The Early Learner Program focuses on the unique needs of very young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Early Learner Program applies the principles of behavior analysis in a warm, nurturing environment. Parent training is provided to familiarize parents with the basics of ABA.
Serving children 5 and younger.
The center based Early Learner Program offers intensive intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior. Therapy is delivered one-to-one by trained therapists that are supported by an exceptional team. Each team consists of a clinical director, assistant clinical director, program manager, team leader, speech therapist, occupational therapist, group coordinator and several front-line therapists. Your child will have opportunities throughout the day to participate in small groups with peers during circle/calendar time, centers, play/social time and lunch. Other activities include community outings, music and physical play.
Children ready for more instruction will be placed in cognitive (language, reading, math) development groups. However, the majority of your child's day will be spent working on his/her specific program goals. Because of the one-to-one ratio, the therapy is intense. This intense therapy gives your child the opportunity to respond hundreds of times each hour - that is, each skill is practiced again and again until it becomes natural and routine. Your child works at his/her own pace on skills that are meaningful to them. Your child will have his/her own work space but therapy may take place in a variety of settings (lunch room, motor room, group room, playground, etc) to allow for the opportunity of skill generalization.
When the time is right, we will begin toilet training and food expansions programs, if necessary.
The goal of the early learner program is to make the best use of each child's day and get them ready for preschool and/or kindergarten. We will teach your child the skills needed to be as successful as possible in a more typical setting. As the transition process is so important, we will support your child in the new environment until he/she is ready for increased independence, then begin to slowly fade our services.