Improving Access to Early Autism Care: A New Partnership
In a significant advancement for autism care, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Soar Autism Center. This collaboration is designed to enhance access to early intervention services for families seeking support in the Philadelphia region. The establishment of the CHOP-Soar Autism Center network represents a pioneering effort to provide coordinated autism care that is both research-driven and tailored to individual needs.
Addressing Challenges in Autism Care
Families of children with autism frequently encounter obstacles when trying to secure high-quality, coordinated care. Long wait times for therapy services following a diagnosis are a common frustration, leaving many families in need of immediate assistance. Recognizing this critical gap, CHOP and Soar Autism Center have come together to offer a seamless integration of medical and therapeutic support.
The first of these centers has been opened in close proximity to CHOP's Pediatric Primary Care in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and marks the beginning of a comprehensive support network. Each center will offer vital services, including speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy, all under one roof. This integrated approach allows for in-house collaboration during the essential early years of development for young children, particularly those under the age of six.
Tailored Support for Individual Needs
Each CHOP-Soar Autism Center is designed to provide customized care that respects and recognizes the unique potential of each child. Therapists will work in tandem with a child's medical team, ensuring that families receive well-coordinated support throughout their journey. Whether the care team is within CHOP's network or includes other healthcare providers, the goal is to create a comprehensive support system tailored to each family's circumstances.
Nathan J. Blum, MD, the Chief of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at CHOP, emphasized the hospital's ongoing commitment to quality care for all patients. He stated, "Our new partnership with Soar is grounded in collaboration, allowing us to extend the reach of CHOP’s network in a new and innovative way. This initiative aims to marry cutting-edge research with practical therapy options, benefiting all those affected by autism."
Quality Care Meets Research Excellence
This partnership is not merely about providing services; it is also focused on enhancing the quality of care through a strong research foundation. CHOP's extensive expertise in autism research, particularly with the establishment of the Lurie Autism Institute, has helped facilitate the development of targeted interventions and support systems. By leveraging this research-based framework, the CHOP-Soar Autism Center network aims to set a new standard in early autism care.
Ian Goldstein, MD, MPH, Co-Founder and CEO of Soar Autism Center, expressed the organization’s intent to transform autism therapy services. He commented, "Partnering with CHOP allows us to elevate our mission, integrating Soar’s autism therapy services with CHOP’s unmatched clinical and research excellence."
Future Growth and Development
The introduction of the CHOP-Soar Autism Center network represents a significant step forward in the commitment to enhance autism care. The initial center in Newtown is just the beginning, with plans for additional locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey as the partnership grows.
To learn more about the services provided by the CHOP-Soar Autism Center or to inquire further about enrollment opportunities, families are encouraged to visit
CHOP-Soar Autism Center Website. Through this collaboration, CHOP and Soar Autism Center aim to ensure that children with autism and their families have access to the care they need, creating meaningful pathways for support and growth.
About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Founded in 1855, CHOP is the nation’s first pediatric hospital, dedicated to providing exceptional care and advancing pediatric health through research and education. Its reputation for excellence is rooted in a commitment to patient care and extensive research initiatives that improve health outcomes for children around the world.
About Soar Autism Center
Initially established in Denver, CO, Soar Autism Center is rapidly expanding, devoted to innovating early intervention services for young children with autism. Soar focuses on an integrated model of care that encompasses various therapy modalities, ensuring comprehensive development support for every child. For more information, visit
Soar Autism Center Website.