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Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC) is committed to serving the needs of children
diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD), including all levels within
the Autism Spectrum. Towards this end, CGRC has developed a series of programs designed
to specifically address the individual needs of children and families, including:
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Extended Assessment Services |
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Diagnostic Center |
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Kindergarten/Second Grade Class (part of our
licensed Special Education Private School). |
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After School Program for children with PDD and
ASD diagnoses. |
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Extended School Year (ESY) Program. |
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Summer Therapeutic Activities Program (STAP). |
A primary aspect of each of these programs is the use of adjunctive therapies, including
speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, and
the creative arts therapies of music, art, dance/movement, and drama.
We have also developed service tracks for these children and families within the
many other programs we provide:
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Outpatient Department |
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Case Management Services |
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Family First Service |
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Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services |
In order to optimally serve this population, CGRC staff receives extensive training
and supervision on an on-going basis. Training areas include but are not limited
to: PECS, TEACCH, Social Stories, Sensory Integration Activities, Floor Time Principles,
and Applied Behavior Analysis. Training is provided through a variety of venues and
with the consultation of professionals in each specified area. CGRC prides itself
on remaining current with research and practices related to the etiology and treatment
of ASD.
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A process developed to take an in-depth look at the child in all of his/her surroundings
— home, school and community — to determine the services necessary in order to address
the needs of children diagnosed with a variety of emotional, behavioral and developmental
disorders, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and their families’ needs. As a result
of EAS, the following services may be recommended in accordance with the need.
A) Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS)
B) Family Based Services
C) After School & Summer Socialization Skill Development Programs
D) Outpatient Therapy
E) Partial Hospital, Inpatient, or Residential Treatment Services
Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised (ADI-R) This tool provides an in-depth semi-structured
interview for the clinician to use with the parent or primary caregiver. The interview
is approximately two hours in length and is performed in the home. It focuses on
collecting maximum information from the parent/caregiver regarding the three areas
that define autism which are:
(1) repetitive stereotyped behaviors
(2) communication and language; and
(3) reciprocal social interaction. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
This tool is used to assess anyone suspected of having autism, ages toddler to adult.
This test takes approximately one hour and is administered at the agency. Parents/caregivers
will need to be present at the time of the testing.
The ADOS system consists of various activities that allow the clinician to observe
social and communication behaviors related to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental
disorders.
Our dedicated BHRS staff are required to complete a training plan that caters to
the needs of children diagnosed with Autism. All staff are trained in completing
and analyzing Functional Behavior Assessments and are required to complete courses
such as "Positive Behavior Support" and "Ways to Support an Individual
with Autism" which address different strategies to use when working with this
population. We believe continuous education and training for staff working with clients
with Autism will enhance the progress and growth of our clients and families.
includes a private special education school, licensed by the Pennsylvania Department
of Education. This school serves children enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade
7 in need of full-time support greater than the services available to them within
their home school district. It has a separate Kindergarten/Second Grade specializing
in the education of children diagnosed with PDD/ASD. The student’s day includes academics
delivered by a certified special education teacher, utilizing a state-approved curriculum.
Additionally, adjunctive counseling and related therapy services are provided as
prescribed in the child’s individualized educational plan (IEP). The goal of these
classes is to provide the students with the skills needed to fully participate in
their home school districts.
serves children ages 6 through 21 with socialization skill development needs. Sensory
integration and communication skills within social settings are a primary focus.
Grouping for the program is by age and skill development level. The program is designed
to promote the development of skills that will lead to the integration of the child
into a less restrictive community-based program with available activities for social
interactions. This program operates from September through June, Monday through Friday,
between the hours of 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
serves clients ages 6 through 21 with socialization skill development needs. This
program mirrors the After-School program’s focus and goals for treatment, but is
offered during the summer months. STAP operates for 9 weeks and has 2 separate sessions
for attendance. Activities are structured and supported by adjunctive therapies such
as Occupational therapy, Music therapy and Dance/Movement therapy. The basic premise
of this program is that children grow through fun and play.
serves clients ages 6 through 21 who, in the absence of their typical educational
environment, would experience behavioral, social and/or educational regression during
the summer months. The educational curriculum provided on a daily basis focuses on
appropriate communication and social interactions within a classroom setting. This
is supported through the use of language arts and math subject matter. The remainder
of the program promotes similar skills through the use of structured recreational
activities.
Note: A child may attend one session of STAP and another of ESY, if the school district
permits. |
