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Swank Early Skills Development

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Swank Early Skills Development

At Swank Early Skills Development we help kids reach Developmental Milestones through the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Our mission is to Serve children and their families in Central PA with compassion and excellence.

12/22/2025

At Swank Early Skills Development, our mission is simple:
Every child deserves to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that truly sees them.
We believe in honoring each child's individuality — their pace, their preferences, their strengths, and their unique ways of communicating.

We celebrate differences, support diverse learning styles, and create a space where children feel safe, valued, and understood.

Our team is committed to:
Respecting communication.
Providing compassionate, evidence-based support.
Building confidence through play, structure, and connection.
Walking alongside families every step of the way.

Because when a child feels accepted for who they are, the path to progress becomes brighter, calmer, and more joyful.

This is why we do what we do — and why we’re honored to support families across Lancaster County.

Visit www.swankesd.com today to learn more.

12/19/2025

The holidays bring family, friends, and festive gatherings — but they can also bring expectations about how children should interact.

Here’s an important reminder: It’s completely okay if your child isn’t comfortable with hugs, greetings, or group activities.

Every child communicates connection in their own way.

By honoring your child’s boundaries, you’re showing them that their comfort matters — and that they are safe, respected, and heard.

Try offering gentle alternatives, like:
High fives.
Waves.
Fist bumps.
A simple smile.
Or even stepping back and observing.

When you support your child’s preferred way of communicating, you’re helping them build social confidence rooted in trust, not pressure.

Your child isn’t being rude.
They’re being authentic — and that’s something worth celebrating.

12/17/2025

THIS OR THAT? Holiday Calm Activities

Holidays can be exciting, busy, and full of sensory input — so balancing the excitement with calming, hands-on activities can make the season feel more enjoyable for neurodivergent children.

Tell us… which soothing sensory activity is your child’s favorite?

Gingerbread Play-Dough
A cozy, aromatic sensory experience that’s fun to squish, roll, and shape.
(And yes — it smells AMAZING!)
OR
Calm Jar Glitter Shake-Ups
A mesmerizing visual tool to help little ones breathe, reset, and find their calm.

Both activities offer gentle, grounding ways to support regulation and creativity during the holiday season. Which one will your family try first? Comment below!

12/15/2025

The holiday season brings excitement, gatherings, and schedule changes — but for neurodivergent children, those shifts can sometimes feel overwhelming. One of the most helpful ways to support emotional regulation during this busy time is to maintain key parts of your child’s routine.

Even small consistencies can create a great sense of comfort and safety.

Try keeping predictable elements such as:
Bedtime and wake-up times.
Regular meal or snack schedules.
Screen time boundaries.
Morning or evening rituals.
Familiar transitions or visual schedules.

These routines act as anchors, helping your child feel grounded and prepared, even when the environment around them is more stimulating than usual.

Predictability isn’t rigid — it’s reassuring. And maintaining these small touchpoints can make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone.

For more information, please visit www.swankesd.com.

12/12/2025

Create a “Calm Corner”

The holidays can be magical… but they can also come with bright lights, bustling gatherings, new environments, and big changes in routine — all of which may feel overwhelming for neurodivergent children.

One simple way to support regulation and comfort this season is to create a Calm Corner at home or pack a small Calm Kit when you’re on the go.

Your Calm Corner (or Bag) can include:
Noise-canceling headphones.
Fidget tools or a favorite sensory item.
A comforting book or visual story.
A soft blanket or weighted lap pad.

These little supports create a predictable, soothing space where your child can retreat, regroup, and return when they’re ready. Minor adjustments like this can make the season more joyful, less stressful, and more accessible for the entire family.

You know your child best — and honoring their sensory needs is a beautiful way to help them thrive during the holiday season.

If you'd like to learn more about Swank Early Skills Development, please visit www.swankesd.com.

12/10/2025

The early years are full of learning, discovery, and rapid growth — and early intervention can make an incredible difference in helping children build the skills they need to thrive.

At Swank Early Skills Development, we focus on strengthening:
Communication skills.
Social and play skills.
Emotional regulation.
Independence and daily living skills.
School readiness.

Early intervention isn’t about rushing development — it’s about giving children the support, structure, and confidence they need at the time it matters most.

Every moment counts.
Every small win matters.
And we’re honored to walk beside families as their children learn, grow, and shine in their own unique ways.

For more information, visit www.swankearlyskillsdevelopment.com.

12/08/2025

THIS OR THAT? Holiday Sensory Break Edition

The holiday season can bring a lot of excitement — and sometimes a lot of sensory overwhelm. Building in intentional sensory breaks can help your child regulate, reset, and enjoy the day more comfortably.

Tell us below…

Which calming activity does your child love most?

Quiet Coloring Time
OR
Noise-Canceling Headphone Music Break

Both options offer gentle, grounding ways to recharge during busy holiday moments. Share your child’s favorite in the comments — and feel free to add your own sensory-friendly ideas too!

For more tips or information visit www.swankesd.com.

12/06/2025

Prepare Ahead: Holiday Social Storytime

Holiday gatherings mean new faces, new smells, new places… and lots of unexpected changes. For neurodivergent children, that unpredictability can feel overwhelming — but a little preparation can make a big difference.

One powerful tool is creating a holiday social story to help your child understand what’s coming. Social stories build comfort, confidence, and calm by providing children with a visual roadmap for the day.

Here’s what you can include:
Pictures of where you’re going.
Photos of people you’ll see.
Images of planned activities.
When breaks will happen.
What snacks, meals, or transitions look like.
Where quiet spaces are available.

Predictability supports regulation — and when children know what to expect, the entire day feels smoother for everyone.

Preparation isn’t just planning. It’s empowering your child.

12/03/2025

Did You Know? Autism Isn’t a “Behavior Issue” — It’s a Communication Difference

So often, behaviors labeled “challenging” are actually a child’s way of communicating a need, feeling, or sensory experience they may not yet have the words for.
For autistic and neurodivergent children, especially, behavior is communication.

It might express:
“I’m overwhelmed.”
“This is too loud.”
“I need a break.”
“I’m excited!”
“I don’t understand what’s expected.”
“I’m trying my best.”

When we pause to understand the why behind the behavior, everything changes.
We strengthen trust.
We deepen connection.
We support real progress rooted in compassion — not correction.

Children communicate in many ways. Our job is to listen with curiosity, not judgment.

Please visit www.swankesd.com to learn more today!

11/28/2025

Understanding Behavior

At Swank Early Skills Development, we look at behavior through a different lens.

Instead of asking, “How do we stop this behavior?” we ask, “What is this behavior trying to tell us?”

Every action — big or small — is a form of communication.
A meltdown might mean “I’m overwhelmed.”
Grabbing toys might mean “I don’t know how to ask.”
Avoiding tasks might mean “This feels too hard.”

When we understand the underlying reasons behind a behavior, we can teach a new skill to replace frustration with effective communication — helping children feel safe, heard, and capable.

That’s the heart of what we do at Swank ESD: turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

📞 717-945-6491
🌐 www.swankesd.com

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Swank Early Skills Development!

As we gather with loved ones and embrace the warmth of this special season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who is part of the Swank Early Skills Development community.

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on the joys of learning, the growth of young minds, and the meaningful connections that bring us together. We are so thankful for the families who trust us, the children who inspire us, and the community that supports us every step of the way.

May your holiday be filled with laughter, peace, and cherished moments with family and friends.

From all of us at Swank Early Skills Development — Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃✨
With warmth and appreciation,

The Swank ESD Team

📞 717-945-6491
🌐 www.swankesd.com

11/26/2025

Positive Reinforcement Works

At Swank Early Skills Development, we believe in encouragement — not punishment. 💚

Every child wants to succeed. When we take the time to understand why a behavior happens and respond with patience, support, and clear expectations, we help children learn what to do — not just what not to do.

✨ Instead of focusing on mistakes, we celebrate effort.
✨ Instead of consequences, we model solutions.
✨ Instead of frustration, we build understanding.

When children feel safe, valued, and supported, they’re more likely to repeat positive behaviors — and that’s how real growth happens. 🌱

Let’s teach through kindness and consistency — because connection always creates the best results.

📞 717-945-6491
🌐 www.swankesd.com

Address

1630 Manheim Pike
Lancaster, PA
17601

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17179456491

Website

http://www.swankearlyskillsdevelopment.com/

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Helping Children Reach Developmental Milestones Through the Science of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Serving children with Developmental Delays and their families with Compassion and Excellence.

Swank Early Skills Development is an Early Intervention, Special Education, and Behavioral Health provider that uses the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to help children throughout Central Pennsylvania reach developmental milestones that they have not yet met on their own or that they have not met with other treatments alone.

As professional Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), we work with families and other professional team members to assess the developmental and/or behavioral needs of a child. Using objective, measurable data from the initial assessment, we collaborate with the child’s family and existing team to establish a treatment plan that incorporates both research-based interventions and the functional needs of the child within his or her environment.

Through the use of Intensive ABA Intervention, we provide ongoing, direct intervention to target the development of communication, participation, visual perceptual & problem solving, imitation, daily living, pre-academic/academic, visual perceptual, social, and behavioral skills in order to help our clients live fuller, more independent lives.