The doorway from Washington Road leads to an unassuming foyer, similar to any found in countless offices in countless older buildings.

From the viewpoint of parents who struggle daily with the challenges of raising autistic children, however, the place might seem a godsend.

The Autism Center of Pittsburgh opened its third branch last month, with the Mt. Lebanon offices joining those in Moon and Ross.

"What happened was, we had opened a North Hills center and people in the South Hills were clamoring 'Please, please, we want one now,' " said Cindy Waeltermann, founder of the center and AutismLink, the area's largest support network for families dealing with autism.

Fund-raisers through LEBO (Lifestyles Enriched By Opportunity) and a grant from the Alcoa Foundation made the South Hills center a reality, although in many ways it's still just getting started.

Office manager Kristin Gallagher, who lives in Mt. Lebanon, joked that in the first few weeks, when utilities were getting set up "We were like Gilligan's Island: no phone, no TV."

But things are coming along nicely now. Just inside the entrance is an occupational therapy room decorated in bright, primary colors.

Shelves filled with toys line the back wall, although white curtains cover the cubbies to avert any chance of distraction.

The center offers occupational and physical therapies, speech and language therapies, psychological evaluations, the chance for therapeutic classes in theater and music and, of course, respite support and information for parents and caregivers.

The Autism Center of Pittsburgh works with Aspire Pediatric Therapy, LLC, which provides the therapists.

"Not all of the children here have autism. Some are here for classes, such as speech therapy," said Mrs. Gallagher, who added that help is also available for children with other medical conditions, such as Down syndrome.

The three centers operate on grants and donations. A play area with a large toy kitchen is just off the main reception area, and a real kitchen is in the works just beyond.

"Eventually, we'll do feeding therapy," said Mrs. Gallagher.

An office for the two staff psychologists features two large desks and a pale gold-colored couch with new pillows to brighten things up.

"We're not fancy," Mrs. Gallagher said, "but we get the job done."

The job is becoming increasingly busy. Since the center opened, about 40 children have come for services each week.

The Centers for Disease Control released a report last year indicating that as many as one in 150 children in the United States displayed symptoms of broad-range spectrum autism.

"Our [occupational therapy] appointments are almost completely booked, and we're looking to bringing in a second OT and speech therapist," said Mrs. Waeltermann, who said there is a shortage of therapists in the area.

Families are encouraged to sit in on therapy sessions, the better to practice at home later.

A psychologist is available several times each month for evaluations.

"I'm blown away, actually, with how quickly those appointments have filled up," Mrs. Waeltermann said. "Many parents have to wait five months or more for [hospital evaluations], and if you suspect your child has autism, you need services immediately. Five months is an enormous amount of time to wait."

Mrs. Waeltermann and Mrs. Gallagher are mothers of autistic children who know all too well the shock, followed by frustration, of trying to get services and support after a diagnosis.

"I fumbled through the system. I remember almost crashing my van on the way home [after daughter Lauren, now 6, was diagnosed]," said Mrs. Gallagher, whose two sons also have autism.

"When there's a new diagnosis [at the South Hills center], I don't let them just walk out the door. I'm not a counselor, but I am a parent."

Private health insurance occasionally pays for certain speech and occupational therapy services on a case-by-case basis. Pennsylvania residents receive some services through state medical funds until they're 21 years old.

State-level medical assistance pays for most wraparound services.

A proposed bill in the state house would mandate a basic level of Health insurance coverage for children and adults with autism, but it faces a tough fight.

"The cost of wraparound services a year are ungodly," said Mrs. Gallagher, a former emergency medical technician. "Insurance companies usually just say 'Sorry, we don't pay that.' "

She added: "One of my goals is to help parents jump through the hoops and barrels [of the health system]."

"You feel like your life is over; that's why we're here," said Mrs. Waeltermann.

The South Hills center had its first support group meeting last week. As calls came in to register, Mrs. Gallagher rolled her eyes in false panic and said "Where am I going to get more chairs?"

About 25 people showed up for what Mrs. Gallagher hopes will be a monthly series: "It was wall-to-wall," she said.

From the early response, it's clear there is a demand in the South Hills area. Although special needs services in Allegheny County schools are considered among the best in the state, there are many families whose needs go beyond the classroom.

"People walk in every day and say 'Thank God you're open,' " said Mrs. Gallagher.