To quote Vincent LaMarca, Editor of "Meeting Point" newsletter from the Lovaas Institute: "Effectiveness of any one procedure really depends on the child. We should not be asking if A or B is more effective for all children with autism nor making statements about the superiority of one procedure over another. Statements like these in regards to skill acquisition procedures are usually overly reductive and likely to be in error some if not most of the time. There is uniqueness, individuality, and variability within the population of autism to the extent that we must refine our research questions."
Therapeutic Services
1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)/Verbal Behavior (VB): Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only evidence-based therapeutic program known to be effective in improving verbal and communication skills as well as improving behaviors. We implement both Discreet trials and the Verbal Behavior (VB) approach based on Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior. The therapeutic approach is dependent upon each child's individual needs. Beyond the Spectrum, Inc. provides in-home or in-clinic 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis programs.
* According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Scott M. Myers, MD), "Three studies that compared intensive ABA programs (25-40 hours/week) to equally intensive eclectic approaches have suggested that ABA programs were significantly more effective." http://www.americanacademyofpediatrics.com/
1:1 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Aspergers and High Functioning Autism: Utilizing therapeutic programs developed by Dr. Tony Attwood and Michelle Garcia Winner, cognitive behavioral therapy assists children with Aspergers and high functioning autism with self regulation, executive functioning, understanding emotions and social development.
In-Home Customized Behavioral Programs and Tools: Beyond the Spectrum, Inc. knows that each child is unique and will need a program customized to their specific needs. Our Behavioral Team will make a full, in-home recommendation of tools that parents and caregivers can use to implement the program consistently. These recommendations can include but are not limited to suggested toys, reinforcement tools, Picture Exchange Communication Systems tools, home organization, etc.
Asperger's and High Functioning Autism - School Inclusion/School Shadowing: Our Behavioral Team will assist children in the mainstream classroom setting by identifying problem areas throughout the school day, and developing a plan for behavioral intervention. We believe it is essential to work with the entire educational team for optimal success. Beyond the Spectrum, Inc. provides classroom Shadowing Programs, Shadow Training Workshops and Shadow and IEP Consultation. The Shadow Program is developed and designed to assist your child and then gradually fade out the assistance so your child can become independent and successful in the classroom.
Parent Support Groups and Parent Training Workshops: Call for more information (941) 907-3443.
Music Therapy: Our facility also includes Music Therapy for children with special needs, please visit http://www.gulfcoastmusictherapy.com/ for more information.
Occupational Therapy: Our facility also includes Occupational Therapy for children with special needs. Please call (941) 907-3443 for more information.
Speech Therapy: Our facility also includes a licensed Speech language Pathologist experienced in treating children with special needs on our staff. Please call (941) 907-3443 for more information
