Aquatic Physical Therapy Brochure
Multi-Sensory Music Room Brochure
PRIDE Brochure
Autism Specialty Services Brochure

There is a heightened awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) / Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) with a reported 53% increase in the diagnosis of Autism in the past 10 years. The underlying causes of 85-90% of cases of Autism are unknown. The other 10-15% can be traced to specific genes, as in the case of Rett’s Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome.

It is hypothesized that the causes are multi-factorial. Both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. There may be as many as 15 genes involved in varying combinations interacting with as yet unspecified environmental factors producing the array of variations of symptoms observed in each unique individual. For this reason, it is said that there are many types of Autism as there are people who are autistic. Because each person has a unique combination of symptoms varying in intensity, Autism is known as a spectrum disorder. It is defined only in terms of behavior.

Perhaps the main reason for defining Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) / Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) in terms of behavior is that the behaviors are observable and are, therefore, a certainty while so little is certain regarding the causal mechanisms of these disorders and the manner in which the disorders in the spectrum may or may not be related. While we wait for science to unravel the mysteries of Autism, the need to help affected children is pressing and immediate. Behaviors can be worked with. While there is no “cure” for Autism, children with Autistic symptoms can be taught to live more functional lives.

Prospect Child & Family Center provides diagnostic , education and family support services for children and families facing the challenges of Autism. Services vary based on age, presenting issues, and the needs of each student and their families. The Center responds to the unique learning style and challenges of each student by developing an individualized approach tailored to that particular child’s needs and abilities. We are eclectic because we have discovered through years of experience that one size does NOT fit all!

Prospect School provides educational services for children classified as autistic. Currently, we have three self-contained classrooms dedicated solely to educating these students, as well as integrated classrooms where students can benefit from a program with non-disabled peers.

Services Within Self-Contained and Integrated Classrooms:

  • The Treatment & Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) model/method of learning.
  • Emphasis on language development including total communication, augmentative communication, and both low tech and high tech devices.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis i.e., Discrete Trial Teaching.
  • Related services speech, occupational, physical, school psychology, social work and nursing).
  • Proactive coaching techniques for challenging behaviors with the consulting school psychologist working directly in the classroom
  • Development of social reciprocity through modeling and practicing skills that encourage interactive play and lead to two-way communication.

Support Services to Children:

  • Aquatic Therapy, which provides a multi-sensory, calming therapy and includes many functional activities such as visual awareness, attention to task, dressing skills, improved sense of body awareness, improved safety awareness, and ability to follow directions.
  • Multi-Sensory Music Room, which provides a safe and predictable environment in which to receive input as well as produce actions and sounds.
  • Observation booths with one-way mirrors in the classrooms.
  • School Psychologists working directly in the classrooms supporting the child.

Support Services to Families:

  • Family inclusion in parent meetings, in-services, workshops, parent education and home visits.
  • Incorporating the TEACCH approach within the home setting with home visits by school psychologists and classroom teachers.
  • Consulting Psychiatrist, Pediatrician, and Pediatric Neurologist on staff.
  • In-home and in-center respite.
  • Service coordination (case management).

Support Services to Staff:

  • Workshops and in-services based on a behavioral model provided by SUNY Albany’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).
  • Workshops and in-services addressing the biological basis of autism and treatment modalities provided by our own school psychology staff.
  • Prospect is a training site for the NYS Education Department’s mandatory certification curriculum in autism for teachers and administrators.

Our goal is to enhance our students’ abilities to function in school, home and community settings.