Autism Services
Choose a tab from Children and Adolesents, Adults or Families then click the tab to easily navigate to the descriptions of each service. You may also choose a service from the list to go to a page for more information.
Services for Children and Adolscents
- Early Intervention (Bright Beginning)
- Blended Case Management
- Specialized Family Based Mental Health Services
- Approved Private School
- Before & After Preschool Child Care
- Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
- Connections Camp
- Elizabeth Lee Black Specialized Preschool
- Forest-Warren Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center
- Family Support Services
- "Time for Me"
- Happy Hearts Inclusive Preschool
- Home and Community Based Waiver Services
- Autism Support Program
- Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program
Early Intervention (Bright Beginning)
Early Intervention Services are targeted to infants and toddlers (birth to age three) who are at risk of developmental delays. Our staff members have more than 250 years of combined experience, and are knowledgeable about cutting-edge interventions for infants and toddlers. Services focus on parent training, and may be provided in diverse locations. Read more »
Blended Case Management
Blended Case Management offers professional assistance to locate, advocate and coordinate services that address the unique needs of children and teens with autism. Blended Case Managers are available to assist families with needs spanning all areas of the child or adolescent’s life, including medical, mental health, educational, social and vocational issues. Read more »
Specialized Family Based Mental Health Services
Specialized Family Based Mental Health Services is an intensive, in-home therapy for children and adolescents with autism or Asperger Syndrome and their families. A team of therapists offers Structural Family Therapy in the home two to five times a week. The treatment team is comprised of a Mental Health Therapist and a Behavior Specialist, both with advanced degrees in their field. The program provides an intensive behavioral approach using Applied Behavioral Analysis, the "gold standard" technique for changing negative or destructive behaviors. Treatment may include individual, family, sibling or marital therapies. The Family Based program also offers 24 hour crisis on-call services seven days a week, as well as Family Support Services to assist in funding respite care and other supportive services. Read more »
Approved Private School
The primary aim of the school-aged program at the Elizabeth Lee Black School is to prepare students to live and work more effectively at home, at school and in the community. Acknowledging that education for these children is a lifelong process, we provide a positive, supportive, and consistent learning environment. Daily tasks and schedules are developed and presented on an individual basis with small group participation as the anticipated outcome. Programs are data based, highly structured, and tailored to the specific needs of the child. Students are taught in a variety of settings by staff with expertise in autism. Members of the child's service team include speech and language pathologists, behavior analysts, physical and occupational therapists, and certified special education teachers and assistants. Read more »
Before and After Preschool Child Care
This program offers child care for preschool aged students from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. on each day of the preschool calendar. Our 50 years of experience in individualized education allows us to guide each child toward his or her potential. The program offers a progressive, innovative curriculum that encourages the development of creativity, self-direction, positive peer interactions and communication. Hired because of their training and high levels of expertise, our staff provide each child with a learning environment that is stimulating, caring and fun. Read more »
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation/Wrap-Around Services are intensive, community-based mental health services that seek to prevent more restrictive levels of care. Services include those necessary to support parents, teachers, and caregivers with the challenges that accompany raising and educating children and adolescents with complex, multi-dimensional issues. The BHRS model provides a comprehensive array of home and/or school-based professional services, but it seeks to maximize the strengths of families, personal support systems and community resources. Read more »
Connections Camp
The Connections Camp is a daily summer therapeutic experience designed to meet the individual and social needs of children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. Intervention focuses on the development of social skills within peer groups. Participants have fun as they learn to cope with challenges, manage emotions, and make good decisions. Camp is held every summer in Erie and in Warren, PA. Read more »
Elizabeth Lee Black Specialized Preschool
This preschool program designed for children developmental delays, provides individual and group instruction which facilitate "best practice" teaching methods. All children receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to encourage them to develop to their potential. Students also benefit from an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. All school programs are afforded the full breadth of services of the Barber National Institute to support the learning and behavioral requirements of all children with disabilities. Read more »
Forest-Warren Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center
The Forest-Warren Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center offers information and referrals, services, and support to children and adults with autism and their families in Forest-Warren Counties, Pennsylvania. Read more »
Family Support Services
Family Support Services (FSS) helps eligible families to purchase necessary services for their family member with special needs. Services may include therapies, respite care, recreation, and parenting skills training. The FSS support helps families meet their care-giving responsibilities and participate more fully in community activities. FSS offers "Time for Me," a unique program that provides an afternoon of structured activities for children with special needs. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, and gym. Read more »
"Time for Me"
"Time for Me" is a unique program held on Saturday afternoons for children ages 4-10 with autism or other developmental disabilities. Children enjoy an afternoon of structured activities including swimming, arts and crafts, and gym. It also provides the parents their own "Time For Me" knowing that their children are in a safe environment having fun and are well supervised by trained staff. T.S.S. are welcome to attend! Read more »
Happy Hearts Inclusive Preschool
This program offers a progressive, innovative curriculum that encourages creativity, self direction, positive peer interaction, and communication skills for both typically developing children and children with special needs ages 3-5. In addition to group activities, all children receive individualized attention to encourage them to develop to their potential. Students also benefit from an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. Read more »
Home and Community Based Waiver Services
The Agency with Choice Program provides eligible families with funding to purchase many different support services needed for caregiving. The goal of this support is to enable families to remain together in their own homes. Benefits include visiting nurses, camps, home health care, adaptive equipment and home adaptations, therapies and trained staff to provide short-term caregiving responsibilities. Read more »
Autism Support Program
The Autism Support Program at the Elizabeth Lee Black School of the Barber National Institute is an innovative program for preschool and school-aged children with autism within the Approved Private School (APS) service. In addition to all of the features listed under our APS description (above) the program incorporates many cutting-edge features for students with autism, including enhanced staff training, extensive individualized curricular support, and a program-wide focus on Applied Behavior Analysis. Read more »
Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program
The Mental Health Partial Hospitalization program serves
students ages 5-21 with various psychiatric, emotional and
behavioral needs. Students with autism benefit from the high
degree of classroom structure and an educational/therapeutic
approach based on Applied Behavior Analysis.
The clinical support
team includes a psychiatrist, board certified behavior
analyst, psychiatric nurse, and trained professional staff.
Read more »
Services for Adults
- Adult Autism Connection
- Adult Employment Services
- Adult community and Social Opportunities
- Family Support Services
- Residential Living Options
Adult Autism Connection
The Adult Autism Connection at Barber National Institute offers neuropsychiatric services to help adults reach their potential for fulfilling, productive lives. Services are provided by a physician who is board certified in both psychiatry and neurology and include evaluations, medication management and diagnostic services for adults who are thought to have autism, Asperger or related disorders but have never received a formal diagnosis. Read more »
Adult Employment Services
The Employment Solutions Center (ESC) assists individuals in successfully and independently maintaining employment in the community. Career Exploration helps ensure that individuals chose the proper career path based on their desired goals and skills. A job developer assists in completing applications, creating resumes, and performing interviews. The job developer also consults with employers regarding job accommodations. Once a job is secured, a trainer prepares the employee to learn job duties and achieve the employer's expectations. As the employee becomes accustomed to the position, the job coach provides follow- along services to increase and maintain the individual's independence to his/her full potential. Read more »
Transitional Work Services is an internship center offering numerous opportunities for paid work experience. Intern workers receive concentrated instruction for targeted work skills, flexible and personal training, community work possibilities, as well as diverse and exciting work exploration resulting in a suitable job match. Once placement, work skills, and independence are achieved, the individual phases out of the internship and into community employment or employment services.
Industrial Solutions Centers, located throughout Erie County, offer individuals a safe, paid work environment. Direct support professionals provide daily vocational and work activities training. Communication and social skills are enhanced on an individual basis. Program participants are encouraged and supported as they attain their highest levels of independence. Read more »
Adult Community and Social Opportunities
Club Erie is a community-centered, personalized service providing individuals with disabilities opportunities to develop social and professional skills, as well as utilize leisure time effectively. Skills are learned through a variety of daily activities which also increase awareness and knowledge of resources throughout the community. With these varied experiences, many individuals realize their true potential for greater self worth and self actualization. Public transportation skills are also taught so that individuals can access community resources independently. Read more »
The AKtion Club is a social and community service group sponsored by the Kiwanis Club in conjunction with the Barber National Institute. The Aktion Club meets twice a month - once for a dinner/planning meeting and a second time to carry out a planned activity/project. A volunteer advisor from the Barber National Institute provides leadership and assistance to the Club, but members are encouraged to be as independent as possible. Visit www.aktionclub.org for more information or call Heidi McKenrick at 878-5920.
Expanding Social Opportunities (ESO) dances are held monthly for young adults aged 18-35 with developmental disabilities. Dances are held on local college campuses, and college students serve as volunteers/typical peers. Dances include refreshments, activities and entertainment; adult supervision onsite. Read more »
Family Support Services
Family Support Services (FSS) helps eligible families to purchase necessary services for their family member with special needs. Services may include therapies, respite care, recreation, and parenting skills training. The FSS support helps families meet their care-giving responsibilities and participate more fully in community activities. Read more »
Residential Living Options
The range of options available through Residential Services all promote shared goals: facilitating individual choice, fostering greater independence and community involvement, and providing a comfortable, life-enriching home life. Depending upon their needs and preferences, individuals and families may consider residential community group homes, supported living services, life sharing, and respite care services. Read more »
Support for Families
Parent Support Groups
A variety of groups exist to provide additional support to parents through the Barber National Institute. Programs include the 21+ Club, Parent-to-Parent, and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Autism Society of America. Read more »
Grandparent Support Group
The FSS Grandparent Autism Support Group is a group of grandparents, caregivers, and persons interested in the needs of grandchildren with an autism spectrum disorder. Members will learn about autism and how it impacts their role as a grandparent, and effective ways to interact with and guide their grandchildren. Read more »
Complete List of Autism Services and Supports
Children and Adolscents
- Approved Private School
- Autism Support Program
- Before & After Preschool Child Care
- Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
- Blended Case Management
- Connections Camp
- Early Intervention (Bright Beginning)
- Elizabeth Lee Black Specialized Preschool
- Family Support Services
- Forest-Warren Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center
- Happy Hearts Inclusive Preschool
- Home and Community Based Waiver Services
- Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program
- Specialized Family Based Mental Health Services
- "Time for Me"
Adults
- Adult Autism Connection
- Adult Community and Social Opportunities
- Adult Employment Services
- Family Support Services
- Residential Living Options
Families
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