Get in Touch with Ascend Autism!

Get in Touch with Ascend Autism!

Ascend Autism ABA Therapy Center in Westport, CT Is Now Open! Begin Your Enrollment Today!

Autism Therapy Programs

Based on ABA Therapy

Autism Therapy Programs at Ascend Autism

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism, you probably have dozens of questions running through your mind. Does autism have a cure? What does this mean for your child’s future? And, most importantly, how can you help your child?

At Ascend Autism ABA Therapy Center, we understand that each family has unique needs and challenges. We are here to help. Ascend Autism provides a range of treatment options for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), all based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. While there is no cure for autism, scientific studies report that children who receive ABA therapy see improved outcomes in terms of cognitive development, communication, social skills, and functional skills, which can improve their lives dramatically, especially if started at a young age.

Autism therapy programs at Ascend Autism are not one-size-fits-all. Every child with ASD is unique, and the therapy they receive should also be unique. Our services use evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatments to support every child and their family’s journey.

To learn more about our home-based or center-based ABA therapy programs, contact us today!

Our ABA Autism Therapy Services

ABA treatment is most effective when deployed as early as possible upon diagnosis. Early Intervention is typically utilized when treating children from 18 months to seven years old. The therapy is usually more intensive and consists of a weekly program of 20 to 40 hours of treatment.

If the child is older or if the broader set of autism behavioral challenges has already been met, an autism spectrum disorder treatment program can be pared down and focused on more functional activities including hygiene, feeding, chores, and social interaction. This level of targeted intervention usually requires fewer hours of therapy per week (typically 15 to 25 hours).

Additional Autism Therapy Programs

Social Skills Group Activities

Children participate in an engaging social curriculum with similarly aged peers to learn and develop important social skills. Opportunities for social interaction are incorporated in all center-based programs at Ascend Autism.

Parental Training

Participation by the parents is inherent to the core set of therapy services. Additional sessions targeted toward parental-driven activities in the home can further assist the child’s development with regard to autism therapy.

Helping Children And Families Succeed!

Learn More About Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis is a science devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. ABA therapy includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between the environment and a child’s behavior.

In an autism spectrum disorder treatment program, the principles of ABA can be used to teach new skills, shape existing behaviors into new ones, and reduce the frequency of problem behaviors. Encouragement and positive reinforcement – not punishment – form new behaviors that help your child navigate social situations and gain independence.

How does Ascend Autism use ABA Therapy?

While Ascend Autism’s treatment programs are comprehensive, they are entirely based on Applied Behavior Analysis autism therapy, which is accepted as the most effective intervention for treating ASD in children, adolescents, teens, and even adults.

Our therapy sessions are conducted at our early childhood center, in the child’s home, or in the child’s school/daycare (if they allow outside therapists). Working in a safe, comfortable space encourages functional learning and helps them feel more confident with the skills they learn during and after the session.

Ascend Autism offers ABA therapy at our Hawthorne, NY, and Nashville, TN, ABA centers. In-home and in-school/daycare ABA therapy is offered throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

How Much Input Do Parents Have?

Parents have significant input in determining their child’s goals and treatment plan. Our BCBA can only spend a few hours with your child; therefore, they rely heavily on your feedback and observations. You spend the most time with your child, so you will be able to identify areas where your child has made significant progress. Even after the initial assessment, our BCBA will rely on your feedback when it comes to mastery of skills beyond ABA sessions.

How Are Goals Determined for Each Child?

Goals are developed during the initial assessment conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The initial assessment involves a parent interview plus specific evaluations and observations of your child. Based on the assessment results and feedback from the parent interview, the initial goals are developed and documented in the treatment plan.

How Are ABA Sessions Structured?

The goal is to make ABA sessions resemble the child’s everyday activities. At Ascend Autism, we utilize a naturalistic, play-based approach to ABA that uses Natural Environment Teaching while still rooted in the evidence-based and data collection-intensive principles of applied behavior analysis.

How Often Are Goals and Progress Evaluated?

Goals and progress are constantly being evaluated. The beauty of ABA is that data is collected during every session. As such, the BCBA assesses progress and mastery of specific skills or programs within the treatment plan on an ongoing basis. Insurance companies typically authorize treatment plans in six-month increments, so a more in-depth evaluation of goals and progress that culminates in an updated treatment plan is conducted every six months.

What Is the Best Age for Autism Therapy?

Most children start ABA treatment between the ages of two and six. At Ascend Autism, we offer an early intervention program for children between 18 months and seven years old. Experts agree that starting therapy as soon as possible after an autism diagnosis is the best way to support your child. This early intervention is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of their treatment.

 

During the early stages of development, children go through critical periods where they are highly receptive to the world around them. We aim to make a significant difference in their long-term progress through ABA therapy by introducing specific concepts at an early age. Early intervention equips your child with the necessary skills to engage with their social and learning environments as they grow.

How Long Is Therapy Needed for Autism?

The length of ABA therapy varies for each child. At Ascend Autism, it is determined on an individual basis by the BCBA and the treatment team. ABA is an ongoing therapy that can adapt to your child’s changing needs as they grow. Some may utilize therapy for a short time (6-12 months), while others may continue for years.

More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term ABA therapy treatment improves outcomes for many children with ASD. These studies show gains in language development, social functioning, intellectual functioning, and daily living skills.

How Our Autism Therapy Program Begins

WHAT OUR FAMILIES SAY

Parents’ Testimonials