April is recognized as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Communication is typically impacted by ASD. Some of those impacts may include… Limited or different eye contact Difficulty noticing and understanding non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures Varying abilities to use speech as communication Trouble communicating about subjects not of special
November 5-7, 2024 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to save the date for the 2024 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference! The conference will be held virtually from November 5th to November 7th 2024. More details, as well as registration information to follow. Do you know an artist or storyteller? Encourage
Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizingApril 18, 2024 as Move Your Way Day The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Governor Josh Shapiro’s office invite you to Move Your Way! To acknowledge the National Day of Exercise and ODP’s new campaign to encourage physical activity, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the
Nicholas “Nick” Smith, member of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) will be testifying in front of the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging on the topic of “The Long-Term Care Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving the Profession” on Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 AM. Nick is
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be an eclipse event, and parts of Pennsylvania will have a view of a total solar eclipse. The Office of Developmental Programs is reminding everyone that it is not safe to directly view an eclipse with the unprotected eye. Severe eye damage or blindness can occur. It
On March 15, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) released a health advisory about the CDC New Respiratory Virus Guidance (which is a general guidance for community settings). Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides this guidance based upon available information and is subject to change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed a proclamation to acknowledge the many individuals on the autism spectrum, their abilities and contributions, and their inclusion within the community. Click on the proclamation image above to view and download a PDF version.
The Office of Developmental Programs encourages you to spring into action with Move Your Way! Taking steps, big or small, towards increasing your physical activity can improve your health. Physical activity has lots of long-term health benefits. You can: Reduce risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease,and certain cancers Help manage
The eight-session Project Reassure ECHO series will launch on April 5, 2024 from 7:45-9 a.m. This series will provide participants with strategies in supporting adult neurodiverse individuals struggling with anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience. The curriculum will cover the basics of recognizing trauma, stress, and anxiety, fostering resilience
It is estimated that up to 75% of people with intellectual disabilities also have a vision impairment. Regular vision screening and monitoring for vision changes are even more important for individuals with intellectual disabilities! Ophthalmologists recommend regular vision screening that allows for extra time and adapts to the unique needs of the
