Adaptive Skills Training Programs
Deficits in adaptive skills and adaptive behaviors are often associated with the diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Usually, it becomes apparent when a child begins to present with difficulties completing every-day routine-type tasks (e.g., dressing, cleaning, hand-washing, homework habits, brushing teeth and much more). In most cases an ASD diagnosis is able to be made by age 3. These behaviors and this period of child growth are pivotal to development of independent living skills.
There are multiple studies which compared the cognitive capacity of children, their ability to learn adaptive skills and to utilize them in appropriate environments. These studies showed that cognitive capacity is not an indicator of ability to learn and engage in adaptive behaviors. In fact more than half of all ASD patients test as average or above in intelligence.
Deficits in adaptive skills are often associated with the diagnosis of ASD. Therefore, adaptive skills training is an essential contribution to one’s success in community placements, promotion of integration into the community, and overall quality of life. An early diagnosis and effective treatment can be the difference between a successful life with conquerable challenges which need facing, and a long difficult path without a clear destination.
Below are the primary ways in which we here at K&L C.A.R.E., Inc. service our ASD clients. Adaptive Skill Training has applications from the youngest child all the way up to college age cleints.
Parent Training
Another crucial component to any therapeutic services provided to children must be parental involvement in their children’s therapy. All current research is indicating that there is a positive correlation relationship between care-over effects of therapy to real life and parental involvement. Any therapeutic services are offered during limited hours, so in order to maximize the effectiveness of any intervention (increased generalization and discrimination skills), parents must be fully involved with their children’s therapy. There are different parent training models: parent training services without direct interaction with children or intense behavior intervention/direct services in collaboration with parent training services.
Parental involvement is found to be a key factor in facilitating increased retention of learned information and skill generalization to natural settings.
Adult Age services
While most of the focus in the media today focuses on the young children suffering from the symptoms of Autism, there are millions of teenage and adult aged individuals who require a whole different set of skills. We provide help for ASD patients of all ages and can provide skill training for:
- College and other Secondary Education options
- Adult Life Skills such as using public transport and using money
- Social Interaction on the scale required for College and similar environments
- Study Habits
- On Campus Assistance
Behavior Interventions
Our kids engage in a variety of challenging behaviors, which at times leaves us with more questions than answers. There are many definitions describing what a challenging behavior is and what it looks like. The most important thing is to remember that one behavior could be considered challenging and inappropriate in one environment/culture and acceptable in another. Therefore, it is essential to analyze a behavior in the context of its culture and/or environment.
We employ various assessment tools in order to accurately analyze a behavior. An accurate analysis of a challenging behavior will facilitate the development of an effective and appropriate intervention.
Additionally, we conduct ABC analysis of a behavior and design interventions based on behavior functions.