Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Autism Spectrum Therapies to offer summer programs

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services, now offers new summer programs for children of all ages and their parents. These fun, kid-friendly programs are designed to help children with autism disorders maintain their academic and communication skills over summer vacation and to develop new skills for the upcoming school year.

“It’s all too easy for academic, social, and communication skills to fade over the long summer months, and that poses an extra challenge for a child with autism,” notes Ronit Molko, Ph.D., a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and co-founder of AST. “Our summer programs allow children to retain what they’ve learned over the past school year and help them develop new skills, too. And we’ve made these programs as enjoyable for children as they are educational.”

AST’s new summer programs include:

Summertime Home School provides an experienced behavior therapist to address specific goals and skills in a structured in-home format focusing on academics and communication.

At-Home Booster Program helps children “boost” academic skills and prepare for the upcoming school year with an individualized study plan and qualified supervision.

Social Skills Groups offer opportunities for children to practice and advance social skills via one-on-one instruction with an experienced behavior therapist or in small supervised groups.

AST also offers Respite & Leisure Services for Parents, who sometimes just need a breather from their caregiver obligations, but find it difficult to find childcare providers with specialized training and experience working with children with autism.

AST’s family-focused programs incorporate natural home routines to foster an environment that supports a child’s therapeutic goals. The agency’s play-based therapy and other treatment programs are grounded in scientifically-validated teaching methods and are supervised by a highly qualified clinical staff.

Interested families should contact AST to inquire about programs and services available in their area, as space may be limited. Please call (866) AST-1520 or visit www.autismtherapies.com.

About Autism Spectrum Therapies:
Founded by respected leaders in the field of autism, Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) provides individuals with autism with a range of services from infancy through adulthood, as well as comprehensive training and support for parents and families in their homes and communities. AST’s highly trained clinical staff uses scientifically-validated methods grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with customized services ranging from play-based early intervention programs, to classroom support, to building practical skills for independent living. AST’s intensive family-focused approach facilitates measurable, sustainable progress and helps individuals with autism achieve their full potential. The agency provides services through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties. More information at www.autismtherapies.com.

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