You and Me Autism Program for Young Children
The You and Me Autism Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute is the newest program to be developed for young children with autism.
This program utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in its center-based program serving children up to age 6 with an autism diagnosis.
The daily program runs from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Children ages two up to six work one-on-one with therapists on their individual goals and objectives that are developed based on their assessment. Opportunities to interact with other children also exist to address social, play and daily living skills. Parents and caregivers also learn new ways to support their child's development at home through parent training with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Parents have daily communication with their child's Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
How We Assess and Work with Children
To determine each child’s eligibility for the program, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst conducts an assessment at the center. Socially significant goals and objectives are developed following this assessment resulting in the target behaviors (communication, social skills, self-help/daily living skills and community skills) to address.
These target behaviors across all areas of development are broken down into smaller steps to be taught and are implemented in a structured environment. ABA looks to increase appropriate and useful behaviors and decrease inappropriate behaviors or those that interfere with their interactions with the world around them.
ABA looks at patterns of behavior and considers what happens before and after a behavior occurs. Motivation and reinforcement for an individual child are considered as this varies based on the child and their interests.
For more information about this program— located in Edison, New Jersey, please call 732-548-7610.
Payment
Children must be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to be eligible for our You and Me program. We accept most private insurance and Medicaid plans. Learn more about billing and insurance and financial assistance.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health's You and Me Autism Program
Applied Behavior Analysis
Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts, special educators and Registered Behavior Technicians uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), considered the gold standard in autism intervention. ABA is a science dedicated to studying and improving human behavior. It is supported by decades of evidence based research and is data-driven.
Personalized Care Plans
The You and Me program has a 1:1 child to staff ratio so your child works with a therapist who addresses the individual goals and objectives that have been established following their assessment. Our therapists are passionate about improving the lives of the children and families they serve.
Full Continuum of Services
The You and Me program based within JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, also offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and feeding therapy for families who are interested in pursuing these additional services for their child.
Decades of Experience
Our program is supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and includes a veteran staff of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) with years of experience in ABA and autism.
Three-Year-Old Makes Progress through Participation in You & Me Autism Program
“Within five months of starting You & Me, our son is much more social, plays with his big sister, can say sentences and can communicate his feelings and needs. It’s a miracle.” — Amanda Pulgarin
Our Doctors
If you suspect your child may have autism spectrum disorder, speak with a Hackensack Meridian Health pediatric neurologist.
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