Preschool

Early intervention education programs for children ages 3 thru 6 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder is crucial. Evidence has shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcomes. Effective education programs must address all of the child’s developmental areas: self-help, communication, physical, academic, and communication. Addressing each of the areas of development at an early age will help in developing a child’s independent functioning.

Effective early childhood programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder need to include:

A strong early childhood curriculum that addresses attending skills, communication, play and social skills.
Structured teaching with visual schedules, work systems, and visual organization to support the child’s independence.
A supportive teaching environment that incorporates visual supports, trained support staff and is void of unnecessary auditory and visual distractions.
Opportunities for skill generalization.
Functional behavior assessments as needed.
Behavior plans that are based on functional behavior assessments.
Family involvement, highly trained and effective teams, collaboration and parent education.
Transition planning for moving the child from early childhood programming to elementary school.
Regular and deliberate exposure to typically developing children.