CRANTON, PA- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced $143,000 going to the Friendship House of Lackawanna County for the creation of an advanced Regional Center for Autism and Spectrum Disorders.
“Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families have long struggled to get the services and treatment they need to lead rich and productive lives,” said Casey. “This center will help children get the services and treatment they need for the most positive life outcomes, for young adults and adults to have the support they need for satisfying and independent lives and for families to have the peace of mind to provide and afford the proven treatments that will allow their children and loved ones to reach their fullest potential.”
“Senator Casey has long been a friend to Friendship House and more importantly to children and families” said Robert H. Angeloni, Friendship House president. “He continues to keep children’s needs at the forefront, as did his father, Governor Robert P. Casey. The whole autism community applauds him for his sensitivity in championing this cause, and introducing legislation to address the needs of families affected by autism spectrum disorders.”
Federal funds will be used to create a technically and therapeutically advanced Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. The center will provide resources and support for families with children with autism. The new center will include a community resource center, training wing, pre-vocational opportunities for older children and after-school programs for young people with autism.
Friendship House has offered autism services since 2003, beginning with early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for toddlers from 18 months-old. Today, the Autism Center provides state of the art, comprehensive therapy, for pre-school children to young adults, with services offered in the home, school and community setting.
Senator Casey recently introduced legislation that would create a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of families affected by autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Treatment Acceleration Act authorizes federal funding for a wide range of service, treatment, support and research initiatives and requires health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
###
