Executive Hub of Regional Autism Services Collaborative Opens

The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) was recently formed to meet the needs of and minimize the service gaps for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

At the announcement of Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence are, from left: John P. Moses, Esq., chair of the board of AllOne Foundation; Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and John W. Cosgrove, executive director of AllOne Foundation and Charities.
At the announcement of Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence are, from left: John P. Moses, Esq., chair of the board of AllOne Foundation; Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and John W. Cosgrove, executive director of AllOne Foundation and Charities.

Through the leadership of AllOne Foundation, the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) was recently formed to meet the needs of and minimize the service gaps for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families living in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. The University was chosen to serve as the region’s executive hub and has opened a physical space on Mulberry Street, led by project manager Erin Dunleavy, Ph.D. The University will focus on enhancing undergraduate and graduate training opportunities in ASD-related fields to create a workforce pipeline for the region.

“The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence represents an opportunity for our region to develop a sustainable framework to address existing service gaps,” said John P. Moses, Esq., chair of the board at AllOne Foundation, at the announcement in September. “Working collaboratively, we seek to create a national model for scientifically sound innovation at the cutting edge of ASD care.

"ACCE directly benefits preschool children through adults with ASD in the 13-county area of northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. Specific services will vary by age but will be available to families regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status. Based on combined county census data and a presumed ASD prevalence of 1 in 68, the estimated number of individuals in the region living with ASD is more than 17,500, making this a high-impact initiative.

“The executive hub and the website will enable us to streamline services, becoming a support system for clients and their families, both inside and outside the University community,” Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, said.

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