The Autism Project Approach Is:
Multidisciplinary, so it can be tailored to individuals.
Our coaches and modelers are trained in an array of eclectic teaching models, strategies, and interventions that span several disciplines, which are designed to support and teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social-emotional, regulation, and communication challenges, as well as the parents, educators, and professionals who support them.
TAP builds programming and lessons within the framework of Structured Teaching® and by incorporating strategies from various programs, including:
- TEACCH®
- Social Thinking®
- Picture Exchange Communication®
- Collaborative & Proactive Solutions® (previously Collaborative Problem Solving)
- TAP’s own expertise in teaching the impact of Autism Thinking, curriculum modifications, visual supports across the day, assessment, and the role of the family.
Our Training & Consulting team represents professional training in several fields, including Education, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language, and Social Work, among others.
Action-oriented, so you can put it into practice.
We are educators, parents, and caregivers ourselves: we know that you come to us seeking approaches you can use in daily life and work. We prioritize providing you with the tools you need to practice the strategies we teach and to modify them for different ability levels.
Our goal is that you walk away with an answer to the question, "How will I implement this in my classroom, school, or organization tomorrow?"
The Autism Project uses a modeling and coaching approach to support adults in their learning. Our team meets with you and key partners in the program to learn your concerns, through conversation and observation. We introduce a new strategy through modeling first, then we coach key staff. TAP also creates visuals or other tools your team may need initially to implement the approach yourselves.
Our traditional consultation includes time for observation, discussion with the team or teacher, and a written report of suggested changes and program additions.
Our goal is that you leave with an understanding of how you will implement what you learn in your classroom, school, or organization and that you have access to the guidance you need to assess what works and course correct. Our team of trainers and consultants will not only provide the theoretical frameworks you need to understand new approaches, but also get their hands dirty with you, modeling the approaches and practicing them alongside you until you feel confident.
Root-cause focused, so you see sustainable progress.
We understand behavior as a form of communication, and have been deeply influenced by researchers and practitioners who do, too. When we work with an individual or classroom, we work to first understand why challenging behaviors are occurring and to identify any skill deficits that need to be taught. This enables us to create a plan to address the emotional and psychological needs behind the behaviors, and to test that plan to make sure we are listening well.
Sometimes, this means we may have to try several different approaches before we get to the root or the "why." We measure success in the implementation of new approaches, reflection on how well they address the individual's needs, and planning for adapting the approach to do better whenever we can.
"When we look only above the surface, we tend to blame the child, the parent, or the caregiver. Looking below the surface opens new pathways for seeing the child’s behaviors as adaptations to an array of emotional and physiological needs, resulting in more compassion and less blame.”
- Dr. Mona Delahooke, PhD