Assisting families in navigating the world of Autism

Donate Today

Ways To Give Programs Events Newly Diagnosed

Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania

We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

For over 25 years, the Autism Society NWPA has provided support for individuals and families living with an autism spectrum disorder in Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Mercer Counties.

As a local organization, Autism Society NWPA provides individuals and families with support, referrals, mentors, education, and most importantly a community of understanding. We are continuing to make efforts to increase our support across the lifespan for individuals and families living with an autism spectrum disorder.

We are creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.

Leadership Service

Board & Committee Leadership Opportunities

ASNWPA Board Committees

Volunteer

Walk Chair Nomination

Volunteers are an invaluable part of our team. Volunteers increase the quality of services and programming that we are able to provide. By connecting our volunteers’ skills with our community needs, we will ensure we can continue to provide essential support to individuals and families living with an autism spectrum disorder.

Board of Directors Opportunity ~ Autism Society desires individuals who reflect diversity including, but not limited to, age, gender, sexual orientation, geography, economic status, disability, and ethnicity. Serving on the board is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Please email our Executive Director and/or Governance Chair regarding your interest to serve on the Board of Directors.

Contact

Barb

“Working on the board is rewarding because we are able to transform ideas for meeting our members’ needs into actions by planning and funding programs.”

John

“As a board member of the Autism Society NWPA, seeing the kids and young adults that benefit from our programs and services is all the reward I could ever ask for. Seeing the parents and caregivers relieved to have a place where their children are welcomed, respected, and cared for is the icing on the cake!”

Stella

“When a person very dear to you is on the Autism spectrum, you understand more about the gifts they bring to the world, but also you know more about the challenges they face. I volunteer on the board for Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania because it is important to me that all of the children and families that need services in our community have those programs and services available to them. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I’m proud to be a part of an organization that is making a difference in the lives of our clients and families.”

About Us

Families recognize us as their trusted resource for therapies, education, and assistance. Families have few options for help. We provide access to the best information and resources available as well as entry into a kindhearted community network of parents, professionals, and educators throughout our service area.

Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Please get in touch with the office (814) 455-3540 to view a copy of our Form 990

Making Informed Decisions

Annual Report

Affiliate of the Year

AS NWPA Vendor or Presentation Request

Learn More

Community Support

NOMINATE! 24th Annual Walk Chair Family

We’re honored to collaborate with families, advocating for Autism through our Annual Walk. Each year, we spotlight one family to amplify our community’s voice.

Nominate a family, yours or another, for the Annual Walk for Autism. Nominations undergo review by Walk Directors to meet Chair Family Criteria. Announcement of the Chair family will be made by September preceding the Walk. Nominations received on or before the annual August 1st deadline, will be considered for the following year’s Walk event.

Annual Walk Chair Family Criteria

– Current Membership: Must be members of the Autism Society NWPA.
– Active Involvement: Participate in family support and/or programming such as family outings, LEGO Club, Teen Club, Adult Social Club, or other Autism Society NWPA-hosted programs.
– Paragraph for Walk Marketing Campaign: Be willing to write a short paragraph on the significance of the Autism Society NWPA to your family.
– Willingness to Share: Share why the Autism Society NWPA is important to your family and how it has helped you. Consent to record and share this information on the organization’s website, social media, publications, and local media.
– Must be registered and attend the Annual Walk for Autism. Be willing to be on stage representing the Autism Society NWPA on the day of the walk.
– Must be available at the Walk from 10:00 am to immediately following the 2-mile Walk. Be available for interviews with the local press.

NOMINATE

Events

Autism Society NWPA offers monthly FAMILY sensory and social opportunities for families to get together. The monthly outings are designed to develop: community awareness and interaction through structured community based experiences; and develop and maintain recreation and leisure skills. The outings are opened to all families living with an autism spectrum disorder.

25 Years Strong – Let’s Celebrate BIG | 25th Annual Walk for Autism

SAVE THE DATE – 25th Anniversary | 2026 Walk for Autism
Saturday, April 25, 2026

Introducing our 25th Annual Walk for Autism Chair Family....The Fox Family

John, Kate, Donovan, Aidan, Kassy, Kayden, and Finley!

Chairing the 2026 Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania’s Walk for Autism will mark a special milestone for the Fox Family: 25 consecutive years of participating in the Walk for Autism. In 2001, when their oldest son, Donovan, was diagnosed with autism, Kate and John discovered that there were no local community events to support individuals with autism and their families. The family traveled to Pittsburgh to participate in a walk event. It inspired Kate to bring a Walk event to Erie. The following year, with John’s support and the efforts of several fellow autism families, ASANWPA’s premiere fundraising event was launched. Initially, the event aimed to raise awareness of autism. Twenty-five years later, ASANWPA is now focused on increasing acceptance of autism throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania. This is achieved through offerings of educational resources, implementation of programs across the lifespan to expand the skills and experiences of individuals with autism, and planned fellowship activities for individuals, family members and caregivers. The Fox Family is excited to support this event again in 2026. Please join them as they Walk to ensure ASANPWA’s contributions to the autism community for 25 more years, and beyond.

Event Details Make a Walk Donation

A (+) icon, next to an event’s date, indicates that the event spans multiple dates. Click “Read more” on the event to view details about the specific dates for the event.

Jan.

07+

“The Incredible Years” Autism Spectrum & Language Delays Parent Group | Autism Society NWPA Family Center

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Calling All Parents! Join Us for “The Incredible Years” Parent Group The Erie Family Center, in collaboration with the Autism Society NWPA, is proud to offer a free, 14-week support program specifically designed for parents of children on the autism spectrum or with language delays. Starting this spring, “The Incredible …

Registration

Jan.

10

Sensory-Friendly Karate Demo! (AGES 6 – 12) | Autism Society NWPA Family Center

Join Us for a Sensory-Friendly Karate Demo! We’re excited to partner with Millcreek Karate to offer a free, sensory-friendly karate class specifically designed for kids aged 6-12! This special demo is a great way for families to explore movement, confidence-building, and calm energy in a supportive, inclusive environment. What to Expect:• A fun …

Registration

Jan.

17

Preschool – PreK Meet Up and Parent Respite (AGE 3 to 5) | Autism Society NWPA Family Center

Give yourself a break while your child(ren) enjoys a safe, engaging, and supportive play environment with our QUALIFIED facilitators. Spend time connecting with other parents! Parent perks: Coffee & Tea Snacks Time to relax, recharge, and connect Featuring occasional guest speakers (baby sign language, food challenges, potty training, and more!) …

Registration

Jan.

21

Financial Planning for Individuals with Disabilities | HYBRID | Autism Society NWPA Family Center

Hosted by: Michael Parsons, ChSNC®, LPL Financial The Autism Society is pleased to invite you to an informative and family-focused presentation on navigating the financial planning landscape for individuals with autism and other disabilities. This session is designed to help parents, caregivers, and self-advocates understand the tools available to protect …

Registration

View Calendar