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1 in 59 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CDC 2018)  

Where can you take your child to help them develop social skills?

True North Wellness Services has built the Amazing Kids Club in order to address this gap in services in the Central PA Autism services landscape.  The Amazing Kids Club is a year-round, on-site therapeutic program for children and adolescents from 2 to 21 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder. The program focuses on developing communication, socialization and play skills in a less intense environment than one-on-one strategies and is designed as either a stand-alone program or a supplement to other forms of treatment.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The following “red flags” may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:

By 6 months

• Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions.
• Limited or no eye contact.

By 9 months

• Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months

• Little or no babbling
• Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
• Little or no response to name.

By 16 months

• Very few or no words.

By 24 months

• Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Persistent preference for solitude
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
• Delayed language development
• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

(Autism Speaks 2019)

Podcast Sponsor

Parenting & Family Solutions is a private outpatient mental health practice in the Harrisburg & Lancaster, PA area that is focused on providing quality mental health services to meet your needs.  Our licensed and board certified counselors are experienced and able to help you improve your life and most important relationships. Call us to schedule your first session at 717-602-5560

In This Episode

Summary

John talks with Jennifer Seletzky-Davidson, Director of the Amazing Kids Club about the importance of early identification and intervention to help children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Meet Jennifer Seletzky-Davidson

Jennifer Seletzky-Davidson is the Autism Manager of TrueNorth Wellness Services, a provider of behavioral health and wellness services in South Central Pennsylvania. Jennifer has 25 years of service to behavioral health field, 21 years with TrueNorth Wellness Services. Jennifer started working as a Behavior Specialist in the BHRS department working with families and children with autism then became the Clinical Director for BHRS in 2002. In addition, Jennifer has been the Program Coordinator of Student Assistance Program, and a therapist in the Outpatient Therapy Department for the agency. In 2004, Jennifer became the Program Coordinator for the Amazing Kids Club of Hanover, TrueNorth’ s autism on-site program for children and adolescents age 2 to 21. Jennifer served as the Program Coordinator until August 2014 when the Amazing Kids Club expanded and open the second location in Red Lion. At that time Jennifer became the Autism Manager, overseeing the Amazing Kids Club programs and consulting for agency when assistance with clients living with autism is required and providing agency wide autism-specific trainings.

Jennifer has her master’s degree in Counseling from McDaniel College and a bachelor of science in Sociology/Psychology from Towson State University. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2004, completed the Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education certification program through Penn State University in 2005, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2007.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM EP. 9:

• Autism Speaks is a great resource for anyone who has questions about ASD
• Early Intervention Services or your local County Assistance office is a good starting place to learn about programs and services
• Socialization is one of the most important skills you can teach a child living with ASD to help them develop independence
• Social Stories are a good technique to use with your child
• Seeking an Intellectual Disability or Developmental Disability Waiver can be crucial for accessing services across the person’s lifetime.
• To get in touch with the Amazing Kids Club or Jennifer Seletzky-Davidson contact (717)632-4900

Next Episode

OTC Ep. 10 – Joe Sanok Creates AHA Moments By Slowing Down

Meet John Dennis

John is a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience who specializes in counseling for individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. He focuses on working with anxious teens and adults, couples who are struggling to connect with one another, and those dealing with grief and loss.

Thanks For Listening!

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Disclaimer: The author of this podcast is not engaged in a therapeutic relationship with the reader and cannot give counseling advice without a confidential appointment. Readers should be sure to consult with a licensed therapist in their area or seek emergency medical attention if they are experiencing difficulty.