BRIDGE Program
A small group intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorder to promote skills necessary for positive peer interactions, play and relationships, social communication and classroom readiness.
BRIDGE is an acronym for Building Relationships in Dyad and Group Environment. The program currently provides specialized Applied Behavior Analysis services and is appropriate for preschool- and school-aged children.Targeted Skills
- Use of flexible language and communication skills to be used across a variety of social contexts.
- Peer interaction skills.
- Independent, cooperative and imaginative play skills.
- Adaptive skills.
- Emotional regulation and behavior management.
Progress towards treatment goals are assessed every six months and regular caregiver support is offered.
Therapy activities rotate every 20 minutes and include 1:1 structured teaching sessions, small peer group sessions (two to three children), and large group activities (up to seven children).
Children gain independence in navigating the classroom environment by completing independent leisure activities, engaging in cooperative and pretend play with peers, attending social skills lessons and participating in developmentally appropriate classroom activities such as story time, social snack time and arts/crafts.
Through play and naturalistic teaching methodologies, this program aims to prepare children with the skills needed to build relationships and learn in less restrictive environments.
To accomplish this, our team:
- Identifies individualized goals through caregiver input and a comprehensive assessment conducted every six months.
- Provides Applied Behavior Analysis services in small groups of peers as well as opportunities to practice skills in larger group settings.
- Most children also have a period within their session in which they receive 1:1 instruction from our clinical team.
- Places emphasis on promoting skills necessary for positive peer interactions and social play, social communication skills and classroom readiness.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how the brain functions – how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave.