Our Treatment Philosophy

Our treatment philosophy is a generalist model that places value on the combined knowledge of typical child development and the principles of learning.  Particular emphasis is placed on addressing the core symptoms of autism: social/emotional development and communication/ language development.  To work on these symptoms most effectively, we rely on both child development research and behavior analytic research to create individual program plans for our students.  We use the principles of applied behavior analysis to understand behavior, and we arrange the environment to evoke skill acquisition.  Developmentally, the most important skill we target is that of finding value in social relationships.  We see positive, reciprocal relationships as the basis for teaching all other communicative, social, play, and academic skills.

Other pivotal skills on which we focus include imitation and responding to environmental and social cues, the acquisition of which leads to a more meaningful involvement in one’s community.  We strive to help children gain the skills they need to participate in their communities to the fullest extent possible and with the greatest degree of independence.

Part of the Center’s mission is to empower parents to become competent leaders and advocates for their child’s intervention through parent training, parent meetings, and parental involvement in program development.  

After an initial assessment of each child, the Alta Vista Center staff works with parents to develop goals and objectives designed to meet each child’s individual needs and learning styles.