Helping Children on the Spectrum Thrive

Parenting can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. But when your child is neurodiverse, traditional techniques and strategies often prove ineffective and unsuccessful and daily struggles can lead to feelings of overwhelm and despair.

WellSpan Philhaven Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) offers children on the spectrum a wide range of specialized services designed to improve every child’s chance for success and maximize their full potential, while providing meaningful resources, support, and education for families and caregivers.

CADD provides:

• Expert care for the social, emotional and behavioral needs of children, adolescents and adults with developmental disorders
• More than 2,000 initial evaluations per year
• Treatments for individual needs of 2,500+ patients and families with a focus on team-based care with specialties, including psychiatry, nursing, applied behavior analysis, social work, counseling and administration.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

CADD’s groundbreaking Triple P – Positive Parenting Program offers parents and caregivers several tools and interventions to help them implement simple, proven strategies to raise confident, healthy children and teens.

“We know that neurodiverse individuals tend to do best when they know what to expect,” says outpatient therapist, Frank DiBella. “Triple P helps improve this by providing a structured space for parents and caregivers to work together to identify their shared goals, learn more about their child’s diagnoses, and implement effective strategies.” “The improvement we see in parental confidence, decreases in problematic behaviors, and increases in prosocial behaviors following the Triple P sessions is clear.”

Your Support Makes a Difference

The prevalence of autism is estimated at nearly 3%, and intellectual disabilities affect 1-3% of the population. Many of these individuals (50-80%) face behavioral health issues like anxiety, depression, and problem behaviors. Access to services is challenging, with long waitlists and inadequate care. Providers struggle to meet specialized needs, and problem behaviors and communication issues hinder appropriate medical care.

Your continued contributions toward The Michael Fueyo, MD Chair in Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Services Innovation Fund will help us maintain and expand these life-changing programs to strengthen and support every family in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Every single dollar you contribute positively impacts the trajectories of children in our community faced with unique behavioral and intellectual challenges.

Yes, parenting is challenging, but it is also extremely rewarding to help a young child grow to become the best version of themselves. With the CADD’s specialized services — and your continued generosity and support — these children will have the best opportunity to live out the most fulfilling lives possible.

Contact us

WellSpan Philhaven
P.O. Box 550
283 S. Butler Road
Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
Call 717-270-7864