Tucked into the heart of Lancaster County is a local gem making a big impact on small lives—Swank Early Skills Development, a specialized center providing early intervention services for children with autism. Founded by lifelong educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Cynthia Swank, Swank Early Skills Development has been changing the course of childhood for over a decade by helping young autistic learners develop the communication and behavioral skills they need to thrive.

Cindy’s journey is one of dedication, passion, and service. Raised in Hummelstown, she earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and later completed her master’s degree at Millersville University. She built a career in public education, working as a special education teacher and consultant for 20 years. During this career, she served as an educational consultant for IU15 and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, where she trained educators and their teams in effective intervention strategies for students with disabilities.

Through this work, Cindy observed a troubling pattern: many older students still lacked a functional way to communicate. Recognizing that early intervention could have significantly changed their developmental path, she shifted her focus to working with children from birth to age six. This critical window of development—when the brain is at its most adaptable—became the foundation of her passion and purpose.

In 2014, she began privately serving families across Central Pennsylvania, often working from her car, home, or even local coffee shops. By 2015, Swank Early Skills Development officially opened its doors, and in 2018, it established a center in Lancaster County. Concentrating efforts locally allowed the organization to grow deeper roots and have a greater impact on the community.

Swank Early Skills Development became the first provider in Lancaster County to offer center-based intensive early intervention services. Having a dedicated space allowed the team to create a more structured and supportive environment tailored to each child’s needs. It also provided opportunities to host events for clients and their families, such as fall festivals, trick-or-treat practice nights, Santa pictures, and Easter egg hunts—giving children with autism the same joyful experiences that their neurotypical peers enjoy while also supporting the development of social skills in a safe and supportive setting.

What sets Swank Early Skills Development apart is its individualized approach and community-based values. As Lancaster’s only locally owned and operated ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy provider, decisions are driven by the needs of children and families, not corporate profit models. The team collaborates with other early intervention service providers, IU preschool services, and other therapies to ensure that each child receives comprehensive support without asking families to compromise on care.

Cindy’s background in ABA is both extensive and trailblazing. She began using ABA techniques well before they were widely adopted. In 2004, she was one of the first 12 internal coaches in Pennsylvania to receive intensive training through the state’s Autism Initiative. Her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and access to advanced resources have positioned Swank Early Skills Development as a state-licensed Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) provider with a specialized designation for ABA services.

Swank Early Skills Development continues to grow not just in size, but in impact. The team is preparing to launch free autism screenings, offering families a vital first step toward early diagnosis and intervention. Education, advocacy, and service are all central to the center’s mission—not just for clients, but for the future of the field. Swank also supports graduate students by offering mentorship and free fieldwork supervision that is required for them to qualify for their PA State Behavior License and to be eligible to sit for their exam to become a nationally Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Cindy attributes the center’s success to its ability to remain flexible, responsive, and client-centered. Families are supported whether they choose Swank’s services or need help finding another provider that better suits their needs. The goal is always to help children receive the support they need—regardless of where that support comes from.

Her commitment to Lancaster County is both personal and professional.  Digging deep in her genealogy over the past decade, she found that many generations of ancestors on both her paternal and maternal sides of the family homesteaded in Lancaster County when they arrived from Europe in the 1700s, creating a more profound sense of connection to the community she now serves. She finds balance through mindfulness and travel—especially snorkeling, which she views as a reflection of her approach to life and work. Remaining still and fully present allows hidden details to emerge, much like how attentiveness and patience help uncover the unique needs and potential of the children she supports.

Every day at Swank Early Skills Development reflects a greater mission: to ensure that autistic children in Lancaster County have access to the tools and support they need during their most formative years. With a passionate team, a clear purpose, and a heart rooted in service, this locally grown organization is helping to shape a stronger future—one child at a time.

To learn more about Swank Early Skills Development, upcoming events, and free autism screenings, follow them on social media or visit www.swankesd.com.