Pacific Child and Family Associates is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to children with special needs and developmental disabilities, particularly those along the autism spectrum. All of our services are based on a foundation of respect for the dignity of the child, and we strive to create a positive, loving atmosphere. We work collaboratively with the family and consider the family both team members and co-therapists whenever possible.
Our methods are grounded in the most current applied behavior analytic research. Working from within the broad spectrum of applied behavior analytic techniques, we employ empirically validated approaches as needed by the individual while fostering cooperation among service providers, funding sources, and agencies.
Step 1.
Our services begin with a review of previous assessments. This includes medical diagnostic evaluations, assessments performed by psychologists, speech and language therapists, Individualized Educational Program (IEP), Regional Centers, or school district personnel. When prior assessments appear inadequate, we will recommend the assessments needed prior to our implementing services.
Step 2.
If our services appear beneficial, we will conduct our own assessment as an integral part of the beginning phase of treatment. We will also be happy to review any prior services delivered and continue a program begun by another provider if the methods and philosophy are similar.
Step 3.
Therapy will often start with a compliance phase, in which children learn the most basic skills required to learn and to benefit from further interventions. This often includes discrete trial methods designed to teach children to acquire skills, as well as to learn how to learn. Complex skills are broken down into their smallest components, and our therapists patiently teach these component skills to our children using reinforcements that are meaningful to each child. While reinforcers vary, they typically include lots of warmth, praise, and other social reinforcers.
As children master each individual step, they experience success and move along to the next step in the curriculum. Each step is based on successfully completing the previous steps, although we often carefully re-introduce previously mastered steps to sustain the growth and feeling of success within the children.
For more information regarding our autism services or getting started, please email info@pacificchild.com or call us toll free at (855) 295-3276. We are currently able to provide services in English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, Vietnamese and Armenian.