Autism “Warm” Lines provide resources, information, and support concerning non-immediate topics. It may take a few days for someone to get back to you from these organizations. If you are in an immediate crisis or emergency, please dial 911.
Support Groups and Respite
Support Groups
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources, & Training Collaborative) Support Group Map
Support group map – https://paautism.org/support-groups/
Contact Information:
Resource Center
Philadelphia Autism Project Support Group Map
Find (or list) a group in your local neighborhood! Please contact support groups/organizations directly with specific questions and/or concerns.
Contact Information:
Respite
Community Autism Network
Provides information, trainings, and activities. Many are free grassroots Philadelphia-based supports including respite.
Free community trainings about Autism for families and agencies.
Community and recreation activities: Free family events promoting inclusion and accommodations for individuals with ASD and their families.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommunityAutismNetwork/
Contact Information:
Kharrin Sadler
Aveanna Respite Care Services
Childcare for medically fragile children (ages 0-7) needing skilled nursing care Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Transportation provided.
Multiple locations: including the Pediatric Day Health Care Center – 8101 Washington Lane Wyncote PA 19095
Contact Information:
Support Groups and Respite
Crisis Nurseries and Respite Services
The Sally Watson Center: 5128 Wayne Avenue (Germantown) (215) 844-6931
Offers FREE respite services for families Monday-Friday, 7am-5:45pm for ages 0-5. Families must call intake and have proof of child’s immunizations prior to beginning respite services.
Baring House:, 3401 Baring Street (West Philly) (215) 386-0251
FREE 24-hour emergency respite care for children ages 0-5. Telephone intake process includes proof of your child’s immunizations prior to beginning respite services.
View WebsiteFamily Friends Program at Temple University
Free! Matching older adult volunteers who provide in–home companionship and respite to children with special needs. This is a part time program that provides breaks for families via respite trips.
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Ritter Hall 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19122
Contact Information:
Alysia Williams
Home Health Aides and Nursing Services
In some cases where a child with autism has other medical issues or skilled nursing needs and the parent works, some families have been may obtain home health aide services from a home-nursing agency. Agencies listed below:
Bayada Nursing: 215-988-9006
Visiting Nurse Group: 215-829-8888
Aveanna Healthcare: 215-376-6576
Caregivers America: 866-586-4394
Lincoln HealthCare: 484-406-5000
Marscare: 215-763-3992
Kinney Center SJU – “Family Night Out”
“Family Night Out”, one Saturday/month, $50.00 for three hours. Runs at the same time on the SibShop. Fun activities in a safe and structured environment.
5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Contact Information:
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health – Respite Services
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health: Offers Saturday afternoon respite and Boys and Girls Club Spring and Winter Break programs. Also offers $300 mini-grant for a trusted friend or relative who can provide respite. In order to be eligible, the child must be receiving services from CBH, be between the ages of 6-15, and must have Medical Assistance.
Contact Information:
The Friendship Circle – “Friends at Home”
Weekly in-home respite by teen volunteers who are matched with Jewish families with children with special needs. Parent must remain at home during the volunteer’s time. FREE.
Contact Information:
The Variety Club – Weekend Retreats
Ages 7 to 21 at the Variety Camp & Developmental Center. An interview is scheduled to determine if the resources at Variety meet your child’s needs. A non-refundable fee of $100.00 is due upon acceptance to the program. Application and forms are available on the website or call 610-584-4366.
Contact Information:
Jessica Smith