Infant Development Program
Connections ABA infant development program is a comprehensive, in-home behavioral intervention program tailored to children ages 12-48 months. Children will be eligible for services if they meet the age requirements and have a social communication disorder and/or behavioral symptoms consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Connections ABA will be utilizing the MIND Institute’s Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). The ESDM is grounded in current empirical knowledge of infant-toddler learning & aims to reduce the severity of autism symptoms. To assist in accelerating learning, the ESDM incorporates teaching strategies from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), pivotal response training (PRT), and teaching practicesdeveloped in the original Denver Model. The goal is to create a minimum of 1 learning opportunity every 10 seconds!
ESDM
At the heart of the ESDM is the empirical knowledge-base of infant-toddler learning and development and the effects of early autism. ESDM intervention is provided in the home by trained and parents during natural play and daily routines.
ESDM is a relationship-based intervention and involves the parents and families; An Early Start for your Child with Autism, is a parent's guide to using everyday activities to help kids connect, communicate, and learn.
The aim of ESDM is to increase the rates of the development in all domains for children with ASD as it simultaneously aims to decrease the symptoms of autism. In particular, this intervention focuses on boosting children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and language, as development in these domains is particularly affected by autism.
ESDM also uses a data-based approach and empirically supported teaching practices that have been found effective from research in applied behavior analysis. ESDM fuses behavioral, relationship-based, and a developmental, play-based approach into an integrated whole that is completely individualized and yet standardized.
For more information visit the following links:
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/research/esdm/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/early-start-denver-model-esdm"
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.
For more information visit the following link:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba
Pivotal Response Training (Therapy)
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a method of systematically applying the scientific principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to teach learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). PRT builds on learner initiative and interests, and is particularly effective for developing communication, language, play, and social behaviors. PRT was developed to create a more efficient and effective intervention by enhancing four pivotal learning variables: motivation, responding to multiple cues, self-management, and self-initiations. According to theory, these skills are pivotal because they are the foundational skills upon which learners with ASD can make widespread and generalized improvements in many other areas.
For more information visit the following links:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/pivotal-response-therapy-prt
What Are Speech Sound Disorders?
Most children make some mistakes as they learn to say new words. A speech sound disorder occurs when mistakes continue past a certain age. Every sound has a different range of ages when the child should make the sound correctly. Speech sound disorders include problems with articulation (making sounds) and phonological processes (sound patterns).
For more information visit the following link:
Early and intensive therapy are the essential first steps to reaching a child’s maximum potential. Our Interventionalist will be with you and your family every step of the way.
You’ve got this! We will help.
