The CARE Program at The Ted Lindsay Foundation HOPE Center provides
intensive center-based behavioral intervention to preschool children
diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We use techniques to improve
their quality of life and independent functioning.
Typically, CARE families are already receiving intensive behavioral
intervention in their home, supervised by a board certified behavior
analyst (BCBA registered). In some cases, we accept children who have
not yet received intensive services. Each child in CARE receives 15
hours/week of behavioral therapy on a one-on-one basis (i.e., 3 hours
each weekday).
What We Do
The CARE program focuses on skill acquisition. Children with autism
often have difficulties acquiring new skills, which often impedes their
placement in the school system. In CARE, we provide careful guidance in
skills children are ready to learn. We teach language development (based on Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior), play, social interaction, pre-academic and daily living skills
(e.g., dressing). Some children also exhibit problematic behaviors that
interfere with learning, so we also provide functional assessment and
proactive techniques to reduce these problem behaviors.
This intervention takes place in a center-based format consisting of
six to eight children, in a preschool-type setting. Approximately half
of each child's time is spent in 1:1 structured format. For the
remainder of the time, children engage in group activities (circle time,
craft, snack) and peer interactions (social skills training).
Since the primary goal of the Lindsay HOPE Center is to provide
"hands-on" training to parents or primary caregivers of the children who
attend the center, an active role for caregivers continues to be at the
heart of all interventions implemented at the CARE program. Parents are
actively involved by attending team meetings twice monthly at CARE.
Additionally, parents are encouraged to attend and actively participate
in their child's therapy session at least once per month to stay
"up-to-date" on their child's programming.
What We Teach
First, specific skill strengths, deficits and interfering problem
behaviors are identified (through functional assessment), allowing for
goals and objectives to be determined. Next, an individualized
curriculum is designed for each child using the principles of behavior
analysis. Each child's curriculum is unique to his or her own needs and
is drawn from a variety of resources, with a foundation in empirical
research.
Ongoing Consultation
Consultation with the CARE clinical manager and the child's treatment
team is required twice per month. In this manner, we may review and
update the child's curriculum at CARE. Additionally, we are able to
coordinate services (both at and away from CARE) and ensure consistency
and generalization across all environments.
Our Staff
A limited-licensed psychologist, who is also a board-certified
behavior analyst (BCBA), manages the CARE program. The CARE staff
members are a unique blend of experienced paid employees and college
trainees who are learning about behavior analysis. In this manner, we
are able to provide training and clinical experience to college students
who are interested in behavior analysis and to reduce the cost of
tuition for children in the program.
How to Enroll in CARE
We strongly encourage interested parents to schedule a visit to the
Lindsay HOPE Center to observe the CARE program in action. To schedule a
visit, or for more information, please call the CARE office at
248-691-4760. We operate on a 4-month semester basis.