Our Approach

INTENSIVE 1-ON-1 EARLY INTERVENTION

Next Step uses the evidence-based methodology of ABA to help children reach a range of developmental milestones necessary for independence. Your child will work with members of our highly qualified staff as they provide play-based therapy techniques using developmentally appropriate toys, games and materials. We also assess strengths and weaknesses in your child’s verbal and communicative behavior and use this information to guide your child’s treatment plan.

FAMILY CENTERED

Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the treatment process through bi-monthly supervisions with the program director and your child’s therapists, as well as additional parent-training and/or home-clinic collaboration. Parents benefit from accessing educational resources that provide information on autism, early intervention strategies, and community support.

A FOCUS ON FUN

We believe that play is the work of children, and children learn best in an environment that fosters natural motivation. Effective ABA for early learners is seamlessly woven by our skilled therapists into your child’s favorite activities and places a heavy emphasis on FUN!

WHAT IS ABA THERAPY, AND HOW IS IT USED IN EARLY INTERVENTION?

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of the most effective treatments for children with autism. ABA builds on a vast body of educational research to assist learners in both acquiring new skills, and reducing behaviors that may be impeding progress. ABA is considered the most effective treatment for children with autism because it has been so widely studied with this population, and has proven to be well-established and effective.

To learn more about what ABA therapy is, please see our blog post on ABA Therapy. To learn more about selecting established and effective treatment for your child, see our post Choosing Effective Treatment for Early Learners with Autism.

OUR APPROACH

Next Step is committed to educating young children with autism spectrum disorders utilizing the research-based methodology of ABA. We believe in promoting every child’s unique strengths and interests, while teching skills that promote meaningful and lasting change for children and their families.

Next Step has specialized in providing services to young children with autism since 2016. A family-centered approach that includes parents and interdisciplinary providers is a hallmark of our program. Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the treatment process and are included in the clinic setting through meetings with the program director, helpful parent trainings, and/or home-clinic collaboration. In utilizing this approach, we believe we can best set the stage for an improved quality of life for the whole family.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO IN THE CLINIC?

Each day at Next Step is different, because every learner is different, and as any parent or caregiver of a toddler or preschooler knows, their interests and preferences change frequently! Our skilled therapists are trained to create an enriching and motivating environment that captures children’s interests. Utilizing developmentally appropriate play-based teaching techniques, therapists are able to teach new skills, in all domain areas, including communication, self help, and socialization.

WHAT’S NEXT?

If you are interested in learning more about how Next Step can serve your family, please complete our enrollment interest form and a member of our team will contact you.

Kind Words

“I am finally living the life I have always dreamed. I have a life watching my son be happy, make friends and enjoy life. I can’t believe kindergarten is over and he now reads me books. He also no longer cries at school. All the teachers and even the nurse love him. They said he has the cutest personality, which I of course agree. 🙂 I want you to know we think of you often and will never forget that you gave our son back to us.”

Mother of a son who started treatment at age 2.5

“You have played such a key role in our son’s programs and success. Just like you said, you know where we are going and the plan ahead for him. I have trusted your judgment since the first day I met you, and am confident in your skills to help him and many other ASD children; you have proven it to me over and over.”

Mother of a child who started treatment at age 2

“The staff really knew who my son was and saw all the beauty in him. Once he started Next Step and got the support he needed, that’s when he had a chance to believe in himself and know that he was understood and capable of things.”

Mother of a child who started treatment at age 4

“A minority of individuals diagnosed with autism have been able to achieve normal educational and intellectual functioning by age 7.”

– Dr. O Ivar Lovaas

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