HOPE is AHRC's continuum of services for children who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and range in age from 18 months through school age.  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.)

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 autism. Services are provided in the home, in early intervention centers, in special education preschools, in community-based settings with SEIT (special education itinerant teacher services) and in the AHRC elementary 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.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
AHRC is dedicated to making profound differences in the lives of children with autism by utilization of the methodology known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
ABA is an approach that uses scientific principles to encourage socially appropriate behaviors while reducing problem behaviors. AHRC utilizes ABA in all curriculum skill areas -- social, cognitive, communicative, fine and gross motor, self help and behavioral skills. The ABA method utilizes a discrete trial teaching method that is data based and teacher directed. Simple responses are systematically built into more complicated responses and there is an emphasis upon teaching children in their own natural environment.

Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a language training package used to rapidly teach communication skills to those with limited functional speech. All AHRC staff are trained in PECS by Certified PECS Trainers.
Training children using PECS begins by teaching them how to make a simple spontaneous request and goes on to teach additional communicative skills, such as, responding to questions and comments. Many children with autism acquire independent speech after using PECS for a year or more.

I. Early Intervention Services for Children 18 months - three years
Recently, doctors and psychologists have begun to diagnose children, with autism spectrum or pervasive developmental disorders before the age of three years. As a result, AHRC has developed an early intervention program for children aged eighteen months to three years. AHRC’s extensive experience in utilizing the ABA approach in our preschools and elementary school has led us to believe that early identification and intervention is critical. Additionally,  research has demonstrated that children who are diagnosed early in life and receive intensive behavioral programming show significant progress during the first two years of intervention.

After families receive the appropriate governmental recommendations and approval for services, they will be able to choose one of AHRC’s HOPE early intervention services: center-based services, home-based services or a combination of the two.

AHRC early intervention programs are funded and regulated by the New York State Department of Health, and in New York City, the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services (DOMHMRAS).

Center Based Early Intervention Services
Center-based location in the Bronx:

Howard Haber Early Learning Center
2300 Westchester Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
 
(718) 409-1450

Classes are small, a maximum of 10 children; children may attend up to 5 days a week or up to 5 hours a day; there is a high staff/student ratio with a special educator in each class; services as per IFSP may include special instruction, speech therapy/language instruction, total communication, PECS, sign language, alternative communication voice devices, occupational therapy, enhanced group services, parent training, counseling and family support.

Home Based Early Intervention Services
Depending on the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), parents schedule, and staff availability, children may receive up to 15 hours per week of services; staff are qualified licensed and certified early intervention professionals; services provided are those recommended in the IFSP and may include discrete trial instruction, family training, supervision and team coordination.

Child Study Conferences/Clinics
In both the Center Based and Home Based Early Intervention Services, child study conferences are scheduled monthly. 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.

For Information Call -
Intake Coordinator - 212-780-2750

II. HOPE for Children 3 to 5 Years
After families have received the appropriate governmental recommendations and approval for services, they may choose one of AHRC’s HOPE center based preschool programs or special education itinerant services (SEIT) in the home for their child. AHRC preschools are funded by the New York State Department of Education and operate with the approval of, and under the oversight of, the New York City Board of Education.

Center Based Preschool Classes
HOPE Center Based Preschool Classes are offered in Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn at:

Esther Ashkenas/Central Park Early Learning Center
15 West 65 Street, New York, NY 212-787-5400

Howard Haber Early Learning Center
2300 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 718-409-1450

Francis of Paola Early Learning Center
201 Conselyea Street, Brooklyn, NY 718-782-1462

Center based preschool classes are small with a maximum of 6 children per class; children may attend 5 days per week for 5 hours a day; there is a high staff/student ratio with 1 behavioral trainer, 3 behavioral trainer assistants & additional college interns in each class; services are provided as per a child’s IEP and may include special instruction, speech therapy/language instruction, total communication, PECS, sign language, alternative communication voice devices, occupational therapy, mobility training, parent training/counseling.

Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIT) in the Home
As per a child’s IEP, parent input and staff availability SEIT services may be provided up to 15 hours per week; staff are qualified licensed and certified personnel; services as per a child’s IEP may include special education with an emphasis on discrete trial instruction, family training, supervision and team coordination.

Child Study Conferences/Clinics
In both the Center Based and Home-based Services, child study conferences are scheduled monthly. 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.

For information call -
Intake Coordinator - 212-780-2748

III. The HOPE Elementary School for Children 5 and Older

After families have received the appropriate governmental recommendations and approval for non-public school placement, parents may choose AHRC’s HOPE Elementary school for their child.

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 Board of Education.

The elementary school is located in Brooklyn although children who reside outside of Brooklyn are eligible to attend. The address is:

Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary School
2335 Gerritsen Avenue
Brooklyn, NY  
718-834-0597

Classes are small with a maximum of 8 children in each class; children attend 5 days per week for 5 ½ hours per day; there is a high staff/student ratio with 1 behavioral trainer, 4 behavioral trainer assistants & additional college interns in each class; services are provided as per a child’s IEP and may include special instruction, speech therapy/language instruction, total communication, PECS, sign language, alternative communication, occupational therapy, music therapy, adaptive physical education, mobility training, parent training/counseling.

Child Study Conferences/Clinics 
Child Study conferences/clinics are scheduled monthly. 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.

For information - Call Principal 718-834-0597

AHRC also can offer families a variety of other programs, services and supports including respite services, service coordination, services for siblings of children with developmental delays, camping services, recreation services, and other family education and support services. These services are available to all families who have a child with a developmental delay or disability. 

Call 212-780-2652 for information.