Behavioral Health Associates, Lehighton, has been hosting a six-week STAP (Summer Therapeutic Activities Program) for children on the Autism Spectrum. The program was held from July 12 and continues until Aug. 20. The program is the only one of its kind in the area, and this is their first year hosting a STAP.

BHA runs many other programs to assist those with specialized needs in the community, such as BHRS services, alternative education programs, partial hospitalization program, outpatient counseling and psychiatric services, a medical facility, and an elder care program.At STAP, the program has been named "Finding My Voice," where children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders are paired with neurotypical peers.The program provides social skills training and other groups are held in the morning. Children are paired up to practice skills. The group has gone on numerous outings (Lehighton Pool, Carbon County Environmental Center, Beltzville Lake Park) and they plan on a few outings before the program ends.Also they brought in people for educational presentations (Georgia Farrow from 4H, Mary Derr with therapy dogs).BHA will hold a presentation at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 to present the campers' acheivements over the summer at the Packer Ridge facility.