Building Blocks Autism Program

Overview

Building Blocks Developmental Preschool offers a comprehensive treatment plan for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through age five. There are many treatments available for children diagnosed as having autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Extensive research has shown empirically that children who receive early and intensive education using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have significant gains in cognitive, communication, and social relatedness skills. ABA uses reinforcement to shape behavior and to help children learn new skills. The goal is to help each child achieve the greatest degree of independence possible and to provide the skills he or she will need to function successfully and reach their fullest potential. Our program offers an intensive ABA program individualized to meet the needs of each child. We provide intervention using discrete trial instruction, verbal behavior strategies, and incidental teaching opportunities. The development and generalization of social skills, speech and language, cognition, and daily living skills is the goal for every child. Our teaching occurs in structured settings in the home and school, as well as in natural settings in the home and community.

Our Autism program offers:

Individualized curricula
A collaborative team approach
Team meetings
Weekly family training
Data based decision making
Systematic assessment of each child’s skills
Integrated socialization groups
Parent support groups
Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as indicated on each child’s education plan
Special Education Itinerant Teachers (SEIT)
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Our teachers are all New York State certified in special education, and early intervention providers have undergone extensive training to meet Suffolk County ABA competency recommendations. All teachers and assistants are under the direct supervision of an ABA coordinator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Ongoing individual and group supervision is provided, and inservice training is offered in behavior management, augmentative communication, and other relevant areas on an ongoing basis.

EARLY INTERVENTION ABA

Building Blocks is proud to offer several models of service delivery for children with autism spectrum disorders from birth through age 3. The various options are designed to meet the specific needs of each child and family receiving services.

Option 1:

1 ½ hour group instruction daily in integrated early intervention class
2 hour 1:1 ABA session daily in school setting
1-2 90 minute 1:1 ABA sessions daily in the home/community setting
Home and center ABA combined equals approximately 20 hours
Parent training in the home once per week
Speech, OT, PT as indicated on child’s IFSP
Regular team meetings, including parents, in the school setting
Transportation available

Option 2:

Several 1 ½ hour home-based ABA sessions daily to equal approximately 20 hours per week
1 ½ hour group instruction several times per week in integrated early intervention class
Parent training in the home once per week
Speech, OT, PT as indicated on IFSP in the home
Regular team meetings, including parents, in the school setting

Option 3:

Several 1 ½ hour home-based ABA sessions daily to equal approximately 20 hours per week
Parent training in the home once per week
Speech, OT, PT as indicated on IFSP, in the home
Regular team meetings, including parents, in the school or home setting
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An important component of our EI ABA program is group instruction, which provides an opportunity for children to generalize and use in a functional way, the skills they learn in the 1:1 ABA setting. In addition, the group instructor, who is also a part of the child’s ABA team, is able to observe the child with other children and facilitate social and communication skill development.

Our team approach utilizes lead teachers who coordinate ABA teachers and related service providers (speech, OT, PT) to provide a cohesive treatment team for each child and family. Lead teachers provide family training once a week in the home, which serves to educate parents and other family members. Families learn how to help their children learn and generalize skills throughout their day in all settings. They become integral parts of the child’s team, and are involved in decision making and choosing functional goals for their child.

PRESCHOOL ABA

The preschool program at Building Blocks is comprised of half day (2 ½ hour) and full day (4 hour) special education classes, as well as half day integrated classes. Children on the autism spectrum are placed in the appropriate class for their individual needs( i.e. the least restrictive environment, as determined at their CPSE and indicated on their Individualized Education Plan). ABA services approved by the child’s school district are provided in addition to their class placement, either before or after school. They are provided in the home, school, or community setting, and are dependent on what best meets the specific needs of the child.

Our preschool ABA program includes several models of service delivery:

1:1 sessions before or after school in the home
Services with SEIT teachers in the community or in a typical preschool, where appropriate
1:1 ABA sessions at Building Blocks before or after class
Opportunities to learn in small social skills groups with 1:1 SEIT teachers
Six week summer program for children who qualify

ABA services at the preschool level follow the school calendar. There are generally no services on weekends, or during regularly scheduled holidays and school vacations.