Our approach to autism and developmental disabilities

At WellSpan Health, we understand the unique experiences that individuals with autism and developmental disabilities can undergo. We're here to help these individuals and their caregivers navigate their journey with compassion and expertise.

Our comprehensive services provide both diagnosis and treatment for children, adolescents and adults, without the need for a physician referral. Complete an online intake form to get started.

Central to our care is a team-based approach which includes applied behavioral analysis (ABA), social work, counseling, and psychiatric care. Our team of master’s level clinicians utilize evidence-based practices, resulting in improved treatment outcomes. We're committed to providing personalized care specific to the needs of the individual and families.

Conditions we treat

Our specialized team at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) based in Lancaster provides expert care for patients and caregivers with autism and developmental disabilities. Our services are primarily offered in Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Adams, Franklin, and Cumberland counties with the ability to treat patients in our office or virtually. These services address the social, emotional and behavioral needs of the individual.

Office-based services (offered at CADD only, in-person or virtually):

• diagnostic evaluations (ages 26 and below)
• initial assessment, education, and referrals
• Stepping Stones Triple P: Positive Parenting Program (ages 2-12)
• individual, family and group therapy
• psychiatric care
• targeted treatments based on specific needs

Community-based services:

Applied behavior analysis – Adult program (age 21+) for Lancaster County residents only

The following services are not offered at CADD:

• diagnostic services for ages 27 and older
• intensive behavioral health services (IBHS) – ABA services for ages 20 and under
• written orders or best practice evaluations for ABA/IBHS services
• speech therapy
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• neuropsychological testing
• developmental pediatrics
• evaluations specific to ADHD without other developmental disability concerns

Treatments for autism and developmental disabilities

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): an evidenced based treatment for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. ABA therapists develop individualized plans, incorporate use of data and collaborate with the clients care team to increase skill development and foster adaptive behaviors. The goal of this service is to empower the individual and their care team to apply the strategies learned to support on-going success.

Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP): Is a positive parenting program developed specifically for the caregivers of children (2-12) with disabilities. SSTP provides caregivers with a comprehensive assessment to match the level of intervention best suited in the SSTP stepped model of care. SSTP programs offered at CADD range from seminars to intensive caregiver focused sessions with a SSTP certified therapist.

Individual and family therapy: master’s level clinicians at CADD provide specialized therapeutic care for the autism and developmental disability population. Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidenced based approaches including CBT, TF-CBT, ACT, and family therapy with individuals across all ages.

Psychiatric care: Our psychiatric team is experienced in addressing the unique treatment needs of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. This service employs a broad approach to care by incorporating medical, environmental, family, and behavioral components.