Behavioral and Educational Consultation and Training

Anderson Center for Autism provides consultation, support and training to individuals, families, school districts, and community agencies affected by autism spectrum disorders or other related developmental disabilities. With the guiding belief that the best options for success and improved quality of life occur when supports are provided within the natural environment, we strive to educate and support individuals on the autism spectrum in their home community setting. Our consultation program is designed to empower all who surround, teach and live with individuals on the spectrum by providing effective education, training and treatment within the framework of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The Consultation Team

Our consultants are highly trained in the field of autism and related developmental disabilities. The team consists of

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts and consultants pursuing certification
• Speech language pathologists and therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Masters Level Special Educators and other professionals with extensive knowledge of autism and developmental disabilities

School and Day Program Consultation

We provide school districts and other service providers a range of consultation services to include; individual consultation, training, program design, problem solving, and professional development. All consultants work closely with families, team members, and faculty to provide hands-on training, support and feedback. Our focus is to support the needs of classroom/agency staff and individual students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities. Services include:

• Classroom/Program Based Behavioral and Instructional Support
• Behavior and Instructional support and training
• Instructional methods
• Shadowing and graduated guidance
• Reinforcement systems
• Space planning, organization, and materials management
• Scheduling and visual supports
• Data collection systems
• Individualized/Student Specific Behavioral Consultation and Instruction
• Individual behavioral assessment
• Support and training addressing challenging behaviors
• Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Plan development
• Behavioral skills assessment
• Teaching utilizing ABA techniques
• Data collection and review

Professional Development/Workshops

We offer workshops for families, therapists and professionals and can be tailored to suit any audience. Custom designed trainings can be created to meet the unique needs of school districts, community agencies or other groups. We provide workshop trainings covering topics such as:

• Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Overview of autism, high-functioning autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome
• Practical supports and strategies
• ASD across the lifespan
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Understanding Challenging Behaviors
• Overview of ABA
• Behavioral assessment and behavioral functions
• Behavior planning and prevention
• Creating a Classroom Environment
• Designing learning environments for individuals with ASD
• Core components of an effective classroom that maximizes learning
• Developing and Implementing Effective Reinforcement Systems
• Overview and assessment of reinforcement
• Reinforcing on an individual and group basis
• Designing Effective Instructional and Support Strategies
• Applying instructional strategies for individuals with ASD
• Strategies to promote independence
• Working as a team
  

We offer behavioral support and training funded by the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The program provides mobile behavioral support to individuals experiencing behavioral challenges and their families.

• Service Provision
• Consultants provide in-home assessment and training
• Development of crisis intervention plan and follow-up home visits to ensure effectiveness
• Service Eligibility Requirements
• Individuals diagnosed with a developmental disability (including autism) who are OPWDD eligible or meet criteria at time of assessment/service
• Individuals who are residing alone or with family
• Individuals must reside in Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, Columbia, or Greene County

New York State Education Department (NYSED) Approved Training in the Needs of Students with Autism

In response to the growing number of children being diagnosed with autism, education law requires training in Autism Spectrum Disorder for the following professionals:

• School administrators and supervisors
• Newly assigned administrators and
• Special education personnel
  • This training is also available to parents and professionals interested in learning about ASD

Course Overview

• Overview of ASD including etiology, prevalence, and characteristics
• Evidence based instructional methods and interventions
• Data collection and analysis
• Cross disciplinary communication and collaboration
• Communication, social skills, executive functioning, sensory difficulties, behavior characteristics
  

Evaluations

Available for those seeking specified evaluation or assessments in the following areas:

• Speech/Language
• Occupational Therapy
• Sensory Processing
• Oral Motor Evaluations
• Behavioral
• Functional Behavior Assessment
• Psychological Assessment

Additional information, including scheduling and fees is available by contacting:

Lisa Lawrence
Consulting Coordinator
(845) 889-9616
AndersonConsulting@ACenterforAutism.org