At Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), we believe that all scientifically-validated approaches should be considered whenever developing an autism therapy program for an individual with autism. We have developed a unique and very effective autism therapy program grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the most widely researched and scientifically-validated approach to treating autism. These autism services include a combination of highly structured and more loosely structured teaching environments which we have found to be most effective. We continuously monitor and evaluate each individual’s unique challenges and goals to create and maintain the most effective and clinically appropriate autism therapy program possible.

Our autism programs and services include:

In-Home Assessments
It’s not always easy to tell if a child may be falling behind his or her peers. Many parents recognize differences in their young child, but are unsure if there is genuine reason for concern or where to turn for help. We can help by offering concerned parents an in-home developmental assessment for children ages six months to five years. A complete assessment involves parent and primary caregiver interviews as well as direct observation of the child in his/her natural environment. Once this evaluation is complete, our staff will create an autism therapy program tailored to meet the child’s specific needs. Our fun, play-based autism therapy sessions are interactive and family-friendly, conducted in the child’s natural home environment with parental participation.

“Catch-up” Program
We offer an intensive four month parent education program that provides strategies for stimulating developmental growth and enhancing communication, social-interaction, and play skills between parents and their infants. This in-home program provides parents with information regarding typical infant development, and shows them how to incorporate play-based “teaching opportunities” using daily activities and routines, such as bath time or meal time to encourage skills development in their children. Our “catch up” program is designed specifically for infants determined to be at-risk for developing autism or those showing early signs of developmental delay. Children from six months to 16 months of age may participate.

Early Intervention Services
It is generally accepted that a great deal of brain development happens in a child’s first three years, as social skills are integrated with language skills. Early intervention ideally begins as soon as there is any suspicion of developmental delay, as much can be done to get a child back onto a typical developmental track. Our in-home autism therapy program for children under three focuses on building functional communication, social, self-help, and play skills. An AST therapist will work one-on-one in your home with you and your child, and a supervisor will meet with you on a regular basis to discuss the child’s progress and goals. This intensive autism therapy program calls for hands-on involvement from parents as they learn effective techniques for enhancing their child’s developmental growth.

Starting School 
Once a child turns three, our autism therapy services extend beyond the home to the classroom.  Autism Spectrum Therapies develops supplemental classroom-based materials, trains school staff, and provides ongoing support and supervision in the classroom. In close collaboration with parents, we target language, social, and play skills during after-school sessions within the child’s home. Sibling education, play dates, and other activities within the wider community are an important extension of this program.

Social Skills Groups
We offer small, structured, skill-based social skills groups for children ages three and up. Developing a child’s social success will enhance opportunities for successful learning in all activities where social interaction and understanding are critical. Children are placed with other children of similar age and ability and meet 2-3 times a week. Each group has no more than six children and child-to-staff ratios are low, with 2-3 children per therapist.

Positive Behavioral Support 
Our comprehensive positive behavioral supports help children, teens, and adults with autism learn functional communication and social skills, self-management, and coping strategies. Goals of this autism therapy program may include reducing challenging behavior, incorporating communication and social skills, developing verbal and non-verbal skills, improving academic readiness and motivation, parent education, and training and support for families.