P.A.T.H. Academy for Autism:

In collaboration with parents, PATH has developed an innovative program to accommodate the individual needs of each student. Each aspect of the program represents a continuum of services and environment from the most restrictive to transition to a regular education classroom.

The Verbal Behavior approach of manding will be used in speech and communication training. Natural Environment Training (NET) will be employed to assure generalization and functionality skills.

Research indicates the importance of appropriate plays skills on learning for children in this age bracket. For this reason, time for toy play is scheduled. This is not time when the student is allowed "free play" or allowed to "stim" and play with toys inappropriately. This is a structured time to teach functional toy and pretend play (the primary methodology of learning in children under the age of three).

Habit training and potty training is emphasized in activities of daily living. Self-help, social, motor and cognitive skills including learning readiness skills and pre-academics will  be emphasized.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) will be employed for development of fine motor skills as well as OT exercises designed specifically to assist in the development of musculature that promotes good handwriting.

Art and Music times will be used to promote normalized student activity, speech, fine motor skills, visual discrimination and imitation.

Positive behavior support plans will be developed and utilized.

High staff-to-student ratios, and high rates of student engagement will be employed.

P.A.T.H. (Parents and Teachers Hand-in-hand) www.autism-behavior-analyst.com

P.A.T.H. Academy is for Preschool aged children with A.S.D. (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Programming runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm (year round)

Where: Eastland Baptist Church, 1229 E. High St, Bryan, OH 43506

Tuition fees may be 100% covered by the Autism Scholarship Program with appropriate referral.

For more information: Lyntha Core, Program Coordinator (419) 553-0661 or Bonnie Kelly, Program Director (419) 633-0068 or bonniekelly-path@lycos.com

P.A.T.H. Philosophy:

Applied Behavior Analysis is the only methodology endorsed by the Surgeon General for the treatment of Autism and therefore will be used in teaching our children as opposed to the popular eclectic approach which has demonstrated little to no gains and sometimes regression in students of this population. Verbal Behavior and errorless teaching methods will be used unless contraindicated by the student's learning style.