Pocono News Section

Friendship House Dedicates New Scranton Autism Center

Friendship House Dedicates New Scranton Autism Center - Monday, June 7, 2010 at 04:04AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday June 07 2010

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - There was a big celebration Monday morning in Lackawanna County. Officials from the Friendship House came together to formally dedicate the new Northeast Regional Autism Center.

With two young kids looking on, the ribbon was officially cut. The 14,000-square foot facility is already open. Specialists say they now have a lot more room to help children with autism learn and communicate.

"The sensory room, the gross-motor rooms, the play areas, just all the different classrooms, the space. The space has just been wonderful," Julia Brister said. Brister is an Applied Behavior Specialist.

Brister says the new facility is already making a difference.

"We've just seen the children, some of the children making more eye contact, noticing more people as they're walking past them more because there are so many more people coming through. Communication skills have been improving," Brister said.

Politicians and donors were on hand for the formal dedication. They know there is a big need for helping kids with autism locally.

"Our waiting list is extensive. It totals probably in the 40-range right now and providing services is something we wish to do. Unfortunately, it's a function of staffing," Robert Angeloni said. Angeloni is the Friendship House President.

Brian Doran was the lead architect who built the new autism center. His seven-year-old son has autism so he brought a unique perspective to the project. He was quick to show us the special sensory room.

"What we tried to do was incorporate imagery and texture and patterns and even light fixtures that are conducive to helping a child relax," Doran said.

The center cost more than $1.6 million. It was paid for by both public and private funding and generous WBRE viewers who have donated to our Autism Telethon is support of the Friendship House.

"This facility allows for growth to serve young adults. We look forward to meeting the needs which are huge in the autism community," Mary Christine Remick said.