Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) programs

Early Childhood Center PDD Program Information

Early Childhood Center PDD Program Information Our Early Childhood PDD Program provides services designed to meet the needs of elementary and middle school students diagnosed with Asperger's, Developmental Delays or who are experiencing sensory issues along the Autism Spectrum. The program serves children between the ages of 3 and 14. Additionally these students may be exhibiting behavioral and learning challenges that make it difficult for them to be successful in their community school.

The classroom environment is designed to provide the optimal learning environment for students. The philosophy is based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is apparent in the classroom structure. All classrooms have a small class size and a low staff to student ratio. The classroom provides consistency, positive reinforcement, predictability, visuals, data driven decisions and individualized behavior support plans. It is MSEC's goal to provide each student with frequent and personally meaningful reinforcement, critical to sustaining motivation. Although the philosophy is based upon ABA principles many therapists work together as a team to determine the most effective treatment plan. Our integrated therapy approach provides Board Certified Behavior Analysts, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists and social workers that work with the classroom staff to ensure the entire student's needs are met.

The educational environment provides activities and materials that are interesting and motivating. Perhaps most importantly, curriculum is based on each student's individual characteristics. Programs serve the whole child by providing a rich, meaningful learning experience through structured activities at their individual level of readiness. MSEC PDD assessment (ABLLS-R and VB-MAPP) guides individual student goals and objectives, which address all developmental domains and specifies individualized instruction. Students are taught pre-academic and pre-vocational skills as well as academic skills. The environment is set up so the student has opportunities to engage in the skills they learn in the natural environment. The curriculum utilizes a teaching approach based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques, Direct Instruction, discrete trial training, task analysis, integrated therapy techniques and hands on experiences.