Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence

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ACCE Executive Hub

The ACCE executive hub coordinates the other hubs and activities, does community outreach, and offers programming to the community, such as exercise and fitness classes, inclusive playdates, parents and caregiver workshops and groups.

The University of Scranton hub has three behavioral assessment rooms, where students in the Applied Graduate Post-Masters Certificate will gain educational experiences with individuals diagnosed with Autism.

About The Hub

 

Executive Hub Events & Programs

Go Baby Go

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The University of Scranton's Occupational Therapy and Mechanical Engineering Departments are thrilled to announce the launch of Go Baby Go!

 

What is Go Baby Go?

The Go Baby Go! initiative originated out of the University of Delaware and has expanded to become a national community-based program that aims to provide children with mobility impairments a sense of independence and self-confidence.

The University of Scranton's chapter of Go Baby Go! aims to provide local children who have mobility impairments and other disabilities with powered ride on cars that they can utilize to explore their environment and increase their sense of independence and self-confidence.

 

General Expectations

  • Commitment to occasional meetings over the span of the semester
  • Attendance at the culminating event in early May

Free Program, No Diagnosis Required.

Questions Contact:

Dr. Stephanie DeNaples, MSOTR/L

stephanie.denaples@scranton.edu or gbguofs@gmail.com 

The University of Scranton

Department of Occupational Therapy

 Sign Up 


OT Research Opportunity

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  • Title: Comparison of Social and Play Skills and Self-perceived Sibling Relationship Quality when one Child has Autism
  • Who is doing the research? Occupational therapy graduate students from The University of Scranton and their licensed occupational therapy professor.
  • What is the research? The purpose of this research is to describe the social and play skills of siblings where one child has ASD while playing together and find out how the children value their sibling relationship.
  • How long is this research? 3-4 scheduled meetings. 
  • Ages of the children: 6-12 years old
  • Parent, child with Autism, and child with typical development will be involved the study.
  • Where will the research be? The University of Scranton, Leahy Hall (Jefferson & Linden St.)
  • Questions: Laura.zagacki@scranton.edu  570-941-4002
  • How this research benefits my family: you will learn about the play skills each of your children have and how they play together

Sign Up


CASTLE Games

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Let’s have fun and make friends and play games with CASTLE!

The Autism Collaborative Centers for Excellence (ACCE) and The University of Scranton Department of Occupational Therapy are collaborating on a class project  for children diagnosed with Autism and related disorders.  

  • WHO: Children and teens with Autism or other developmental disorders (ages 7 and up)
  • WHEN: Program Dates:
    • March 18, 20, 25, 27
    • April 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
    • Potentially May 1st
  • WHERE:  Leahy Hall
  • HOW MUCH: FREE
  • Questions Contact:

    Dr. Stephanie DeNaples, MSOTR/L

    stephanie.denaples@scranton.edu 

    The University of Scranton

Learn more

 

 

Fitness Classes

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Fitness classes for individuals with ASD aged 12 and older. Under faculty supervision, participants will have the opportunity to engage with University of Scranton students to exercise, socialize and make new friends. 

Our classes will be coming back in Spring! Check back for more information or sign up and be informed when classes will be back. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ's or contact Erin Dunleavy at 570-941-7000 ext. 6, or erin.dunleavy2@scranton.edu

Sign Up

 

Programs for Parents & Caregivers

“Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness.”~Anonymous

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We want to provide a place for those who consider themselves caregivers. We want them to be supported and learn more. We are working with caregivers to share experiences, offer suggestions for the community and guide the information and advice to go to the right organization.

Parent/Caregiver Interest Group

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Our Parent/Caregiver Interest Group meets virtually via Zoom every Thursday from 6:30-7:30 PM Eastern time except holidays. This is a group where parents can meet to share ideas, interests, and meet new people. 

Learn More

 

Caregiver Support Group (formerly known as the Caregiver Workshop Series)

The Caregiver Support Group will meet once a week for six weeks. Each session is designed to provide caregivers the tools and support they need to further succeed.

Learn More

 

 ACCE Happenings

Looking for things to do and what program and resources might be available on an ongoing basis, sign up for our ACCE Happenings!

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  • Free Weekly Communication
  • Latest Happenings
  • Family Friendly Community Events
  • Traings offerred in the Community
  • Resources and more!

 Job Club

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This 6 Week Job Club provides a network for social and technical pre-employment support for young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The curriculum will be developed and tailored to best meet the needs of attending members. Learn more


Meet Our Staff

Erin A. Dunleavy, Ph.D., Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence 

erinimage002.jpgDr. Dunleavy has advanced degrees in several areas - Ph.D. in Human Development, MA in Psychology, and MA in History. Erin recently completely an Advanced Certificate  of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis. For three years, Erin worked as an HIV/AIDS case manager at the Wright Center for Primary Care where she developed an extensive knowledge of public benefits and local resources in the community. 

Erin also worked at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine as the Assistant Director of Assessment where she developed evaluations and conducted analyses to assess the programs at the institution.

 Erin is collaborating with all the partners in ACCE to help streamline services in the area.

 

Where we are located?

 Take a look inside the hub!