In Milford, a small group formed by concerned parents has grown into a vital support network. Today, Pike Autism Support Services (PASS) serves families across the Poconos with programs that promote inclusion, independence, and connection.
At the center of this effort is Executive Director Jeannemarie Passaro, whose journey began with her son.
A personal beginning
Passaro’s path started when her son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism at age three.
“We started PASS when my son was only just diagnosed… he was like three, three and a half,” she said. “As he has grown, so has all the things we do, because his needs continue to change over the years.”
What began as a small support group quickly evolved into something larger—driven by both necessity and love.
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Early on, she noticed what her son was missing.
“When we realized that he wasn’t going to be invited to any birthday parties or Halloween parties, then we created our own,” she said. “We invited the special needs community… not just autism, but any learning disability.”
From isolation to community
PASS was founded by Passaro and several mothers whose children were in early intervention programs.
“We’ve been doing the organization for 30 years,” she said.
Over time, autism awareness has increased significantly.
“Thirty years ago… the prevalence was one in 10,000… now one in 32,” she noted. “I think doctors know what they’re looking at now. Years ago, there wasn’t much focus on autism.”
Her early experience navigating the system, however, was far from smooth.
“I went to several pediatricians… and they would say, ‘You’re a first-time mom, don’t worry,’” she recalled. “And we lost precious time that he could have been receiving services.”
That experience now shapes PASS’s mission to support newly diagnosed families.
“Someone who’s just received a diagnosis… they feel overwhelmed and confused, and so we’re here to let them know they’re not alone,” she said.
Creating belonging through activities
A core part of PASS’s work is helping individuals feel connected—not isolated.
Through Challenger baseball, participants of all abilities can take part, often with support from family members.
“There’s children in wheelchairs… they can hit the ball, and then Mom and Dad run them around the bases, and you can see their face light up. I mean, it’s beautiful. It’s a beautiful thing,” Passaro said.
She recalled one especially meaningful moment:
“There’s a young man… he’s in his 40s… it was the first time he ever played baseball, and he was almost crying… ‘I did it. I did it. I hit the ball.’”
PASS also created a “speed-friending” program for neurodivergent adults who struggle socially.
“These are individuals who feel very socially awkward… they’re not people that are going to go out to a bar or join a club,” she said. “So we’ve created this environment where… they can start conversations.”
The impact is tangible. “People exchanged numbers or emails… so that they would develop some friends,” she added.
Programs that build confidence
Beyond connection, PASS programs aim to build independence and everyday skills.
“I think we’ve helped individuals build confidence through our different programs,” Passaro said.
In cooking classes, families often notice real change at home. “One family said, after our class, my son cooks eggs every morning,” she shared.
Art classes have sparked unexpected creativity. “There was a woman who said, my daughter had never had much interest in art, and now she has her sketchbook with her all the time,” she said.
Other programs have led to breakthrough moments. Through a biking initiative, one participant achieved something his family had pursued for decades.
“His parents said, ‘We’ve been trying to teach him how to ride a bike for like 20 years,’” Passaro recalled. “And the second day… he was riding the bike around. His parents were crying. We were crying.”
Giving a voice to the nonverbal
PASS also supports nonverbal individuals through iPad-based communication tools.
“The first time that your child can say, ‘I love you,’ when they haven’t spoken a word, and they can put it on their iPad and have the iPad say it… that’s a pretty big thing,” Passaro said.
Using specialized software, individuals can communicate through symbols, text, and speech output.
“There’s software that has all different icons… whether it’s food they want or an activity they want, or they can type sentences… try to have communication that way,” she explained.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite progress, families in the Poconos still face significant barriers.
“There aren’t enough speech therapists… and especially for adults, there’s almost nothing,” Passaro said.
Transportation is another challenge.
“If you can’t drive, you depend on your parents… and if they’re working, that becomes an issue,” she explained.
Funding also remains an ongoing concern. “We rely on foundations and fundraisers… it’s hard to fit into traditional funding categories,” she said.
Looking ahead, Passaro is focused on long-term solutions—especially for adults with autism.
“What happens to my son when I’m gone?” she said.
PASS is now working toward developing housing alongside an enrichment center.
“We want a place where they’re safe and happy… with classes like art, cooking, and exercise all in one place,” she said. “A community where they can live with their friends.”
For Passaro, the mission remains deeply personal.
“I want him to have a happy life… that inspires me to keep going,” she said.
How to reach PASS
Families and community members who want to learn more about Pike Autism Support Services can connect directly with the organization through its Milford office at the Milford Community House, 201 Broad St., Suite #4 in Milford, Pennsylvania.
PASS also remains accessible by phone at 570-832-4000 or via email at [email protected], and shares updates and community events through its website, www.passnepa.org, as well as its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pikeautism/.
The organization continues to welcome families, volunteers, and community partners who want to support its mission of building inclusion, independence, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and related disabilities across the Poconos.
