Early Education, Intervention and Diagnostic Services

Early intervention improves outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Developmental Milestones

Signs of autism are often present before a child reaches two years of age. Below is a list of important developmental milestones to look for as your child grows:

Shares interest or enjoyment through eye gaze
Responds by looking when his or her name is called
Uses gestures to communicate
Uses coordinated non-verbal communication (combining eye gaze and word/gestures)
Plays with toys appropriately
Enjoys playing social games (peekaboo, pretend with dolls or stuffed animals)
Says at least 50 words

Evaluation

• Takes place over the course of two days
• Standardized and informal assessments, including gold standard ASD diagnostic tools, will be administered to both the parent and the child
• Assessment tools may include:
  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
  • Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
  • Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL)
  • Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP)
  • Preschool Language Scales-Fifth Edition (PLS-5)

Reporting

• Comprehensive final report of scores, impressions, and recommendations for treatment is sent to the family. A meeting is conducted with the family to review the report.

Collaboration

• CADI team members are available to accompany the family during a diagnostic visit with their primary care physician.

Download the CADI Program brochure

Contact us to learn more or to schedule an evaluation:

Dr. Christine Honsberger, EdD, BCBA-D, Research Manager
Email: christine.honsberger@elsforautism.org
Phone: 561-320-9525

Spring Into Action Together is a caregiver-implemented early intervention research project for children 18 months to 3 years of age. The program is designed to support communication, social engagement, and play skills.

Download flyer Spring Into Action: Together

For additional information on research projects:

Contact: Dr. Christine Honsberger, EdD, BCBA-D, Research Manager
Email: christine.honsberger@elsforautism.org
Phone: 561-320-9525

All procedures and interventions utilized by Spring Into Action will be evidenced based. The National Standards Project reviewed the available research for a multitude of interventions and compiled a comprehensive list of the treatments available for individuals with autism. Spring Into Action will only use those treatments that have been characterized as “established” according to the National Standards Report. In order for a treatment to be considered as established, it must have been thoroughly researched and have sufficient evidence to confidently state that these treatments are in fact effective for children with autism. The Spring Into Action program will specifically use a Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Young Children (CBTYC).  This program is an early intervention service for children up to age 5 years 12 months. The key components to CBTYC are:

• Intense services based on applied behavior analysis (e.g., the use of discrete trial and incidental teaching, error-less learning, and shaping)
• Measurement to assess the effectiveness of the program
• Services provided across a variety of settings
• Low student-to-teacher ratios
• Focus on the core symptoms of autism
• Written guidance through treatment manuals and other materials

The Spring Into Action program will incorporate each of these elements into the program to create the most comprehensive early intervention program possible.

Complementary Services can include:

• RUBI Parent Training
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy

For questions on Spring Into Action: Complementary Services: