Our Program

We provide center based individual applied behavioral analysis instruction in a child friendly environment for children with a suspected or diagnosed Autism Spectrum disorder.

Who we serve: We serve children ages 18 months to 8 years of age of all skill levels and abilities. We interview families of children over 8 years to ascertain whether or not we can effectively meet their needs.

Teaching and Data Collection Methods: All instruction is provided using errorless learning teaching and natural environment teaching. Data is collected on a daily basis and instructional programming reflects changes on a weekly basis. Each child’s ABLLS is updated every month.

Instruction in both the early and advanced learners program is provided via errorless learning methods in a mixed VB (verbal behavior) format. Natural environment teaching is used on a daily basis to develop spontaneous speech.

We have two levels of programming within Kaleidoscope. Children attend either the early and intermediate learner program or the advanced learner program based on their skill level.

Early and Intermediate Learners - The curriculum for children in our early intensive program is based on the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). Each child receives manding (spontaneous language) instruction based on Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior. Sessions last for 4 hours per day, five days per week either morning or afternoon.

Advanced Learners - Children in our advanced learner program have finished 75% of the ABLLS curriculum. The curriculum for this program includes advanced intraverbal training, individualized academic programming for reading, writing and mathematics skills. Additional instruction often includes applied sciences and classical studies covering ancient history and geography. The remaining 25% of each child’s ABLLS curriculum is finished in this program. Some children in the advanced program receive instruction in a 1:2 or at maximum 1:3 ratio if they have been able to learn readily
and with ease in a 1:1 instruction format. Advanced learners attend from 4-6 hours, five days per week.

Entry requirements for the advanced learner program:
1. The child must have mastered 75% of the ABLLS curriculum.
2. Demonstrate an absence of behavior that presents a physical danger to other learners and staff.
3. The child should be able to mand for information and activities skillfully
using verbal (spoken, signed or written) communication.

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10):
Parents of children who are interested may apply for the Special Needs Scholarship to assist with private school tuition costs. Please contact the department of education for an application and eligibility requirements. We are an approved SB10 facility for the current year. The deadline to register has been extended to September 26, 2007.

Two levels of programming:

Our Early Learner Program is focused heavily on language acquisition. All instruction is provided one to one for all of the child’s learning time. We use errorless teaching, positive reinforcement and natural environment teaching.

Our Advanced Learner Program serves children who have completed 75% of the ABLLS curriculum and and communicate readily through spoken or written language.

The focus of this program is on advanced intraverbal (conversation) skills and classical academics for the child who learns in a non- traditional manner.

All teaching is provided using applied behavior analysis principles to teach Math, Grammar and Spelling, Science, History and visual arts. Instruction is provided in a 1:1 and 1:2 format depending on the child’s needs.

Our learning environment:

• Motivates and engages children
• Uses the child’s own motivation and positive reinforcement to promote development
• Teaches new skills using an errorless learning format to maximize success and minimize failure
• Stimulates the child to initiate communication

We evaluate progress by performance of quarterly Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills.

Above all, we believe that practicing skills in the home setting is essential for success. We fully support parents in this effort through frequent communication, and updates on their child’s progress.

Areas of targeted development:

• Receptive language (responding to language)
• Expressive language (spoken language)
• Spontaneous language use
• Cognitive and academic skills
• Social and play skills
• Self-help skills
• Gross and fine-motor skills