Specific programs are derived from multiple curricular and instructional resources. Drawing upon a broad curriculum and methodological base permits contributions from experts in various areas of specialization.

A unique characteristic of Therapeutic PATHWAYS is the full integration of Applied Behavior Analysis with empirically-validated techniques and methodologies from speech and language therapy to encourage the social and pragmatic language skills needed for a successful social life. Empirically validated educational practices, such as Direct Instruction, are also incorporated into treatment as is appropriate.

Discrete trial training is at the core of Therapeutic PATHWAYS' intervention programs. But social skills, including toy play and peer relations, constitute some of the biggest challenges to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. While some of the basic behavioral elements of these repertoires can be taught in a discrete trial format, application of other procedures from Applied Behavior Analysis have proven to be a critical element in the emergence and maintenance of these repertoires.

These procedures, which include shaping, prompting and fading, chaining, fluency building, programming for generative stimulus and response sets, Skinner's analysis of elementary and secondary verbal relations, etc., are used to teach more complicated skills involving self-help, social and play behavior. Therapeutic PATHWAYS' approach to teaching these domains incorporates the findings of prominent researchers in Applied Behavior Analysis such as Gina Green, Pat Krantz, Lynn McClannahan, and Mark Sundberg. In addition, emerging work from researchers outside the field such as Simon Baron-Cohen, regarding "Theory of Mind" are also integrated into beginning and advanced treatment programs.



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