There are many types of autism
and understanding of its causes and diagnoses have changed over time. In 2013,
four diagnoses that were once separated in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) were combined into the umbrella diagnoses of
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5. These four diagnoses were autistic
disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive development disorder-not
otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD in more prevalent in
boys; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the prevalence
of ASD as 1 in 68 children in the United States.
Autism is a complex brain-based
disorder that affects a person’s behavior, social and communication skills.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and no two children with autism are
exactly alike. Each person with autism, like all of us, has unique strengths
and differences. Common problems exhibited by those with ASD are difficulty in
social situations; some never learn to speak, while others speak, but use
language in unusual ways. Others are sensitive to loud noises or bright lights.
There is no single treatment for autism, though many benefit from highly
structured educational programs and other services. You can visit our website
for more information about these services.
If a child is diagnosed with
autism, early intervention is critical to gain the maximum benefit from
existing therapies. In addition, after children have been diagnosed by
psychologists, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists, the
need for treatment and services are abundant.
At NCSS, there are several
programs designed to serve individuals with autism. The School-Based Autism Program assists local schools in providing effective, strengths-based
interventions and programming for students with ASD, intellectual and
developmental disabilities and/or Down Syndrome. The program is based on the principals
of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); students typically need a behavior support plan
to help decrease maladaptive behaviors while increasing prosocial and coping
skills.
We, at NCSS, believe that
students, regardless of their abilities, belong in their local community
schools. The school-based services include behavioral interventionists,
available on a one-on-one basis; individualized services like this provide
opportunities for students to maintain positive relationships with peers and
access their education on a level that works for them. Behavior specialists,
autisms specialists, service coordination and case management are also
available. The programming is flexible
and the child drives the program, making service delivery unique and
individually tailored.
The Program for Adaptive &Expressive Arts (PAEA) offers therapeutic and recreational music, art and
sensory exploration experiences to children and adults with autism and
developmental disabilities as well as communication supports and socialization
opportunities. Like the services within the School-Based Autism Program, PAEA
sessions—private and group—are consumer-driven, allowing individuals to explore
personal goals set by them and their support teams. Music, art and sensory
exploration offer emotional, social, and physical benefits by facilitating
creative expression, fine and gross motor skill practice, and stress reduction.
The PAEA music and art room at The Family Center is brightly lit and filled
with instruments and art supplies; the space invites creativity! The newly
upgraded sensory room provides a relaxed space with a variety of sensory
stimulators that can enervate or calm depending on the participant’s
needs. At NCSS’ various events, such as the Buddy Walk and the Autism
Walk, you can find the PAEA Team at their station, a large table full of
instruments and sensory items. PAEA also offers workshops in cooperative play,
family life and sexual health, American Sign Language (ASL) and Alternative and
Augmentative Communications (AAC). There are seasonal concerts and recitals and
art shows where everyone can show to the community-at-large what they’ve
accomplished!
Camp Rainbow, a creative summer
camp for children with autism or other developmental disabilities, provides
stimulating activities such as swimming, singing, crafts, outdoor play and
more. Camp Rainbow incorporates sensory exploration, fine/gross motor skills,
communication skills, academic skills and social skills into the activities
each day. This year, Camp Rainbow will run from August 7-August 11, 2017 and be
held at the Soar Learning Center. And who knows…there might be some surprises
in store! You can find registration information here by visiting our website.
Each program is tailored to meet
the needs of the individual child and their family, with a strong emphasis on
specific skill acquisition, behavior, and communication. These skills are
taught through ABA and B.F. Skinner’s model of Verbal Behavior. Individual
acquisition and behavior management programs are created from individual
assessments.
Skills are reassessed frequently and progress is monitored
and measurable via weekly data tracking. Teaching strategies and content
are modified as needed to fit each child’s needs and all teaching techniques
are based on what research studies have proven to be the most effective.
Program Components:
- Functional language skills: vocals, sign language, picture exchange communication system
- Consultative model consisting of parent training in ABA procedures
- Self-care: toilet training, tooth brushing, dressing, shoe tying
- Reductive procedures for non-desired behaviors
- Video modeling
- Skill acquisition
- Social stories
- Social skills
NCSS believes daily programs for
people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities should also
be unique and individualized to each person’s specific needs.
