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An Introduction to Autism

A podcast produced by Gene Gates and Therapeutic Pathways’ leadership team- Coleen Sparkman and Jane Howard. “An Introduction to Autism” is an informative and audible resource that helps parents and caregivers better understand autism and the ways that their child can thrive with the diagnosis.

Episode 1
Coleen Sparkman & Cynthia Owens
PODCAST

Are you new to Therapeutic Pathways?

If you are new to Therapeutic Pathways or considering services from us, this podcast will help you understand our approach. Listen to Cynthia Owens, BCBA, Director of Clinical Operations and Development, and Coleen R. Sparkman, CCC-SLP, President talk about how Therapeutic Pathways will work with your child and family to develop an individualized treatment approach

Episode 2
Jane Howard & Coleen Sparkman
PODCAST

What are the signs of autism?

There are several early signs your child might have autism. In this episode, we talk to two leading experts about the earliest signs of autism and how to respond to them. Autism can present itself before a child turns two, and the best outcomes come from early diagnosis and treatment.

Episode 3
Claire Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHY, FHP-C
PODCAST

What do I do if I think my child has autism?

This is a scary time for moms and dads. If you think your child has autism, there are things that you can do immediately to improve a child’s quality of life. In this episode, we talk to a mom with two kids with autism and learn about her journey. She will also share some solid dos and don’ts for navigating this challenging time.

Episode 4
Jane Howard & Coleen Sparkman
PODCAST

What Are The Best Treatments For Autism?

Why does my child have autism?
Can vaccines cause autism?
Did I do something to cause my child to have autism?
These are all common questions parents and caregivers have about autism. The internet rabbit hole of information on autism and treatment only confuses us. What is the best path to take? We talk to two experts with decades of success in autism treatment and learn definitively about best practices.

Episode 5
Peter Gehrhardt
PODCAST

What Are The Challenges, Barriers, and Success With Autism?

In this episode, we meet Peter Gerhardt, who has been teaching kids with autism for over 40 years. He is a remarkable warrior with unique experience in educating kids who learn differently. Peter shares great stories that prove kids with autism may learn differently, but they do learn!

Episode 6
Carolyn & Lucas
PODCAST

Living With Autism

What kind of life can I expect for my child with autism?
That’s the most common question and fear parents have.
In this episode, we talk to Carolyn, a mom, and her 20-year-old son Lucas about what it was like for him growing up with autism, and what life is like now living as an adult with autism. You’ll love this family, just like we do.

Episode 7
Coleen Sparkman
PODCAST

How do I communicate with my child who has autism?

Changes in communication are one of the first signs of autism. You know how important communication is in a relationship and that people with autism might communicate differently. Nuances people without autism might pick up on in conversation seem invisible to people on the spectrum. In this episode, autism communication expert Coleen Sparkman shares proven techniques for communicating with others who might be non-communicative. It is a powerful and necessary tool.

Episode 8
Nancy Fellmeth
PODCAST

Autism Rates Have Doubled In The US, Why?

Some people think the rate of autism should be considered an epidemic. Others think that is too strong of a reaction, but one thing is for sure, autism is way up. We talked to Nancy Fellmeth from FEAT.org, an autism advocacy group that has been focused on autism since 1993.

Episode 9
Ethan Willform
PODCAST

My Life With Autism

What will life look like for my autistic child?It’s a fear every parent has. In this episode, we check in on Ethan Willform, a 19-year-old thriving as an adult with autism. After years of treatment, he has learned valuable skills that help him navigate a neurotypical world. We even hear some of the music he wrote and produced.Ethan is a great guy, with a great story of inspiration and normalcy – whatever “normal” means.

1. How old is your child or dependent?
2. What are your goals for your child?
3. Has your child been given a formal diagnosis of autism?
4. What types of behavior is your child demonstrating?





Please select a value.

Readiness

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Readiness program. This individualized, evidence-based program teaches young children skills they need to accelerate their learning and gain independence. Using imitation and naturalistic learning techniques, your child will develop useful skills in the areas of speech and language, cognition, and self-awareness. A program for children ages 0-3. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Foundations

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Foundations program. This program gives preschool and school-age children the structure to achieve important social, emotional, and intellectual milestones, helping them test within their peers’ range. With 25+ hours of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy per week, your child will develop social skills and better self-awareness for school and home. A program for children ages 4-7. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Breakthroughs

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Breakthroughs program. Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, this program removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships. A program for children ages 8-11.

Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Interactions program. Through guided social skills groups twice a week, this program helps improve social functioning in children ages 5 to 16. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

Independence

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Independence program. Geared toward older children, this program includes more in-depth skills that will help your child function independently. Taught skills include functional communication, self-management, and financial literacy. A program for individuals ages 12-25. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Independence

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Independence program. Geared toward older children, this program includes more in-depth skills that will help your child function independently. Taught skills include functional communication, self-management, and financial literacy. A program for individuals ages 12-25. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited to the Breakthroughs or Interactions programs. These programs treat similar symptoms, so Therapeutic Pathways will need to meet with you and your child before we can place them within the appropriate program.

Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, Breakthroughs removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships.

Through guided social skills groups twice a week, Interactions helps improve social functioning in children. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited to the Breakthroughs or Interactions programs. These programs treat similar symptoms, so Therapeutic Pathways will need to meet with you and your child before we can place them within the appropriate program.

Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, Breakthroughs removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships.

Through guided social skills groups twice a week, Interactions helps improve social functioning in children. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.