Programs at Early Intervention Center
The Early Bird Program: This is a center-based program that utilizes one-on-one instruction for children with autism. We utilize empirically validated techniques based on the principles of 
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help children “learn how to learn.” Children can enroll in the program for a ½ day or full day session. Part time enrollment is either in the morning (9:00 am – 11:30 am) or in the afternoon (12:30 pm – 3:00 pm), two and a half hours a day, five days a week. There is an hour of group time between the sessions that the children have the opportunity to attend. From 11:30 am – 12:00 pm the children eat lunch. From 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm the children participate in a structure group time. Full time children attend the center from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Children are assigned to one of the Center’s dedicated staff that works with them throughout the session. The children rotate through the staff to promote generalization. Every child has an individualized program book that is created especially for him/her based on the results of the assessment, behaviors, and outside program involvement (if the child attends school part-time, sees a speech therapist, etc, we want to coordinate our program to maximize the efficiency of all of the child’s activities). We also take into account the short- and long-term goals of the family.
Examples of content areas that we may target are: receptive language, behavior, imitation, vocalizations, manding (requesting), tacting (labeling), intraverbals (conversation), grammar, play, socialization, group instruction, generalized responding, reading, writing, spelling, math, daily living skills, and gross and fine motor skills.
Data is taken throughout the day. We track every potential learning opportunity that the
children have during the day. The staff then graphs all of the data at the end of each day so that we have an immediate visual of the child’s progress. The Clinical Director monitors the programs data on a consistent basis to determine if any changes need to be made.
Children are videotaped month, which parents have the opportunity to view at any time. Daily Progress Reports (DPRs) are sent home at the end of every day. Parents also have the opportunity to meet with the Clinical Director once a month to go over their child’s entire program book and to discuss strategies for transferring what the children are learning to other environments.
The Conditioned Caterpillars Program: This is an 8 week long (mid June to mid August) structured summer camp that focuses on learning in a group environment. It was originally formed in order to aid in the transition of children who were going to be “graduating” from the center and moving on to kindergarten or first grade. However, over the years this program has evolved to be more than that. There is a morning and afternoon session. The children are divided up into sessions based on their current skill levels. We try to place them in a group with other children who are around their same level.
The morning program is still similar to what the program was started for. It is designed to be for children who are going to be attending school in the fall. The children in this session should have strong verbal skills, have the ability to attend for an extended period of time and have the ability to transition without one-on-one support.
The afternoon session is for the children who may not be attending a typical classroom in the fall, but will still benefit from learning skills in a group environment. Appropriate behaviors will be gradually shaped and instructors will continuously fade themselves away from the children to create more independence.
Skills that will be addressed in both sessions:
Attending to an instructor in a group environment
Building academic skills
Increasing socialization
Shaping appropriate classroom behavior
Independent work with caterpillar supervisors
Following directions within a group environment
Utilizing fine motor skills
Following classroom routines
Playing appropriately
Appropriate friendship behaviors
Additional Information about the Conditioned Caterpillars Program: All children attending this program must have the approval of the Clinical Director. She will meet with each child to ensure they are ready for the program and for proper placement in the sessions. Spots will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Groups will not exceed 6 students (with 2 technicians). The dates, times, and prices will be set in January and we will begin taking applications at this point.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with speech therapy: The Early Intervention Center has begun a new treatment program for children with autism, combining Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with speech therapy through a collaborative partnership with Total Communication, a children’s speech and language clinic operated by Lepak & Associates. We are currently accepting applications for the ABA with speech therapy program.
Please contact Jessica Rogers jrogers@actnetwork.org to reserve a spot for your child or to learn more about the program.
You can also learn amore about Lepak & Associates at www.lepakassociates.com