AST School Break Program Helps Kids Keep Building Skills in New Orleans 

When schools close for fall or winter breaks, many children with autism lose access to the structure and support they depend on during the school year. In the New Orleans region, two Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) team members saw that gap and filled it. 

Behavior Analyst Supervisor Kyler Halbert and Regional Administrative Manager Jovanda Cromwell created a holiday-break program that keeps therapy consistent while giving kids a place to connect, create, and grow. 

Held at the Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning, at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, the AST School Break Sessions use the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to help children practice social, communication, and daily living skills in a fun, supportive setting. 

Below, Halbert and Cromwell answer common questions about how the program started, what families can expect, and why it is already making a difference. 

What Inspired AST’s School Break Program in New Orleans? 

Halbert: We noticed that during school holidays, families often have trouble keeping home sessions consistent. Some kids thrive in school-based routines but find it hard to transition to therapy at home. We wanted to offer a structured option that keeps services steady and still feels like a break. 

 
Cromwell: I knew the facility had space available, and Kyler and I had talked about this idea for months. When the opportunity opened up, we went to our director and proposed it. It is the only program like this in the New Orleans area, and the school-based site was excited to partner with us. 

How Do the Sessions Support Families and Kids? 

Halbert: Many parents worry about social situations for their kids. They want them to have friends and group experiences, but they also want to know those settings are safe and supported. Our sessions make that possible. Each child works one-on-one with a behavior technician who can step in when needed but also fade back to let kids interact naturally. 
 

Cromwell: From an administrative side, it also helps staff stay connected and consistent. During breaks, families cannot always schedule home sessions. This gives behavior technicians meaningful work time and keeps continuity for everyone involved. 

Who Can Attend AST’s School Break Program? 

Halbert: The program is open to AST clients who are school-age and benefit from extra practice in social or independent-living skills. Most of our current participants are between 6 and 12 years old, grouped by age and support level, so activities are well-matched. 

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? 

Halbert: The day mirrors a school schedule but with more variety and fun. Kids arrive for breakfast and social time, then move through activity rooms focused on art, sensory play, and motor skills. We have a gross-motor area for indoor games, a sensory room filled with textures and fidget tools, and an instructional zone for independent-living practice, such as brushing teeth on a model mouth or washing dishes in a play kitchen. We also get outside for playground time when the weather allows. 

How Does the Program Use ABA Principles? 

Halbert: Everything we do ties back to ABA. We set up the environment so natural opportunities for communication and cooperation happen throughout the day. If a child asks for help or joins a game, we reinforce that immediately. It is a real-world setting where kids can practice social skills and see quick, positive results. 

What Feedback Have You Received from Families? 

Halbert: Parents have been thrilled. One mom was amazed to see her child playing the piano at the site because she did not know he could do that. Others love the art projects their kids bring home and the new skills they are showing. The kids ask me, “When is the next one?” and that is the best sign of all. 

 
Cromwell: The staff are excited, too. They enjoy seeing their clients succeed in a new environment and look forward to these sessions during holiday breaks. 

What’s Next for AST’s School Break Sessions? 

Halbert: We started with a pilot in October and are now expanding for Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Long-term, we would like to offer School Break Sessions during every major holiday and possibly summer, so families always have a consistent option. 

Cromwell: We hope to grow into more Louisiana regions, starting right here in New Orleans. 

How Can Families Learn More or Enroll? 

Families already working with AST can contact their child’s supervisor directly about the next School Break Session. New families interested in services or program details can contact the AST New Orleans team at autismtherapies.com/locations/new-orleans#contact or call 1-866-278-1520.