Swank Early Skills Development

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.

Welcome to Monday Milestones, a new weekly series where we break down developmental milestones in a clear, supportive, a...
01/05/2026

Welcome to Monday Milestones, a new weekly series where we break down developmental milestones in a clear, supportive, and parent-friendly way. First up — communication milestones.

By around 6 months of age, you may begin to notice your child:
• Making simple babbling sounds when alone.
• Taking turns making sounds with you — almost like a back-and-forth conversation.
• Responding to voices, facial expressions, and interaction.

These early communication behaviors are essential building blocks for later speech, language, and social connection.

If your child is not yet engaging in these behaviors, it does not mean you have done anything wrong, but it may be a sign that extra support could help. Early identification and support can make a meaningful difference.

At Swank Early Skills Development, we meet children exactly where they are and provide individualized, compassionate support to help them grow their communication skills with confidence.

Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help.
Visit us: www.swankearlyskillsdevelopment.com.

Early support matters — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Happy New Year from Swank Early Skills Development!As we welcome a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the familie...
01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Swank Early Skills Development!

As we welcome a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the families who trust us, the children who inspire us, and the progress we celebrate together every day.

A new year brings fresh beginnings, new goals, and countless opportunities for growth, and we’re honored to continue supporting each child’s unique journey. Whether progress comes in big milestones or small, meaningful steps, every moment matters.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, confidence, connection, and continued growth. Thank you for being part of our Swank family.

Cheers to a bright and hopeful year ahead!

Sensory play is more than a fun activity — it’s a powerful way for children to learn, explore, and make sense of the wor...
12/29/2025

Sensory play is more than a fun activity — it’s a powerful way for children to learn, explore, and make sense of the world around them.

Through touch, sound, sight, movement, and even smell, sensory play helps children:
Build strong neural connections.
Regulate their emotions.
Strengthen fine motor and gross motor skills.
Explore creativity and imagination.
Improve focus and engagement.
Practice calming and self-soothing strategies.

For neurodivergent children especially, sensory play provides a safe and meaningful way to understand their environment, express their needs, and develop foundational skills at their own pace.

When a child engages with sensory bins, play-dough, water play, kinetic sand, or textured materials, they’re not “just playing” — they’re building important skills for daily life, communication, and learning.

Sensory play is joyful.
It’s purposeful.
And it’s essential.

Interested in learning more? Visit www.swankesd.com.

Stimming — like hand flapping, rocking, humming, or tapping — is often misunderstood. But for many autistic and neurodiv...
12/26/2025

Stimming — like hand flapping, rocking, humming, or tapping — is often misunderstood. But for many autistic and neurodivergent children, stimming is an important form of regulation, not a “behavior problem.”

Stimming can help children:
Manage overwhelming sensory input.
Reduce stress or anxiety.
Express joy or excitement.
Stay focused.
Feel grounded and safe.

Instead of trying to stop stimming, we can ask:
What is this helping them cope with?
Is the environment overwhelming?
Are they expressing emotion?

When we understand the purpose behind stimming, we create space for children to feel accepted and supported — just as they are.

Stimming isn’t something to eliminate.
It’s something to understand.

For more information visit www.swankesd.com.

Merry Christmas from Swank Early Skills Development!We want to wish you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and mea...
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Swank Early Skills Development!

We want to wish you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and meaningful moments with the ones you love.

This time of year reminds us how important connection, compassion, and support truly are. We are so grateful for the incredible families, children, therapists, and team members who make our community so special. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re honored to support each child’s journey of growth, learning, and confidence.

May your holidays be bright, your hearts be full, and your days sprinkled with extra magic.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from all of us at Swank Early Skills Development!

🎄🎅🏼 Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse… 💚❤️Merry Christmas, Everyone❤️💚
12/24/2025

🎄🎅🏼 Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse…

💚❤️Merry Christmas, Everyone❤️💚

Winter brings cozy moments, chilly days, and plenty of opportunities for sensory-friendly fun! Supporting your child’s s...
12/24/2025

Winter brings cozy moments, chilly days, and plenty of opportunities for sensory-friendly fun! Supporting your child’s sensory needs doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes the simplest activities bring the most comfort.

Tell us… which calming winter activity does your child enjoy most?

Weighted Blanket + Movie
A warm, grounding way to relax and unwind.
OR
Winter Themed Sensory Bin
A fun, tactile experience that brings winter indoors — without the cold!

Both activities honor regulation, comfort, and creativity while giving your child a peaceful way to enjoy the season. Share your favorite below!

At Swank Early Skills Development, our mission is simple:Every child deserves to learn, grow, and thrive in an environme...
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.

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

THIS OR THAT? Holiday Calm ActivitiesHolidays can be exciting, busy, and full of sensory input — so balancing the excite...
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!

The holiday season brings excitement, gatherings, and schedule changes — but for neurodivergent children, those shifts c...
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.

Create a “Calm Corner”The holidays can be magical… but they can also come with bright lights, bustling gatherings, new e...
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.

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

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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.