Pennsylvanians in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Laurel Highlands, Lehigh Valley, Blair County embody the mission of Autism Speaks in their local communities.  We invite you to find out more and participate in statewide advocacy efforts, local community resources, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.

Advocacy:

Autism Speaks Applauds Pennsylvania House Speaker Dennis O'Brien and State Lawmakers for Passing Strongest Autism Insurance Mandate in the Nation.

Family Services:

Via of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem was awarded a $23,770 community grant to assist with furthering its "Customized Employment" program.  The grant supports Via of the Lehigh Valley's initiative to advance employment opportunities for young adults and adults with autism.

Science:

Local Pittsburgh Fellow Selected to Receive One of the First Dennis Weatherstone Pre-Doctoral Fellowships
Meaghan Parladé, one of eight fellows recently selected to receive a combined $448,000 in research grants over the next two years will work with mentor Jana Iverson, Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. Their research will investigate early risk indicators for autism such as gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and communicative vocalizations in very young siblings of affected children.

University of Pittsburgh/Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh recently named an Autism Treatment Network site. This grant is valued at almost $450,000 over the next three years.

Thomas Jefferson University Researcher, Roseann Schaaf, Ph.D., receives 3-year grant to look at the effectivness of sensory based strategies for improving adaptive behaviors in children with Autism.  The grant is valued at $449,450.

Events:

Greater Pittsburgh - The 2010 Greater Pittsburgh Walk sites have been launched. Please register your team today for the event of your choice:

• Laurel Highlands - Sunday, May 23, 2010
• Wheeling - Saturday, May 22, 2010
• Blair County - Saturday, June 12, 2010
• Pittsburgh - Saturday, June 26, 2010
• Service Provider Round Table Discussion
  Join us at our next round-tale discussion to share your mission, calendar of events and to network and collaborate with other autism service providers in our region, and learn how Autism Speaks can support you! RSVP Requested.
  
  Friday, March 12, 2010
  9:00 am until 11:00 am
  University of Pittsburgh
  Martin Conference Room (Fourth Floor)
  Sennott Square, 210 S. Bouquet Street
  Pittsburgh, PA  15213
  RSVP by Monday, December 7th to Beth Whitehouse by calling (412) 367-4571 or by emailing beth.whitehouse@autismspeaks.org