Autism Spectrum Disorder Program
LifeWorks Autism programs provide research-based behavioral analysis and educational programs to middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our caring and well-trained team of professionals tailors each student’s educational experience and strategic interventions to achieve success in academic achievement, language abilities, social development and behavioral functioning. The goal for each student is to return him or her back to their mainstreamed school environment with the skills necessary for success.
We utilize a behavior improvement system guided by the principles of applied behavior analysis and positive behavior supports. Upon admission, students receive a functional behavior assessment designed to identify target behaviors, antecedent events and the function or purpose of the behaviors. This helps our team develop a hypothesis about the behavior and subsequently create a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP).
The BIP determines strategies to eliminate aggressive, non compliant and self-injurious behaviors that interfere with the child’s opportunity to succeed in the community and school environment. Through direct and frequent measurement, we celebrate each student’s success in goal attainment.
Students participate in a variety of functional and meaningful activities to enhance their ability to live and work independently. Community-based instruction is used to reinforce academic and functional skills acquired in the classroom setting.
HIGH-FUNCTIONING PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHTS
- Multi-level positive reinforcement interventions with a focus on antecedent strategies
- Sensory integration and sensory breaks throughout the day
- Monthly field trips to help educate and practice skills in the community
- Community-based instruction
- Dedicated school counselor available for individual and group sessions
- Small staff-to-student ratios
- Board-certified behavior analysts
- Certified special education teachers with experience in autism spectrum disorders
- Computer lab, technology-assisted learning and access to smartboard
- Gymnasium, fitness room and sports court
- Speech, occupational and physical therapy
- Art program
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Language & Communication Skills
- Receptive language
- Expressive language
- Descriptive language
Social Skills
- Social interaction (engaging in activities with others, eye contact, conversational skills)
- Group behavior (sitting with others, attending and acquiring new skills while in a group, following group instructions, turn taking)
Self-care Skills
- Personal care skills
- Independent living skills
- Health management
Functional Academics
- Functional math (basic math, money skills, time, measurement)
- Functional language arts (reading, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, typing)
Vocational Training
- Pre-vocational skills
- Employability skills
- Job sampling (occurs on and off campus)
- Community-based instruction (two to three times per week)
Reach Out To Us Today
Our admissions staff is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to schedule a tour or Intake. For questions about our programs call 215-489-3028 , you can also use our online contact form.