Intermediate units are a great education resource for autistic children

Logos of all Philadelphia area Intermediate Units

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Related Websites

• Philadelphia School District
  

• Philadelphia School District Office of Specialized Services

• Berks County Intermediate Unit

• Bucks County Intermediate Unit

• Chester County Intermediate Unit

• Delaware County Intermediate Unit

• Montgomery County Intermediate Unit

It can often feel overwhelming to think through what comes next after getting a diagnosis on the autism spectrum disorder for our kids. Many parents and guardians might not know where to turn to next or have concerns and questions about school and what the future holds.

One resource that can be very helpful with navigating the choppy waters post-diagnosis are Intermediate Units (IU). In Pennsylvania, most counties have an IU or another body that is designated for handling various special education needs including support for autism spectrum disorders, behavioral support, remedial learning and alternative learning options. The five counties surrounding the city of Philadelphia and the city itself all have intermediate units. The Philadelphia Intermediate Unit is closely tied to the Philadelphia School District and the Office of Specialized Services. (See sidebar links.)

When moving into the Philadelphia area with a child on the spectrum, often the IU may be the first stop, even prior to arriving locally to arrange support and placement for your child for the upcoming or ongoing school year. The Intermediate Units work with local school districts and can provide resources, contacts and other support for placing a child in the appropriate support program. When contacting the IU, have key information ready such as whether or not your child has an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the exact diagnosis and any other needs that have been identified for your child by his or her care providers. An initial screening conversation may take place over the phone followed by an in-person meeting to review any existing IEPs or other paperwork, or a referral to your school district's support personnel may be provided to set up in-person interviews and discussion of correct placement for your child.

Questions to ask the IU when calling might include: Do you have an autism support program? Do you have behavioral programs for children on the spectrum? Do you have mainstream school placement programs with autism support on-site? What kind of community services are available within the county? Can you provide more information about wraparound services?

For more information, click through to the different intermediate unit sites linked in the sidebar.