Developed by sexuality researchers, this resource guide is designed to serve as a starting point in providing resources about sexuality for young people and adults with autism. Laura Graham Holmes, Ph.D. Department of Psychology, University of Utah Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Autism Research

Sexuality is a normal part of human development. It is important that all individuals are educated about sexual development and have the chance to express their sexuality in positive and healthy ways. Laura Graham Holmes, Ph.D. Department of Psychology, University of Utah Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Autism Research

Sports and recreation program for children with special needs, ages 8-12. The focus is on having fun, behing a part of a team, learning new skills, and meeting new friends.

One-on-one fitness training for children with special needs.

Projects will be focused on having fun, creating movement, helping motor skills, and being proud of your work! The project for this class will be a producing a self-portrait using a wide range of supplies from the traditional markers and papers to the experimental like pasta, string, and buttons. We will start out with some icebreakers, create our portraits, and at the end of class each artist will be able to show their creation to the group.