Shaped by Community Health Needs Assessment with Support from Anonymous Donors

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (June 19, 2026) — Good Shepherd Rehabilitation announced today 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

“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.

To learn more about the center and to stay updated, visit https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org.

About Good Shepherd Rehabilitation

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, an independent, not-for-profit rehabilitation network with more than 60 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is committed to transforming the lives of people of all ages and abilities through curiosity, creativity, expertise and innovation. Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Good Shepherd specializes in treatment of spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, major multi-trauma, pulmonary disease, respiratory failure, musculoskeletal/orthopedics and complex pediatric conditions. Good Shepherd also partners with Penn Medicine to provide rehabilitation and specialty services in the greater Philadelphia area and New Jersey through GSPP Rehabilitation. Info: www.goodshepherdrehab.org

Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Walbert