Autism Support Program

The Autism Support Program at the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute is a special program for preschool and elementary school-age children with autism. All aspects of the program recognize that children with autism usually experience a wide range of challenges that best respond to comprehensive and intensive instruction.

The Autism Support Program incorporates many approaches to education that are based on scientifically proven research. The primary focus is on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis, with methods that have the most evidence showing their effectiveness for children with autism. The only educational approach for children with autism that is deemed effective by the Surgeon General of the U.S.

Further, all progress at building new skills must be closely monitored and evaluated. The data that is gathered should demonstrate the relationship between the student's progress and treatment approaches.

Key features of the Autism Support Program include:

• A low number of students and a higher number of staff
• Increased opportunities for intensive one-on-one instruction
• Rigorous procedures for collecting data on learning and behavior changes
• Enhanced collaboration with Wrap-Around staff
• Families a reactively involved in their children’s intervention
• Regular team meetings
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts to supervise all aspects of the child's program
• All staff are highly trained and specialized in autism

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