Easterseals awarded grant to fund ABA therapy

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has received a grant from Highmark Delaware BluePrints for the Community to offer Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children under age 3 with autism.

“This grant from Highmark Delaware will make a huge impact in the lives of some of our smallest participants with autism and their families,” said Kenan Sklenar, Easterseals president and CEO. “Research shows that the greatest gains in developmental milestones for children with autism are seen through ABA therapy when intervention is started before the age of 2, and this grant helps make that possible. We are grateful for the partnership with Highmark Delaware and especially pleased to receive the BluePrints for the Community grant. Partners like Highmark Delaware help Easterseals continue to offer exceptional services that our community relies on.”

By focusing on teaching new skills, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy programs help increase language and communication skills, and improve attention, focus, social skills, memory and academics. Family education and support are also critical components when working with very young children. Studies show that when ABA therapy starts before age 2, it is even more successful.

“We are pleased to award Easterseals with a BluePrints for the Community grant, and to support their extensive work with children and families living with autism,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “Easterseals has an outstanding history of providing care for our community, and Highmark Delaware is proud to partner with them on this program.”