The number of students mainstreaming into traditional classrooms after receiving Applied Behavior Analysis therapy at the central Ohio nonprofit continues to rise.
Worthington, Ohio (PRWEB) October 12, 2012
The latest three students to mainstream represent a long line of Step By Step success stories. Since 2006, the intensive instruction provided by the nonprofit organization has helped mainstream more than 40 students back into the traditional classroom setting. Step By Steps instruction is provided using the principles of ABA where goals are developed according to each student's needs as identified by their individual treatment plan, which is then implemented across the student's day. Skills are taught through the program to foster independence and include: behavior management, language, communication, daily living, play and leisure, social and academic skills.
There is a great deal of pride here today as we announce that three more of the students we serve have mainstreamed into public school, said Michele LaMarche, BCBA, executive director of Step By Step. The amount of work and time that each student has invested in their program is incredible and speaks to the fact that there is hope for everyone affected by autism.
Im thrilled by their progress, and, even though much hard work remains, I know there is even more they can accomplish through their treatment, she said.
For each of the students, Step By Steps intensive therapy interventions and rigorous application of ABA techniques have resulted in a decrease in problematic behaviors, and have enabled a transition from one-on-one intensive behavior intervention to group/transitional programs. Additionally, each of the students now demonstrate more consistent social interaction with their peers and caregivers including improved communication skills such as carrying on a conversation, discussing their feelings and requesting basic needs.
The progress of the three students has been amazing. Im very proud to see them continue to develop new skills and transition from intense therapy to a school setting where they will continue to receive outreach and occasional consultative services but require much less intensive therapy, said LaMarche.
Since 2002, Step By Step has worked with hundreds of students to provide research-based ABA therapy to achieve the best possible outcomes for individuals affected by ASD and other developmental disabilities
To support the ongoing goal of mainstreaming students, Step By Step has developed a partnership with various school districts to provide in-classroom education and support to individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. In recognizing the importance of teaching children within their home communities, this type of collaborative partnership between school districts and Step By Step provides an effective way to bring behavioral intervention group instruction into school settings. The goal of each program is to successfully integrate students into the least-restrictive school placement, and is accomplished through utilizing one-to-one, one-to-two and small group behavioral intervention sessions.
Through the use of ABA therapies, instructors provide assistance to facilitate appropriate participation in larger group instructional settings, as well as in natural social opportunities, said LaMarche. The classroom sessions provide for a supportive, energetic and understanding environment for students to grow and thrive.
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Step By Step Announces the Mainstreaming of Three More of its Students into School Districts in their Respective ...