The Watson Institute – Sharpsburg, PA

W. Bruce Thomas Education Center

200 Linden Avenue
Sharpsburg, PA 15215
412-781-1708 (phone – school program)
412-749-2889 (phone – psychological services)
412-781-1561 (fax)

Special Education School Programs

LEAP Preschool

At the Watson Institute’s special education school in Sharpsburg we offer the LEAP (Learning Experiences: An Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents) Preschool program, an inclusive program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their typically developing peers. Through an inclusive approach, the focus for this early childhood special education school environment is centered on enhancing the skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through interaction and play with typically developing children. LEAP Preschool classrooms typically consists of 4 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and 8 typically developing children.

WISCA (Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement)

Watson’s Sharpsburg location is also home to a special education school program designed to help students with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder complete school utilizing an online curriculum that is adapted to meet the needs of each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students at WISCA may choose their elective classes so they are suited to the student’s unique interests. Special education staff in this program also provide students with therapeutic instruction in language and social skills, organizational and life skills and community based instruction to help them prepare for a smooth transition into adulthood after graduating from the program.

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

Watson provides a number of comprehensive outpatient mental and behavioral health services for children and adolescents up to the age of 21. Did you know that your child does not need to be enrolled in a Watson Institute special education school program to take advantage of our mental and behavioral health services? Our expert mental and behavioral health providers include: licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who work to meet the needs of the children and their families using a family-focused approach. Currently, our Sharpsburg location offers diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), and social skills group therapy as outpatient behavioral health services.