Our mission regarding the education of children with autism

HOPE services for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3-21 are funded by the New York State Education Department and, in New York City, operate with the approval of and under the oversight of the New York City Department of Education.

Logan Ramm’s story, and the benefits of AHRC NYC’s services for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

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

H

stands for a Humanistic approach to teaching. Recognizing that each child is an individual, AHRC NYC 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 support needs when planning his or her education program.

O

stands for Opportunity. AHRC NYC is committed to capturing the window of opportunity that exists during the critical developmental years of a child’s life. Opportunities emphasizing functional academics, socialization skills, communication skills and other necessary adaptive abilities are further fostered in a school-age program.

P

stands for Partnership. AHRC NYC encourages the active involvement of families. It is only when parents and professionals work together that true success can be achieved. Therefore, AHRC NYC supports consistent collaboration among parents, teachers, therapists, and administrators during every step of the child’s educational development.

E

stands for Expertise. AHRC NYC’s staff of licensed and certified professionals are experts in their respective fields. AHRC NYC schools only implement strategies, interventions, and treatments that are research-based and known to effectively support individuals with ASD.

AHRC NYC was one of the first providers in New York City to embrace the ABA approach to educate learners with autism spectrum disorders. Today, AHRC NYC operates a large number of programs serving individuals with ASD of all ages. Services are provided in the home, in early learning centers that specialize in educating preschoolers in community-based settings, 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.

HOPE Home Intervention Program

AHRC NYC recognizes that there are critical, stressful circumstances that can potentially impact a student’s ability to function in school and at home.  To this end, AHRC NYC developed the HOPE Home Intervention Program.  In this program, the intervention team works with families in the student’s home to construct a household intervention plan, consisting of goals and strategies to address:

  • Daily living skills
  • Structured schedule use
  • Positive behavioral support

Our HOPE Home Intervention Program occurs for a predetermined length of time (e.g. six weeks).  Upon conclusion of the intervention, the student’s family has been equipped with the knowledge of and experience with appropriate strategies to support their son or daughter and to reduce the stressors in the home setting.

Achieving Independence and Community Inclusion

The goal of all AHRC NYC 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.  Achieving independence, which is a unique journey for every student, is at the core of what AHRC NYC provides to the individuals that we serve in our schools and programs.