Southeast Regional Autism Center A Program of May Institute Affiliated with the National Autism Center
Characterized by disorders in behavior, social interaction, and communication, autism can create enormous stress on a family stress that is magnified when effective services are not accessible. The Southeast Regional Autism Center is dedicated to meeting the immediate and pressing need for services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) throughout the Southeast.
The Southeast Regional Autism Center offers a comprehensive set of educational and behavioral services to children and their families, private agencies, and public schools throughout the Tri-County area and beyond. The Center also provides services to military families stationed at Fort Benning and other bases across the Southeast. Serving Military Families The Southeast Regional Autism Center offers support to military families seeking access to autism services through TRICARE s ECHO program. Working closely with the families we serve, our behavior specialists use developmentally appropriate practices based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), the methodology universally recognized as critical for teaching children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other behavioral or developmental disabilities. Our state-ofthe-art programming addresses all areas of a child s development including language, peer interactions, and behavior. The Center is a program of May Institute, a national nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive, research-based services to children and adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and other behavioral healthcare needs. Our affiliation with the National Autism Center enhances all training and educational services provided through the Southeast Regional Autism Center, meeting best practice standards for evidence-based behavioral and educational interventions for children with autism.
Applied Behavior Analysis: Effective and Individualized What most attracts parents to a program of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are its positive and reinforcing tone, its strong focus on teaching new skills, the documentation of progress in data-based reports and charts, its foundation in research, and the manner in which it is individualized for every child. ABA is a methodology, or framework, that applies scientific interventions to address behavioral needs. ABA facilitates the development of language, social interactions, and independent living by applying basic behavioral practices positive reinforcement, teaching in small steps, prompting, and repeated practice. In addition to building critical skills, ABA can also help reduce both everyday social problems and serious behavior disorders. For Military Families ABA is the only treatment reimbursed by TRICARE s ECHO program and the Tutor Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that ABA is the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. ABA has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, and has been identified by the Surgeon General of the United States as the most effective way to treat autism. Demonstration program for military families with children with ASD.
As many as 12,000 children in military families may have autism and their condition is made extremely difficult by the frequent changes of residences, schools, and other variables that accompany military life. Representative Chris Smith, Founder of the Congressional Coalition on Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.), June 2006 Excellence in ABA Services Professionals who use ABA techniques should have solid practical experience in the field and meet high educational and professional standards, including board certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Board certification requires undergraduateor graduate-level coursework and up to 1,500 hours of supervised practicum experience. Individuals with certification have received independent reviews to determine that their training is satisfactory. They also have passed examinations confirming their knowledge of the field. Board certification is a significant accomplishment and an indicator of the capability and expertise of staff. All clinical staff at the Southeast Regional Autism Center are Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCABAs) or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Our staff work with the support and oversight of doctoral-level senior staff, ensuring excellence of care.
A Broad Range of Clinical Services Because each child and family we serve has unique needs, the Southeast Regional Autism Center offers a variety of highly specialized services. We begin with a thorough and accurate assessment of each child s strengths, challenges, and preferences. Our services are carefully matched to the specific concerns and needs of families, students, and school systems. Our staff develop individualized services, recommendations, and plans to achieve the specific goals and objectives identified as most crucial to the success of each child. Guided by Leading Experts Clinical staff at the Center include licensed, credentialed, doctoral-level psychologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and Associate Behavior Analysts (BCABAs). May Institute s leadership team and advisory board include world-renowned experts in the fields of autism, developmental disabilities, special education, early childhood development, applied behavior analysis (ABA), legal advocacy, and psychology. May Institute and the National Autism Center have active affiliations with more than 40 universities, centers of excellence, and providers of ABA services across the country.
Research tells us that intense intervention during the early years fosters the greatest hope for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dennis C. Russo, Ph.D., ABPP, Chief Clinical Officer, May Institute Autism Screenings for Children The Center offers screenings to families who are concerned that their son or daughter may be exhibiting signs of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These screenings are available for children between the ages of 18 months and five years. These 30-minute play-based assessments are conducted by a clinician with expertise in autism diagnosis and treatment services. Prior to a screening, families complete a brief diagnostic screening evaluation form which enables them to share information about critical child behaviors. For Military Families For military families who must receive a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician in order to receive autism services, the Center s staff will facilitate this process. Following their child s screening, a family receives recommendations about the next steps to take in the process and, if needed, will be referred to an expert in the field for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Screenings are an essential part of the overall evaluative process. They can benefit the families of children who may have an ASD by fast-tracking these children to the appropriate diagnostic services and effective, evidence-based treatment options.
Guiding Families After an Autism Diagnosis Topics of the Pathways series include: Understanding ASD What s Out There? Treatment Options Making Informed Treatment Decisions School and Community Resources Parent Education Services Pathways Parent Education Series The Center offers an educational series designed for parents of children newly diagnosed with an ASD. The Pathways series provides critical information about ASD diagnosis, treatment options, and comprehensive services. Sessions are 90 minutes and are held on a weekly basis. Parents may join at any time, and must commit to at least four sessions. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the National Autism Center. Addressing Problem Behaviors: Part I Addressing Problem Behaviors: Part II Strategies at Home How to Address Specific Behavioral Concerns Enhancing Social Development The Parents Role in Treatment For Military Families For military families, the Pathways Parent Education Series will include assistance in enrolling in the ECHO program.
Autism takes such a toll on a family. It has a ripple effect it impacts so many aspects of the family, not just the development of the child, but finances and relationships. The demands of caring for an autistic child cause a lot of stress. Dea Hauges, Autism Walk Participant; The Bayonet, April 2007 Ongoing Parent Training The Center offers comprehensive trainings for parents who have a child with ASD. These trainings are designed to educate families about ABA interventions and treatment options, and may include the following topics: a review of ASD and evidence-based practice; effective management of difficult behavior; exploration of specific behavioral interventions, such as discrete trial instruction, as well as naturalistic procedures, such as pivotal response teaching; encouraging appropriate play and social skills; managing difficult transitions; and implementing functional behavior analysis.
Reassure parents that there are ways to help their children. Parents are so overwhelmed when they first learn of their child s autism. I wish there was a way to let them know they will be happy again. Ann Guay, Parent
Because of (your) home-based program, our 4-year-old daughter has made wonderful progress and is on her way to living an exciting and productive life. Debbie Baranek, Parent Home-Based Services Home-based therapy is designed to help children with ASD improve communication, social and behavior skills, self-help skills, and learning skills such as imitation and attending. The Center provides intensive in-home behavior therapy and consultation to children and families within their homes and other community settings. We work closely with early intervention and/or public school teams to provide a comprehensive program for each child. Family support services focus on behavioral support plan development and parent training to ensure that the skills children learn during therapy sessions are maintained, applied, expanded, and refined at home. Our programs are based on the goals outlined on the child s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP). For Military Families May Institute is one of the nation s largest employers of BCABAs and BCBAs, and is committed to making our services accessible to military families who have children with ASD. Trained in the principles of ABA, our staff provide one-on-one instruction from five to 40 hours per week to young children with ASD, under the supervision of a senior therapist with a BCBA.
A Standard of Excellence Our home-based and school consultation services in Georgia are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). School Consultation Services The Center offers a unique, comprehensive continuum of consultation services to public schools, private agencies, and families. Our educational consultants work with staff and families to coordinate and enhance educational programming for students with learning, cognitive, and behavioral challenges across a full spectrum of services. Through our school consultation program, we serve children and adolescents with many diverse needs and diagnoses, including: ASD; school adjustment and emotional/behavioral disorders; ADHD; acquired brain injury and neurological disorders; multiple disabilities; and psychiatric disorders. We carefully tailor our services to the specific needs and concerns of each student, classroom, school, or district, developing highly individualized recommendations and plans. Our cost-effective school consultation services increase the competencies of public school staff and include training on the most contemporary best practice approaches to assessment, education, and treatment. Diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation services include functional behavioral assessments; psychoeducational, clinical, and behavioral evaluations; and independent educational evaluations. Specialized consultation includes educational and behavioral program design; curriculum development; Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Individual Service Plan (ISP) formulation; and inclusive educational support.
This information was excellent, and the entire workshop has been extremely helpful. I am excited about bringing these ideas back to my district. Thank you. Public School Teacher and May Institute Training Participant Professional Development for Educators Our professional development workshops can be tailored for specific audiences, including special and regular education teachers, classroom aides, student support personnel, administrators, and parents. Workshop topics include: Focus on Autism May Institute offers training on effective teaching strategies for children with autism in the general education classroom. Topics Collecting and Analyzing Behavioral Data Curriculum-based Measurement Developing Effective Behavior Support Plans Early Intervention for Children with ASD Effective Disciplinary Practices Functional Behavior Assessment Inclusion Strategies for Children with ASD Individual Social Skills Assessment Overview of Mental Health Disorders Preventing Bullying Preventing School Violence Preventing Substance Abuse School-wide Social Skills Screening Social Skills Training Writing Measurable IEP Goals and Objectives include: identifying ASD; impact of ASD on educational performance; developing effective services and accommodations in general education settings; behavior support; social skills, communications, and academic modifications; design of the classroom to support students with ASD; and using paraprofessional staff to support students.
Social Skills Development Groups We offer social skills development groups for youth ages 12 17 with a diagnosis of Asperger s Syndrome or autism, with the goal of promoting and enhancing skills that will help these adolescents develop meaningful and fulfilling personal relationships. While typical children acquire basic social skills (such as turn-taking and initiating conversation) simply by exposure to social situations, children with Asperger s and high functioning autism often need to be taught these skills explicitly. The lack of socialization and mutual communication skills may affect all areas of an adolescent s life home, school, and community hindering his or her ability to progress along with non-affected peers. The groups, specifically designed for adolescents with a history of social and communication difficulties in school and/or in the community, meet two hours a week for 10 weeks and are led by Center staff, along with a peer facilitator (typically an older adolescent with Asperger s). The first step of the program is to create a setting that is comfortable and inviting for the adolescents; they help to determine the groups activities, goals, and evaluation process. As a group gets underway, staff evaluate each participant s current level of social functioning. Depending upon the results of the assessments, the group focuses on specific skill sets most needed by participants. Weekly topics may include: conversation behaviors; staying on topic; getting attention in positive ways; reading social cues from peers; joining in play/recreational activities; giving criticism in a positive way; knowing what to do when a task is difficult; talking to others about being upset; responding to teasing; and solving problems.
We have been able to heal as a family. We have the tools now. We have the May; that gives us hope. Doreen Goyette, Parent Services for Family Support Providers As the number of children being diagnosed with ASD increases, one of the many obstacles that parents face is finding skilled providers for out-of-school services such as daycare, after-school, and respite care. At the same time, many of these providers are searching for training and education on how to more effectively serve these children. The Center is responding to this need by offering educational workshops, training, and consultation to family support providers. Educating these critical caregivers by providing them with an understanding of autism and its characteristics, as well as tools for effectively managing children with ASD, will expand the network of informed service providers available to families. Daycare and After-School Training In addition to home-based and school consultation services, we provide training to daycare and after-school providers who serve children with ASD. Our training topics include: overview of ASD; characteristics of children with autism; understanding the unique behavioral challenges of children with autism; effective behavior management; creating a positive environment; and, adapting activities for children with ASD.
Often people think that children with autism can t learn because they have autism. We believe that all children can and will learn through scientific, data-driven educational methods. Ethan S. Long, Ph.D., BCBA Vice President, May Institute
Medicine, psychology, education, and other fields of study are consistently coming to the same conclusion: Evidence-based practice is critical for patient care. Susan M. Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA, Executive Director, National Autism Center Medical Staff Education The Center offers training to medical professionals on the early identification of autism. This training will assist doctors, residents, and other medical personnel in serving as champions for the early detection of ASD in children. Training components for medical staff may include: an understanding of the basics of ASD, their growing prevalence, indicators, and the critical role early identification plays in improving children s longterm outcomes; utilizing easy screening tools; referring children for comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis; effectively discussing positive findings with families, what these findings mean, and next steps in intervention; and, providing families with information on evidence-based behavioral and educational treatment services for children with ASD. Responding to a Critical Need The autism study released in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further emphasizes the critical need in this country for early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. These new statistics for the first time placing the prevalence rate of autism at one in 150 children confirm that ASDs are more common than previously thought and are conditions of urgent public health concern.
About May Institute May Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and other behavioral healthcare needs. Since its founding more 50 years ago, May Institute has evolved into an award-winning national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Massachusetts, the Institute operates more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Southeast, and on the West Coast. Four May Institute schools serve children and adolescents with ASD. A fifth school serves children and adolescents with brain injury. The Institute works with more than 200 school systems each year, providing training and consultation services to administrators, teachers, and students. As the Northeast regional partner to the National Technical Assistance Center on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), established by the U.S. Department of Education, May Institute offers technical assistance and consultation to implement school-wide Positive Behavior Support strategies across school systems. An active center of research and training, the Institute maintains affiliations with more than 40 universities, hospitals, and human service agencies worldwide. May Institute received the 2007 Award for Enduring Programmatic Contributions in Behavior Analysis from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. As the 2005 recipient of the Outstanding Training Program Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, May Institute is the first non-profit human services organization in the country to be honored by both national organizations with these awards.
National Autism Center The National Autism Center is dedicated to serving children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by providing reliable information, promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive resources for families, practitioners, and communities. The National Autism Center has completed an unprecedented threeyear project the National Standards Project to establish a set of standards for effective, research-validated education and behavioral intervention for children with ASD. The national standards will serve as a single, authoritative source of guidance to help families, practitioners, policymakers and funders make informed decisions and choose effective treatments. An advocate for evidence-based treatment approaches, the Center identifies effective programming and shares practical information with families about how to respond to the challenges they face. The Center also conducts applied research as well as develops training and service models for practitioners. Finally, the Center works to shape public policy concerning ASD and its treatment through the development and dissemination of national standards of practice.
The organization has an outstanding reputation throughout the state of Georgia for being an innovative service provider. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) To learn more about the Southeast Regional Autism Center or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 706.571.7771. 705 17th Street, Suite 401, Columbus, Georgia 31901 info@mayinstitute.org www.mayinstitute.org 2009 May Institute