Hey there folks,
I've been working to try to find a viable after-school option for my son after having a horrible experience with the mainstream after-school program in the T/E district. In my various searches for an alternative I spoke with Jennifer Whalen at the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn. She's the director of the Ability Center at UMLY and she let me know about a summer program that they're running this summer from June 28 - August 19th for high functioning autism spectrum kids and highly sensitive kids.

The summer program is being offered in partnership with the Teamwork Wins organization - http://teamworkwins.org and will offer both a 'traditional' camp experience with arts and crafts, swimming and other activities as well as social skills and situation practice.

We also spoke about the need for an alternative to mainstream after-school care and she is actively collecting feedback from the community about setting up programs that the community needs. If you're interested in summer camp options or after-school support through the YMCA, please give Jennifer a call to express your needs for your child or children so that the Y is aware of what our ASD kids need and we can hopefully get the ball rolling to get those needs met. You don't need to live in T/E to use the Ability Center's programs or be a full member of the Y.

Jennifer's contact info:

Jennifer F. Whalen
Ability Center Director
(working with those with special needs)
Community Outreach Director
Upper Main Line YMCA
1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road
Berwyn, PA. 19312
610-647-9622 X2401

Jennifer DOT Whalen AT UMLY.org