Chrysalis Autism Center offers the following services to children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Services can begin from time of diagnosis until age 5 years old.

• Half and full-day programs
• Center based services 
• Support in the home through Caregiver Training
• Skills Assessment
• Individualized treatment based on each child's specific learning needs and unique characteristics
• Caregiver training
• Collaboration with educational settings

Initial instructional programming is focused on skill areas that are of immediate importance to each child, with an emphasis on the development of verbal communication. Our goal for each child is to help them develop into a well-rounded individual and become a fully participating member of both their family and surrounding communities.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically-based approach to understanding and modifying behavior, primarily used for individuals with developmental disorders such as autism. It involves a detailed assessment to identify target behaviors, followed by the creation of a customized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. Techniques such as intensive teaching and natural environment training are used to teach new skills and reduce unwanted behaviors. Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in encouraging desired behaviors. Continuous data collection and analysis ensure the effectiveness of interventions, with the ultimate aim of helping individuals generalize skills across various settings and situations. Collaboration with caregivers and other professionals is essential for consistency and support.

Skills Assessment

Under the supervision of our Clinical Director, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will carry out a thorough assessment to identify both current and developing skills. This personalized assessment is designed to create a program that best suits the needs of the learner and their family.

The assessment process includes reviewing existing records (such as previous treatment plans, medical histories, and IEPs), interviewing caregivers to identify the most important and appropriate goals, and evaluating skill levels in areas such as language development, motor skills, imitation, adaptive skills, and other relevant areas. The information gathered from this assessment will guide treatment planning and decisions.

Natural Environment Teaching

Chrysalis uses Natural Environment Teaching (NET), which is a way to take advantage of a child's motivation and capture moments when the child shows the greatest interest to learn. For example, if a child unexpectedly shows an interest in the trees blowing, the therapist will use the principles of behavior analysis to teach skills immediately, at the time the child expresses interest.  If a child has a known interest, the therapist will contrive learning opportunities by "setting up" an interesting learning environment to teach the skills that have been targeted for learning. NET teaching may take place at a table, on the playground, at the beach, at a grocery store, in the bathroom, or anywhere a child's motivation can be used effectively.

Intensive Teaching

Intensive Teaching Trials (ITT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) involve a dynamic and rapid approach to instruction, where a series of learning opportunities are presented quickly and successively to teach specific skills. This method emphasizes flexibility and naturalistic interactions, making it particularly effective for developing complex language and social skills. ITT sessions are characterized by frequent and immediate reinforcement to maintain the learner's motivation and engagement. The approach is designed to ensure skills are not only acquired effectively but also generalized across various settings, promoting practical application in real-life situations.

Quality program supervision is the cornerstone of therapy at Chrysalis Autism Center.  Learners' programs receive oversight by their Behavior Anlayst and the Clinical Director. The learner's progress is monitored on a daily and weekly basis to make in-the-moment changes as the learner progresses.  Technicians, (who work directly with the learner) are trained to make decisions to ensure the learner is able to learn as quickly as possible.    

When a learner has demonstrated the necessary prerequisite skills, group therapy is integrated into their program. 'Group' can vary for each individual, potentially including social play sessions with neurotypical peers, small group instruction on academic or functional skills, participation in group therapy activities, or preparation for a classroom setting. By systematically introducing group instruction, Chrysalis ensures that each child receives personalized support, setting them up for success in their later years