HOPE Continuum for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Ages 18 months through High School

The HOPE Continuum

HOPE is an acronym that represents AHRC’s mission regarding the education of children with autism, program guidelines for best practice, and the philosophy of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).

HOPE

H	stands for a humanistic approach to teaching. Recognizing that each child is an individual, AHRC endorses an ABA approach that encourages incidental learning and spontaneity. We educate the “whole child” and take into account each child’s prior experience, temperament, frustration level and functioning level when planning his or her education program.
O	stands for opportunity. AHRC is committed to capturing the window of opportunity that exists during the critical developmental years of a child’s life. Opportunities emphasizing functional academics and socialization skills are further fostered in a school-age program.
P	stands for partnership. AHRC encourages the active involvement of families. It is only when parents and professionals work together that true success can be achieved.
E	stands for expertise. AHRC staff of licensed and certified professionals are experts in their respective fields.

AHRC was one of the first providers in New York City to embrace the ABA approach. Today, AHRC operates a large number of programs for children with ASD. Services are provided in the home, in an early intervention developmental group, in early learning centers that specialize in educating preschoolers in community-based settings with SEIT (special education itinerant teacher services) and in our Elementary School and Middle/High School. Depending upon the needs of an individual child, and with appropriate governmental agency approval and recommendations, families may choose one, or a combination of these service options.

The goal of all AHRC programs for children with autism is to foster each child’s ability to transition into the least restrictive environment and to increase the likelihood of his or her inclusion with typically developing peers.

Video: Autism Services at AHRC - Logan Ramm
Services and supports for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

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Methodologies and Service Delivery Models Used In All HOPE Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis-(ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968 / 1987; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991). It is a methodology used in all curriculum skill areas: social, cognitive, communicative, self-help, behavioral, fine and gross motor skills. ABA is based on reinforcement, data collection, and teacher direction. ABA can include a variety of teaching techniques: discrete trial teaching, verbal behavior training, natural environment teaching, pivotal response training, Picture Exchange Communication System, errorless learning, fluency based instruction and social stories. All staff are monitored and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).

Treatment and Education of Autistic and other related Communication Handicapped Children — (TEACCH) Developed at The University of North Carolina, it is a service delivery model which incorporates structured teaching, planning and organization in a visual, predictable way that can be used with any curriculum.

Picture Exchange Communication Systems — (PECS) PECS is an augmentative or alternative communication system used to rapidly teach functional communication skills to those across all ages and disabilities.

Augmentative / Alternative Communication (AAC) AAC is a device, method or system used to supplement speech or when speech has not developed or has been lost.

Word / Sign Is an adapted form of sign language that provides both an expressive and receptive system for communication, copy-righted by AHRC.

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I. Early Intervention Services for Children 18 months to 3

Utilizing the ABA approach in all our preschool services, children who have been diagnosed early in life, receive intensive behavioral programming and often show significant progress during the first two years of intervention.

Early Intervention Services in a Developmental Group

Groups are small, children may attend up to 5 days a week or as authorized by the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) meeting; there is a high staff / student ratio with a special educator in each class.

Home Based Early Intervention Services

Depending on the IFSP, parents’ schedule and staff availability, children may receive home based Early Intervention services in conjunction with the center based programs or as a stand-alone option; services provided are those recommended in the IFSP.

Child Study Team Meetings

In both Developmental Groups and Home Based Early Intervention Services, case study team meetings are scheduled as per the child’s IFSP. This gives families and all professional staff working with a child an opportunity to review a child’s program, make changes, discuss concerns, and coordinate efforts.

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II. HOPE for Children 3 to 5

After families have received the appropriate governmental recommendations and approval for services, they may choose one of AHRC’s HOPE Early Learning Centers that specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Classes are small; children may attend 5 days per week for 5½ hours a day; there is a high staff / student ratio. Services provided are as per a child’s IEP and may include recommended therapies (i.e. Speech, Physical, Occupational therapies and Counseling).

Child Study Team Meetings / Clinics

Child study team meetings are scheduled monthly. This gives families and all professional staff working with the child an opportunity to review a child’s program, make changes, discuss concerns and coordinate efforts.

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III. Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary School HOPE for Children 5 to 12

After families have received the appropriate governmental recommendations and approval for non-public school placement, parents may choose AHRC’s Blue Feather Elementary School, an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This school is funded by the New York State Department of Education and, in New York City, operates with the approval of and under the oversight of the New York City Department of Education.

The elementary school is ideally located along the border of Sheepshead Bay and Marine Park in beautiful Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary School accepts children between 5 and 12 years of age who reside in all New York City boroughs. Children must exhibit behavioral characteristics associated with autism and must have an educational classification of autism. Children must be recommended for a Non-Public School (NPS) placement.

Specialized Programming:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and other related

Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

• Sign Language
• AAC Devices / Communication Devices
• Dance / Creative Movement
• Art and Music
• Drama & Sensory Gym
• Multi-Sensory / Multi-Disciplinary Approach
• Technology (computers in each classroom)
• Evidence-Based Programming and Curricula; Reading, Math, Science & Social Studies
• Computer Lab
• Self-Help and Daily Living Skills
• Social Skills
• Person Centered Planning

Classes are small with a maximum of 8 children in each class; children attend 5 days per week for 6 hours per day; there is a high staff / student ratio (8:1:4, 8:1:1, & 10:1:2); services are provided as per a child’s IEP.

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IV. Middle/High School HOPE for Children 13 to 21

AHRC Middle / High School

A program that provides services to adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and those classified with emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, or other health impairments. Various approaches are utilized depending upon each student’s needs.

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and other related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
• Sign Language
• AAC Devices / Communication Devices
• Dance / Creative Movement
• Art and Music
• Drama & Sensory Gym
• Multi-Sensory /Multi-Disciplinary Approach
• Technology (computers in each classroom)
• Evidence-Based Programming and Curricula; Reading, Math, Science & Social Studies
• Computer Lab
• Self-Help and Daily Living Skills
• Social Skills
• Person Centered Planning

The AHRC Middle / High School can accept children between 13 and 21 years of age (ratios include 8:1:2, 10:1:2), following NYS Learning Standards. Adolescents must be recommended for Non-Public School (NPS) placement. An NPS letter is required. This school is funded by the New York State Department of Education and, in New York City, operates with the approval of and under the oversight of the New York City Department of Education.

The Middle / High School is ideally located in residential Dyker Heights along the border of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The school accepts children who reside in all NYC boroughs.

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Additional Programs Available

HOPE Home Intervention Program (for more information see inserts for the Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary School and AHRC Middle / High School)

AHRC Transition Planning — Preparing for Life after High School (for more information see inserts for the AHRC Middle / High School)

Community Based Instruction (for more information see inserts for the AHRC Middle / High School)

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HOPE services for children 3 to 5, 5 to 12 and 13 to 21 are funded by the New York State Department of Education and, in New York City, operate with the approval of and under the oversight of the New York City Department of Education.