Community Connections - Autism Services
Program Overview

Via’s Autism Services are a resource for adults with autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD) to connect with each other, their peers, and community resources so they can explore their talents and potential. Through a three-year grant from Lehigh County HealthChoices, Via of the Lehigh Valley is able to provide services annually to 20 adults with ASD. While adults with ASD are the focus of this program, Via and HealthChoices recognize the vital role families have in this process. Ongoing parent and family support groups will play an important role in this program.

Social & Life Skills Development
Via’s Autism Services provide an individualized approach to social and life skills development. Adults will have the opportunity to participate in social, vocational and independent living activities that are tailored to their needs and interests. Participants will have an active role in planning their schedule and in the development of goals and objectives for each activity. Independent living skills will be a large component of this program and will be addressed through a combination of community experiences and classroom instruction. Instruction on the use of public transportation and an introduction to housing options will be provided.

Vocational Training & Opportunities
Via partners with more than 75 small and large employers and 42 local agencies and institutions of higher education throughout the Lehigh Valley. Through these partnerships, Via’s Autism Services provide opportunities adults to participate in:

• Complete career interest inventories
• Job shadow, job site visits and career exploration
• Mock interviews with Human Resource managers at Lehigh Valley companies
• Resume preparation
• Inclusive service learning and volunteer activities

Recreational Opportunities
Via’s Autism Services works with participants to tailor recreational and community activities to personal preferences. Depending on individual interests, activities may include sporting events, cultural events, art classes, and various community and social activities. Participants will have an active role in planning their schedule and will incorporate life skills such as money management and transportation needs into these activities.

Support Groups

For People with ASD
Support groups offer a positive and supportive environment where adults with ASD have peer support, and feel valued and empowered. Participants will be encouraged to increase their self-knowledge their diagnosis. An emphasis on understanding personal strengths and areas for growth is necessary for the development of self-awareness. Individuals will also focus on developing positive self-esteem and appreciation for their unique talents and abilities.

Family & Parent
Support groups are helpful to families who are looking to meet others to network and exchange information. Families and parents have special concerns and often need a great deal of information: information about ASD, about services, therapy, funding sources, transportation, medical facilities, and much more. Families can meet and learn from other families with similar needs, share information, give and receive emotional support, and work as a team to address common concerns.

For more information, contact:
Denise Romansky, Via Autism Services Coordinator
D.Romansky@ViaNet.org  |  610-317-8000 x467