BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — A new resource for children with autism and their families now is open in the Lehigh Valley.
- A new resource for children with autism and their families opened in the Lehigh Valley
- The clinic offers evaluations that can lead to diagnosis and treatment
- Those needing more information should visit the NeruAbilities website
The NeurAbilitiesHealthcare clinic offers evaluations that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. The company said the Bethlehem Township location at 2760 Emrick Blvd. is part of an effort to expand its reach.
The facility is specifically designed for children with autism with specialty lighting, brightly colored murals and a play area.
NeurAbilities Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Stengel said the company has seen the need for community-based service grow over the coronavirus pandemic.
“The rates have increased, meaning the rates of autism, increased in such that it's been so dramatic, we have a wait list in a lot of our different locations," Stengel said.
"And so our expansion is really to be able to expand the services provided because there's a lot of waitlist areas in the Lehigh Valley."
Andrea Hernandez of Allentown and her family stopped at the clinic’s open house to see what services are offered. She has a 4-year-old son with autism and said it’s been difficult for her to find services to help with his diagnosis.
“It's been so hard to get behavioral help because of the pandemic."Andrea Hernandez
“It's been so hard to get behavioral help because of the pandemic," Hernandez said. "They lost, I guess, a lot of therapists, they lost a lot of help for these kids and he was on a waitlist for a year and a half.”
However, the staff at NeruAbilities said they could help right away, she said.
“We look more holistic with the children than pretty much anywhere," Stengel said. "We look from the biological aspect, our neurologists, our developmental pediatricians, our physician assistants and my neuropsychologists. I can't name enough people that work here that really look at the child in total.”
Stengel said those who are interested in services or have questions should visit the NeurAbilities website. Including the new Bethlehem Township site, there are 18 NeurAbilities clinics across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
