Developmental Learning Center
Alexander Leigh Center for Autism
Developmental Learning Center
Our Developmental Learning Center is a unique solution to the challenge of teaching a child with autism within a safe and supportive environment. Our program is designed to fit the individual needs of each child.
We offer an intensive 25 hour per week year-round program which includes the following:
- One to One Support
- Creative Arts Programs
- Music Therapy
- Family Support Services (IEP, Transitions, Resource)
- Program Carry-over to the Home and Community
- Positive Behavioral Support
- Daily Living Skills
- Sensory Support
Our program is designed and implemented by a Behavior Consultant who has more than 10 years of experience developing individual programs for children with autism. Our teaching assistants are highly trained in all methods used at ALCA. Training is provided on an ongoing basis.
Research has shown that for any methodology to be effective in treating children with autism, it needs to be delivered with sufficient intensity. The National Research Council Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism recommends that educational services for children with autistic spectrum disorders (including PDD-NOS) include a minimum of 25 hours a week, 12 months a year, in which the child is engaged in systematically planned, and developmentally appropriate educational activity toward identified objectives. The priorities of focus (should) include functional communication, social instruction delivered throughout the day in various settings, cognitive development and play skills, and proactive approaches to behavior problems.
To teach new skills, therapy must be provided on a one-to-one basis (not in a group format), and there should be a prescribed method to carryover any teaching techniques used at school to the home and community environments. Specific, planned interventions must be carried out to facilitate transfer of skills taught in a one-to-one setting to more natural environments.
