Speech-Language and Hearing Center

Contact: Tracey O'Day
Phone: (570) 674-6724
E-mail: today@misericordia.edu
Fax: (570) 255-3375

Our Speech-Language and Hearing center treats both children and adults with a variety of challenges, including autism. Click on the link above to learn more about the services provided at the center.

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Occupational Therapy Clinics
Contact: Dr. Orley Templeton, OTR/L
Phone: 570-674-8154
E-mail: otempleton@misericordia.edu

Sensory social camp is held at Misericordia University in the Occupational Therapy (OT) labs during the month of July. It comprises 15 OT treatment sessions where children with autism are encouraged to learn good social skills and strategies to deal with their sensory challenges. The group incorporates a fun, play-based environment that embeds the challenge to the student to use pro-social behaviors throughout each activity. (Child is taught a social skill and is required to use that skill throughout the camp, as each social skill builds upon the next). The group atmosphere allows the children to learn from one another as well as build friendships with each other.

Each session begins with learning and trying out a social skill with the group through a fun activity. Then, the children complete a “sensory obstacle course” where they complete gross motor activities and sensory challenges. Next, they complete a “sensory craft” such as making weighted animals, scented beans, colored rice, calm down jars, etc. Throughout the entire camp, they complete 15 different sensory crafts which they compile into a “sensory toybox” to take home or to school. Parents are invited to attend the final session of camp where they will be educated in the use of each item to assist them with their child’s sensory challenges. Each session ends with a “sensory snack” where the children learn about tolerating different textures in their mouth and proper snacks to choose in order to help the child be more alert and focused.

Children learn how to:

• talk to a friend appropriately.
• ask a friend to play a game.
• encourage friends during game play.
• identify their own emotions, as well as those of their peers.
• “stop, think and make good choices” when they are upset.
• use sensory strategies to be more alert and focused.
• Improve their ability to follow multi-step directions.
• choose good methods to calm their emotions when they become upset.
• maintain an appropriate topic of conversation with a friend.
• reduce restrictive repetitive behaviors (known as stimming).
• reduce sensory aversions.
• use sensory strategies at home, in the community, and at school.

Cougars for Autism Awareness

Cougars for Autism Awareness club's main objective is to spread awareness, and educate others about autism. They hold meetings, runs fundraisers, and hosts events around campus in order to meet their objectives of raising awareness and educating others!

Dr. Lori Charney, OTR/L is the group faculty advisor. Please contact her with any questions at 570-674-3330 or email at lcharney@misericordia.edu.

AUTISM COLLABORATIVE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) hub here on Misericordia University's campus is designed to connect people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, along with their families, with services and supports in the region.

Click here to learn more about the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE)

ACCE Community Hubs

There are five hubs located across the 13 county region supported by the ACCE network:

• Children's Service Center/Hazleton
• Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute
• Hope Enterprises
• Misericordia University
• The University of Scranton

Local and National Resources

NBC News Report:

New government survey finds 1 in 45 children 3 or older have been diagnosed with autism.

The Liv with Autism Foundation

• area support group
• links to local activities for families
• online lending library

Autism Safe

• local support groups for families
• offers social opportunities for children and teens with autism
• swim classes

Autism Speaks

• educational materials
• advocacy efforts
• research
• merchandise
• toolkits to deal with common struggles https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-...

Autism Society

• facts about Autism
• research
• tips for keeping a person with Autism “safe and sound”
• tips for first responders

MU Speech Clinic

Centers for Disease Control

• description of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• printable resources
• current research
• prevalence of ASD

National Autism Association

• parental concerns/family support groups
• resources for families whose children elope/wander
• sound sensitivity resources
• autism and wandering guides for first responders

Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation

• leading researchers in sensory processing disorders
• educational materials for families and professionals
• parental support

Click here for information about the Graham Academy.

Lackawanna/Susquehanna BH/ID/EI Programs
507 Linden St 8th Fl
Scranton, PA
(570) 346-5741

Lackawanna County Resources:

• Scranton Counseling Center
• Foundations Behavioral Health

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Kerry Magro spoke at Misericordia University. To see more on Kerry Magro, click here.

Keep checking back to see who the Autism Center will be hosting next!

The Autism Center has recruited members of the community, university personnel, parents, and school and treatment professionals to form the Autism Center Advisory Board.

Jennifer Dessoye

Barbara Schwartz-Bechet

Lindsay Rysz

Max McNelis

Kaitlyn Clarke

Maureen Rinehimer

Taylor Webb

Frank Mariano

Jodi Gregory

Margaret Neville

Meghan Rieder

Terry Tokach

Jeffrey Roth

Brenda Hage

Nina Zanon

Amy Linnen

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