Good Shepherd to Open Region’s First Autism and Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation announced on June 19 the establishment of the region’s first Autism and Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center, a 5,400-square-foot place where neurodivergent individuals and families can find support, connection and belonging from childhood through adulthood.

Good Shepherd announced the project at a press conference at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, 3200 Center Valley Parkway, surrounded by community partners, clinical experts, families and supporters.

The center’s creation, which is generously supported through an anonymous donor family, was shaped by Good Shepherd’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), conducted over five months of listening sessions, surveys and focus groups in the Lehigh Valley. The CHNA focused on the needs of people who identify as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing differences, learning disorders, tic disorders and more.

The new Autism and Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center will be located at 501 Cetronia Road in Allentown, Upper Macungie Township, which is owned and operated by Hammes Realty Services. Good Shepherd plans to welcome individuals and families throughout the Lehigh Valley in Fall 2026.

“For decades, Good Shepherd has supported children and adults with Autism and other neurodivergent identities. Our staff, with their expertise, compassion, and deep understanding of sensory needs, communication differences and family dynamics, laid the foundation for everything we are announcing today,” said Vice President of Advancement and Marketing Carry Gerber. “As we reviewed the CHNA findings, one message came through again and again: Our region needs a place built with the community, for the community. A place where neurodivergent individuals and families can find support, connection and belonging across the lifespan.”

The new center will provide a variety of offerings to children, teens, adults and families:

• A care navigator to listen, help and guide insurance, healthcare and community-based referrals
• Relationship-based, developmentally grounded and adaptable model of care for autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent diagnoses
• Licensed counselors to provide behavioral support
• Convenient, coordinated, accessible therapies, including occupational, speech and physical, in groups and individually in one place, six days a week plus evenings
• A place to learn, grow and connect through music, art and movement therapies; social and communications groups; yoga; karate; daily living skills classes; gaming lounge; craft studio; assistive technology; and an adult Neuro Nest membership program for ongoing community and connection (pictured, above)

“We will support neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, and we will intentionally include parents, siblings and caregivers in care, training and support because ultimately, this center was co-designed with the community,” said Vice President of Outpatient Operations Karen Long, PTA, MBA. “Alongside Good Shepherd staff, families, neurodivergent children and adults and educators, we also thank our community partners for being part of the design committee. You all shaped this center with honesty, creativity and heart. Your fingerprints are on every part of it.”

MKSD Architects is the center’s architect. Boyle Construction is the center’s builder.

Autism & Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center Contact List

If you’re interested in learning more about the Center’s offerings for your child or yourself, call 1-888-447-3422 (44-REHAB) or fill out a contact form (mention the Center) to be added to our contact list ahead of the Fall 2026 opening.

Community Partnerships

If you’re a community-based organization and would like to learn more about partnering with Good Shepherd’s new Autism & Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center, call 1-888-447-3422 (44-REHAB) or fill out a contact form and reference the Center.

Donations

To learn more about how to make a gift in support of the Center, please call our Development Office at 610-778-1075 or visit Ways to Give. Your support helps individuals and families find resources, opportunities and a community of belonging for generations to come.