Month: February 2019

While Lighthouse Autism Center is unique in many ways from other autism therapy centers, one of the most important components to the therapy they provide is the one-on-one care each child receives.

Each child is assigned to a “pod” of therapists that consists of five to seven therapists who each learn the child’s unique therapy programs and goals. By assigning a child to a pod, therapists learn the behaviors, triumphs, struggles and skills of the children within their pod. Through one-on-one therapy, a child is not only receiving individualized attention from a therapist who knows their programs, but it also significantly increases the safety of each child at the center.

Furthermore, in a typical day, a child will rotate among therapists within their pod every 45 minutes to an hour. This prevents a child from only learning how to do skills with a certain person and allows them to learn to transfer skills between different people, something that is incredibly important for a child with autism. It is this individualized attention and commitment to quality therapy that makes the Lighthouse difference.

Children diagnosed with autism often require a multi-faceted approach to therapy. Typically, a child will need a combination of therapies, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc… As a result, Lighthouse Autism Center sought to refine their approach to therapy by offering speech therapy in conjunction with ABA therapy.

For many children at Lighthouse, they often found themselves on a six to eight month waiting list for speech therapy services while they were receiving ABA therapy. When they were finally able to gain access to speech services, parents then had to navigate the logistical nightmare of transporting their child to multiple appointments throughout the week. Not only was this incredibly challenging for families, but also resulted in children missing out on time they could be spending receiving ABA therapy.

As a center founded by parents, for parents, Lighthouse Autism Center decided to integrate speech therapy into the services offered at Lighthouse. Not only does this create less stress for parents, but also provides kiddos at Lighthouse Autism Center with the tools to reach their fullest potential.

Does your child have ABA and speech therapy needs?

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a specific type of therapy used for children with autism. ABA is endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General for the treatment of autism and involves therapy that develops new skills, shapes and refines previously learned skills and decreases socially significant problem behaviors.

ABA is at the core of Lighthouse Autism Center’s mission. Lighthouse Autism Center uses highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts, or BCBA’s, who directly oversee each child’s therapy. These BCBA’s evaluate each child through a detailed assessment of a child’s skills and preferences and meets with each family to discuss goals for the child as well as the family. Because effective ABA therapy is not a “one size fits all” solution, the BCBA will then use the child’s assessment to create a customized therapy program unique to the child’s abilities, needs and goals. While each therapy program will look different, each involves emphasis on skills that will ultimately allow each child to reach their fullest potential.

Have a child with autism and looking for ABA therapy near you, catered for your child and family goals? Discover the Lighthouse Way.