JTC Academy West ASD Program
JTC West provides a variety of services and supports for our youth identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs. At JTC Academy, we create individualized treatment plans that typically involve multiple professionals. JTC does not take a one all approach to all, instead we focus on the individual child and the child's needs.
ASD Training and Certification
Our staff at West have also received intense training and are certified autism providers.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Symptoms can change with development (becoming more or less severe) sometimes making a diagnosis difficult. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
JTC West and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Psychological approaches can help people with ASD cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach used by JTC Academy therapists that focuses on learning the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During CBT, our therapists and youth work together to identify goals and work to change the youth's thought processes about a situation to change and/or how they react to the situation.
Treatment for Youth Identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Current treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. ASD affects each person differently, meaning that people with ASD have unique strengths and challenges and different treatment needs. Hence, the JTC Treatment Plan which usually involve multiple professionals and are catered toward the individual.
Developmental Approaches used at JTC West
Developmental approaches focus on improving specific developmental skills, such as language skills or physical skills, or a broader range of interconnected developmental abilities. Developmental approaches are often combined with behavioral approaches.
Developmental Approaches used at JTC West
Speech and Language
The most common developmental therapy for people with ASD is Speech and Language Therapy. Speech and Language Therapy helps to improve the person’s understanding and use of speech and language. Some people with ASD communicate verbally. Others may communicate through the use of signs, gestures, pictures, or an electronic communication device.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills may include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people. Occupational therapy can also include:
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy to help improve responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming. At JTC Academy West, sensory integration is a huge part of our program. We have a sensory integration room that our youth visit daily and also work in for physical and occupational therapies.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy can help improve physical skills, such as fine movements of the fingers or larger movements of the trunk and body.
Educational Approaches
Educational Approaches
Educational treatments are given in a classroom setting. One type of educational approach is the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach. TEACCH is based on the idea that people with autism thrive on consistency and visual learning. It provides teachers with ways to adjust the classroom structure and improve academic and other outcomes. For example, daily routines can be written or drawn and placed in clear sight. Boundaries can be set around learning stations. Verbal instructions can be complimented with visual instructions or physical demonstrations.