People who are neurodivergent include those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. For these individuals and their caregivers, finding resources and personalized care can be challenging. Wait lists and poor access to care are common. At WellSpan, understanding neurodiversity - meaning natural differences in how people think, learn, communicate, and process information - helps us deliver care that truly works for everyone.

On Saturday, March 14 at the Vida Charter School in Gettysburg, WellSpan hosted an event called Neurodiversity Day: Building Bridges for Inclusive Care. Twenty virtual and 34 in-person attendees learned about from specialists who provide services for individuals with disabilities at the WellSpan Health Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) and also local specialists who provide evidence‑based speech‑language therapy approaches and neurodiversity‑affirming music therapy services such as adaptive lessons, expressive arts, coping‑skills training, and life coaching. The Gettysburg Hospital Foundation sponsored the event. 

In addition, a panel of providers and community organizations, many of whom have family members who are divergent, discussed ways to improve support for neurodiverse individuals and their families, answered questions, and offered resources. Some themes included increasing awareness and understanding of sensory needs, communication differences, and early signs of stress to make it easier for individuals to seek accommodating care and support; advocacy, particularly in the legal system; autonomy and consent; and improving access to healthcare and qualified providers, services, and institutions.     

Panelists included: 

• Zachary Couden, The Arc of York & Adams Counties
• Frank DiBella, CADD  
• Dr. Stephen B. Flack, WellSpan Medical Group
• Aleah Martin, Project 8p Foundation 
• Lindsay McMurphy, Little Journeys Speech Therapy 
• Jenna Ploski, Tonality Music Therapy
• Kristine Welsh-Eves, CADD

“I’m really excited to see so many patients, families, and vendors come together,” said Ploski. “Not just individuals and families are affected. Organizations are stepping up and showing action which is important.” 

Martin’s work as a research intern in behavioral health and advocacy in neurodiversity was inspired by her younger sister, Aleli, who has Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome and autism.

“Due to growing up with my sister and being diagnosed at age 16 with ADHD, I’ve been very involved and I’ve seen how to navigate the system,” she said. “Because of my experience, I did a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and graduated last year. I worked at a mental health hospital in Lancaster and a nonprofit organization, the Project 8p Foundation, which focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders. I think this is a really good way to get in one place to talk about it, especially in this area where there is a need.”   

Attendees could also visit resource tables from community providers and organizations including Health Promotion Council’s Technology Assisted Children’s Home Program, Root & Bloom Community Nature Collective, Special Olympics Pennsylvania Capital Area Region (Team Adams), The Arc of York & Adams Counties, Tonality Music Therapy, and WellSpan Health. 

“I have family members with disabilities, so it’s good to understand more about them so you can support them,” said Katy Cervantes of New Oxford. 

“This event gave me some information I’ve been looking for,” said Rebecca Lundgren of Greencastle. “My sister has autistic children and now we know where we can go to get care and services we need.”  

Learn more about WellSpan’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities care. 

Click on this link to view a recording of the program.