CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Good Shepherd Rehabilitation said it will open the region’s first Autism and Neurodevelopmental Wellness Center in fall 2026.
Good Shepherd announced the project at a news conference at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Friday.
The 5,400-square-foot center at 501 Cetronia Road in Upper Macungie Township will be a place where neurodivergent individuals and families can find support, connection and belonging from childhood through adulthood, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital said in a news release.
An anonymous donor family supported the center’s creation, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation says.
The idea for the center was shaped by Good Shepherd’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which was conducted over five months of listening sessions, surveys and focus groups in the Lehigh Valley, according to the news release.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation says 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 center will provide a variety of offerings to children, teens, adults and families, according to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation:
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
MKSD Architects is the center’s architect, and Boyle Construction is the center’s builder, according to the news release.
WFMZ-TV | Jon Bloch
To learn more about the center and to stay updated, people can visit https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org.
“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.”
“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.”