Our school-based program is designed to support children aged 5 to 12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on their unique strengths and preparing them for successful integration into both their community and school environment.
Each child receives an individualized plan tailored to their strengths and specific needs. We work closely with families and the child’s school to ensure a collaborative approach, providing the best resources and support.
While our program doesn’t include academic lessons, we partner with the child’s home school (whether in-person or online) to ensure academic progress is supported. Children can attend our program between one to five days a week, depending on the family’s needs and agreements with the school.
We offer parent education and maintain open communication with the child’s school and the Chris Rose Therapy Centre to provide the best overall support.
Our approach integrates a variety of therapies based on the child’s needs, including music therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration, life skills training, and more. We do not utilize ABA methods in our approach.
- Pre-Academics
- This program is designed to expose children to pre-academic skills and experiences necessary be successful in a classroom setting. Each child has an individual education plan which focuses on developing cognitive, social-emotional, language and sensory-motor skills. Academic goals are maintained by the child’s school of enrollment.
- Occupational Therapy
- OT works on the development of skills necessary for integration into the family, community and school. The goals for this program are to develop fine and gross motor skills and to help the child’s body to interpret sensory information appropriately. Through therapy, the child is able to sit, attend to tasks and concentrate on developing a higher level of cognitive and problem solving abilities. Children who attend the day program receive weekly Occupational Therapy in groups of two children.
- Speech and Language
- Speech and language therapy at Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism focuses on helping the children communicate in all of their environments by building on their strengths. The children are encouraged to communicate using whatever means are accessible to them. For example, sign language, picture symbols, spoken words or a combination of any or all of these techniques. This program also focuses on social skills development. Children receive speech therapy on a rotational basis for 6 – 7 weeks on then 6 – 7 weeks off.
- Music Therapy
- Music therapy supports each student’s specific goals. It provides a rhythmical structure through singing, playing instruments, dance and listening. The child’s enjoyment and success increases self-esteem, a growing concept of self, and interest in others. Each child receives at least one session per week in small groups of 2 – 3 children with a music therapist and an educational assistant.
- Integrated Physical Program (I.P.P.)
- In order to function day to day, it is necessary for us to integrate the sensory system with the cognitive system. For children with sensory dysfunction, this does not occur naturally, which affects the student adversely in adapting to everyday life. The goal of this program is to aid the student in using both the primary sensory system and the higher cognitive systems. These activities encourage the integration of cognitive, social-emotional, communication, problem-solving, and sensory motor skills. Children also participate in relaxation and yoga exercises. Children receive 1 – 3 sessions per week depending on need and days in attendance. Sessions are in groups of 3 with 2 educational assistants.
- Life Skills
- The goal of the Life Skills program is to teach the child skills required to be part of his/her family and community. Parents set goals for their child such as brushing teeth, going to the hairdresser, shopping, increasing variety of foods, etc. each child has a Life Skills Specialist who helps develop these valuable skills necessary for increasing independence.
To enroll in our day program, we encourage families to connect with their child’s home school to discuss the enrollment process. Each school district has its own procedures to ensure the child’s needs are met. For example, in School District #73, families will collaborate with the Inclusive Education team to begin the process.
Our program provides one-on-one or small group support, focusing on life skills, social integration, and therapy-based goals, while academic support is provided by the child’s home school.