Educational programs are individually designed for children and young adults, ages two and a half to twenty-one years old, to meet the needs of each student as determined by the IEP/IIP team. All programs are designed so that each student learns in the least restrictive environment based on the individual needs of the student. All students are taught in a combination of 1:1 ABA structured programming and group instructional settings. The extent to which each student receives services in these setting depends on the individual support needs of that student. Factors taken into account include a student’s ability to receive and retain information in individual and group settings and behavior management concerns.
All individualized programs focus on the following skills to the degree necessary for that individual student as determined by the IEP/IIP team. Each student will be assessed yearly or more often using The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS.) The ABLLS assesses capability and behavior in the following domains:
DSFA also addresses the following:
Moreover, DSFA provides consultative speech and language therapy and communication support focusing on functional and social communication, as well as, occupational therapy consultation. Occupational therapy consultation and support demonstrate the most effective ways to teach many daily living skills. Furthermore, methods employed by occupational therapy provide mechanisms that assist in the emotional regulation for people with autism. A “sensory diet” provided by specific motor activities, helps regulate individuals’ sensory systems that are easily over taxed and enhances their ability to participate more fully and appropriately in activities around them.
DSFA retains the services of a reading specialist and behavior specialist, both of whom provide support and services to students and staff to enhance students’ growth and learning.