Consulting Services

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, ACCS strives 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, live with individuals on the spectrum by providing effective education, training and treatment within the framework of Applied Behavior Analysis.

The Consultation Team

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

• Behavior Specialists/Analysts
• Speech Language Pathologists and Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Masters Level Special Educators and other professionals with extensive knowledge of autism and developmental disabilities

Consultation Services

ACCS provides a range of consultation services including; 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 consultants are highly trained in autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities.

Individual Consultation

Individual consultation is specific to the needs of one individual and his/her family, school or day program. Type and level of consultation is contingent upon individual need with all supports and interventions individualized and tailored to the situation. Individual consultation typically includes:

1. Needs Assessment: Consultation services typically begin with a meeting of all involved to identify area(s) of need, gather all relevant information and identify expected outcomes such as a decrease in a challenging behavior or the development of a new classroom program.
2. Observation/Assessment: This step involves the observation/assessment of the individual in all applicable settings to further determine need. Thereafter the consultant will prepare a report outlining a recommended course of action. This might include, further assessment of the behavior, development of a behavioral plan, specific skill development, identification of support strategies/tools, and/or staff or family training.
3. Implementation: At this time, the "team" will meet again to review and discuss the consultant's findings and recommendations and develop the next steps for intervention.
4. Evaluation/Monitoring: As requested the consultant will provide monitoring and evaluation of any program interventions. Additional, hands on training provided as necessary.

Program Consultation

Program consultation is available for schools or other agencies seeking to establish comprehensive programs for individuals of any age or to re-design existing programs. Our work in this area includes classroom development, curriculum design, adult day program design and development, after-school or other special program design and support. Program Consultation typically involves a 4-phase design model:

1. Needs Assessment: Identification of scope of project including expected outcomes.
2. Work Plan Development: Identification of all tasks and time frames.
3. Project Implementation: On-site training, personnel preparation and technical assistance.
4. Final Project Evaluation

Service Consultation

This component is 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

Professional Development/Workshops

ACCS provides workshop trainings covering topics such as:

• Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
• Principles of Reinforcement
• Functional Assessment and Behavioral Support
• Communication and Social Skills
• Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Classroom and Instructional Design
• Sensory Integration
• Promoting Independence

Our workshops are for families, therapists and professionals and can be tailored for any audience. Custom designed trainings are also available to meet the unique needs of school districts, community agencies or other groups looking for general information and education or topic specific training.