The JPA Growth and Development Center offers programs that specifically address children and their diverse needs. The guiding approach of the Center is that of applied behavior analysis, or ABA. Supported by over thirty years of research, ABA is the process of applying interventions derived from the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. These behaviors include reading, academics, social skills, communication, and adaptive living skills. Treatment approaches based on ABA are now considered the hallmark of therapeutic and educational interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorders. The Center also provides collaboration with schools and other service providers.
The Growth and Development Center emphasizes functional communication, social interaction and behavior on an individual basis, with the understanding that these areas differentially impact home, school and community. Services are integrated using a team approach, emphasizing early intervention and prevention. Collaborative relationships are established among caregivers and service providers to teach effective, meaningful, and functional skills.
Using a family-focused model, parents are active participants in identifying goals for their children and programming for the individual needs of the child. Concurrent instruction and support of new and adaptive behaviors and assistance in stress-reduction can result in significant improvements in functioning at home, in school and within the community.
Verbal Behavior Analysis
Assessments of verbal behavior are administered and program recommendations are determined.
Functional Behavioral Assessments
FBA’s are conducted as a comprehensive and individualized problemsolving process for addressing behaviors of concern and may include assessment, interview, direct observation and data collection. By determining the function of the behavior, appropriate interventions can be designed.
Positive Behavior Improvement Plans
Functional behavioral assessment results are used to develop Positive Behavioral Support Plans, with an emphasis on replacing maladaptive behaviors with more adaptive behaviors.
Social Skills Groups
Using a direct instruction approach, relevant and age-appropriate social skills are taught. School and peer-to-peer interaction skills are emphasized, including conversation, cooperation, making friends, and coping.
Speech and Language Support
This therapy is designed to meet the individual speech and language needs of children. It focuses on understanding language and concept development, articulation, voice and fluency.
Functional Communication Training (FCT)
FCT is an intervention designed to teach children to maximize their success in communication.
Academic Support
Taught by certified teachers, these sessions provide academic tutoring based on the grade level curriculum or IEP. The areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics are emphasized.
Stress Reduction for Parents
A variety of relaxation techniques are provided to parents to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Parent Training
Various approaches are taught to assist parents in issues including eating problems, toilet training, crisis management and behavior management.