Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders

The Center will house new educational and clinical programs for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum (ASD) and related Developmental Disorders. The primary goal of the Center is to provide science-based instruction, training, and behavior intervention programs that promote functional independence.

Center Philosophy and Rationale

Operation of all Center education and clinical programs will be based in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Program implementation will be provided through a transdisciplinary team adhering to the principle of evidence-based decision making and best practice procedures.

Rationale for the development of The ACES Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders comes from a number of sources including: an identified scarcity of services for adolescents and young adults with autism and related disorders accessible to school districts, family concerns for the continuation of ABA based instruction and treatment for older students, recent legislative actions in Connecticut addressing autism services, and the ACES Mission and Beliefs that advance innovative leadership at the highest level within the field of education.

The Center is committed to promoting research-based practices and supports the National Autism Council conclusions that the use of evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes for students requires the appropriate use of scientifically based research findings, sound professional judgment, and adherence to the values and preferences of families and the community.

Center Service Units

The Center will advance both educational and support services that are invaluable for the effective instruction and treatment of persons with autism and related disorders. In addition to our educational units (see the description of the ACES SAILS program) services will eventually include the following:

• Assessment
• Assistive Technology
• Home/School Consultation
• Information and Resource Library
• Outpatient Clinic
• Parent Training
• Speech and Language