Program Overview
Many children receive support services from our Language and Behavior Program. The methodology used is Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA. the term ABA is commonly used synonymously with Discrete Trial Teaching.
ABA is proven by research to be effective with children with Autism. Discrete Trial Therapy is one methodology within ABA. We use a variety of strategies as part of our Language and Behavior Program. Some of those include:
* Pivotal Response Training - PRT (Dr. Laura Schriebman)
* Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children - TEACCH (Dr. Gary Mesibov/University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
* Social Stories (Carol Gray)
* Picture Exchange System - PECS (Dr. Andrew Bondy and Lori Frost)
* Sensory Integration Techniques
We work with children from Preschool through elementary school. Direct services as well as consultation and aide support in the classrooms are available as identified on each child's IEP.
Staff Members in the D.T. Department serve a dual role. In the D.T. room they work as Therapists working one-on-one with our students in the Discrete Trial portion of our program. Our goal is to prepare our students for the transition into one of California Avenues preschool/kindergarten classrooms. Most children who transition into the classroom still need some one-on-one support. A staff member is then assigned as an Independence Facilitator (IF). The IF goes into the classroom with the child to provide extra support for the child and the classroom teacher. Normally, staff/student assignments change on a regular basis.
Every month a calendar is sent home for each of our students. The calendar lists the time that the child receives his/her therapy as well as the therapist working with the child; dates for our monthly parent education and support group meetings; and individual clinic meetings.
Reservations for the Parent Education and Support Group meetings should be made by the Monday before the scheduled meeting. Child care is offered. Family and friends are welcome.