Our approach to autism and developmental disabilities

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

At the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, our comprehensive services provide diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic and behavioral services for children, adolescents and adults, without the need for a physician referral. Request an appointment.

Central to our care is a team-based approach which includes applied behavioral analysis (ABA), social work, counseling and psychiatric care, using evidence-based practices. We're committed to forming supportive relationships and personalized care specific to the needs of neurodiverse individuals and their 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.  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

Services offered at WellSpan, but not 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

Services not offered at WellSpan (please contact your insurance company to locate these services):

• developmental pediatrics
• neuropsychological testing
• diagnostic services for ages 27 and older

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence based treatment for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. ABA therapists develop individualized plans, incorporate use of data, and collaborate with the client's 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. Children's ABA programs (ages 0-21) are of Adult ABA services (21+) are only available in Lancaster County. 

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, group 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 evidence 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.