Programming

The Intensive Therapy program is created to teach an array of functional skills to help the child with autism to cope and communicate within the demands of everyday life. The scope of the curriculum includes language concepts, basic reading skills, communication, social, play, leisure and self-care. Programming is individualized to address the unique needs of each learner. It is a behavioral based program using the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with an appropriate combination of discrete trial training, incidental teaching procedures, task analysis and chaining. Programming is created and supervised by a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and a Speech Language Pathologist. The structure of the center is created to allow the child to learn these skills in dedicated instruction rooms and then transfer these skills into the natural settings of the home environment available in the BY YOUR SIDE center (family room, kitchen, activity room and playground). Research has shown that the ability to transfer learned skills into the natural environment is imperative for generalization and functional use.

The Language Builder program is created to teach fundamental language and communication skills to allow the child to have foundational knowledge to cope and communicate in academic and social routines. The scope of the curriculum includes language concepts, basic reading skills, communication skills, social interactions and interactive play skills. The unique quality of this program is the progression of varying levels. Each level requires the acquisition and mastery of certain language and communication skills before moving to the next level. Each level is coded by colors (color bracelets) in an effort to pursue the highest level – the black bracelet (or black belt, if you will) of language concepts. This program does not tolerate allowance for splintered skills but rather persistently pursues mastery of fundamental skills. It combines the fundamentals of several research based methods including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Picture Exchange Communication (PEC’s), Greenspan’s Floortime, and Structured Teaching as defined by TEACCH of University of North Carolina to teach language concepts and communication skills. The programming is created specifically for each individual by the Speech Language Pathologist to include individual and group therapy in a variety of natural settings available in the BY YOUR SIDE center (dedicated instruction rooms, family room, kitchen, activity room and playground). Upon initial evaluation, the appropriate level is determined; group assignments are determined by level and age considerations. The therapy team, which includes the family as an essential member, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity for the child.

The Augmentative Communication program is intended for children and young adults who currently have access to communication devices but are not realizing the full potential of the device. The objective is to teach the child to navigate through routine activities using the device and to teach the family effective and efficient management of the device. The scope of the curriculum for the child includes language concepts, basic reading skills, communication skills, social interactions and interactive play skills. The curriculum also includes device programming (how and what), maintenance (quick fixes) and effective use in the home for parents. Programming is created by the Speech Language Pathologist to include individual, group and family therapy in a variety of natural settings available in the BY YOUR SIDE center (dedicated instruction rooms, family room, kitchen, activity room and playground). It uses the principles of research based methods of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Greenspan’s Floortime, and Structured Teaching as defined by TEACCH of University of North Carolina focused on the acquisition of required skills for successful use of communication devices. The therapy team, which includes the family as an essential member, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity for the child.

The Social Circles program is intended for children and young adults who have adequate language skills but have difficulty navigating through conversation and social interactions. It uses principles of research based methods of social skills training which include direct instruction, rehearsal, feedback/reinforcement, and reductive procedures. As a part of the social skills program, special interest groups will be offered throughout the year including dinner club, I love sports, Hollywood buzz and hobby club. Group assignments will be determined by age, level and availability. The therapy team, which includes the family as an essential member, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity for the child.

The Life Language program is created for adults with autism 21 years or older who need to develop or enhance language skills in the community, socially or in the work environment. This program has the flexibility to address language needs at all levels and of all types (e.g., written, augmentative communication, speech and pragmatics). The programming is created specifically for each individual by the Speech Language Pathologist to include individual and group therapy in a variety of natural settings available in the BY YOUR SIDE center (dedicated instruction rooms, family room, kitchen, activity room). The therapy team, which includes the family or guardians, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity for the individual.

Scheduling available Mondays and Fridays 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Baby Talk program is created for children ages 0-4 years at risk for speech and language delays, diagnosis of PDD or autism and their parents. Parents and children will work together with the speech language pathologist to develop expressive and receptive language skills for the child. Therapist will help parents develop and master strategies to enhance their child's language learning opportunities that can be implemented in everyday life. The programming is created specifically for each family by the Speech Language Pathologist to be implemented in natural settings available in the BY YOUR SIDE center (dedicated instruction rooms, family room, kitchen, activity room). The therapy team, which includes the family, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity.

Scheduling available Tuesdays- Thursday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Words with a Purpose program is intended for children with autism who have strong word sight recognition skills but difficulty comprehending. It is also for those individuals who have a difficult time expressing their thoughts in written form. The programming is created specifically for each individual by the Speech Language Pathologist. The therapy team, which includes the family or guardians, will determine appropriate frequency and intensity for the individual.

Scheduling available - please call the center for available time