ProMedica TCH offers Autism Early Learning Program

ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital (TCH) has a new early learning treatment program that offers state-of-the-art, evidence-based intervention services for children with autism from earliest diagnosis to 6-years-old. The Autism Early Learning Program offers a clinical team with intensive training in applied behavior analysis (ABA), a science that uses behavioral techniques to teach children basic and complex skills.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children in the United States have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. A growing number are being diagnosed with autism by age 3. TCH's new program provides specially-designed services and support for this age group.

"As the parent of a child with autism, I understand firsthand the importance and benefits of early diagnosis and treatment," says Kim Renner, program manager, Autism Early Learning Program. "We have a dynamic team of specialists and educators who are highly-trained and extremely passionate about the work they do."

The early learning program operates full-day and year-round with strong parent involvement and a low student-to-staff ratio. Initially, each child will receive one-to-one intervention and transition to small group settings as he progresses. The treatment process focuses on communication, behavior, play and socialization, and school readiness.

TCH's program was developed in consultation with Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions (CCADS), a full-service, consulting division of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. Cleveland's program specializes in helping other health and education organizations develop comprehensive, ABA-based services and/or comprehensive treatment center for children diagnosed with autism.

Travis Haycook is a senior behavioral consultant with CCADS. He has assisted several organizations, including TCH, in launching their own programs and utilizing the principles of ABA.

"As children are being diagnosed at much younger ages, there is an ever-increasing demand for intensive early intervention programs that enhance learning and development, such as the ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital program," says Haycook. "A child's true progress lies not only within the programs offering these intensive services; it is also strongly supported by the participation of the parents and caregivers in the process. Their involvement can exponentially help further improve the child's opportunities for success."