About the Abilis Autism Program
“My son’s behavior interfered with every aspect of his life — at home and school. Since Abilis’ involvement, his behavior is much better and he is learning many new things. He was even invited out by another child — a first!”
Direct Instruction
The Abilis Autism Program can be a bridge to success in so many ways. Professionals can teach children one-on-one in the home or in a community setting or instruct families in a way that allows them to learn language, play and social skills together. Abilis Autism can design Applied Behavior Analysis instructional programs for school districts and implement them, or assess the effectiveness of existing programs. Our team’s expertise can be supplied to Birth to Three providers, preschools programs, nonprofits, recreation/leisure leagues, arts organizations and other community agencies.
Social Skills Training
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders can have difficulty initiating interactions, maintaining conversations, making and keeping friends, and negotiating the complicated social rules of everyday life. But many also can make progress with the proper encouragement and supports. The Abilis Autism Program is committed to person-centered principles and is designed to help each family member gain skills necessary to address their child’s needs.
Abilis Autism staff members break interactions down into specific skills and teach them systematically, helping children build social currency step by step. Skills are introduced in a classroom setting, then applied in community settings as children gain confidence. As an additional form of support, Abilis Autism personnel train staff in preschools, schools and leisure/recreation and other community agencies to encourage and reinforce social fluency.
Behavior at Home
Daily routines that are consistent and appropriate is the goal. The Abilis Autism Program develops strategies to assist families during play, eating, dressing, toileting and bedtimes. Training to reduce challenging behaviors that can disrupt family activities also is available, along with written and video materials and Internet resources about Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis and behavior management.
School Consultations
Abilis Autism professionals train school-based teams — whether in a small group, large group or individually — in instructional strategies and consult about problem behavior or adaptations for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Abilis Autism personnel also work creatively, to help school staff develop lessons that combine instruction with fun. Enabling children to participate more fully with their typical peers always is the goal.
Birth to Three
The first years can be powerful for families touched by Autism, as they are for many families with a toddler in the house. Abilis Autism personnel work with Early Intervention staff to provide intense, comprehensive help as families navigate these early years.
Diagnostic Services
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders can be identified over the course of three to four appointments by a team of Abilis Autism professionals who are assembled according to each child’s needs.
- A member of the Abilis Autism team serves as a team leader and gathers detailed background about a child’s development, health and behavior.
- Next, a team of trained professionals observes and evaluates the child over one or two appointments. The Abilis Autism transdisciplinary team could include a behavioral psychologist, physical therapist, special education teacher, speech and language pathologist and an occupational therapist, depending on the child.
- A final appointment with the family then is held to exchange feedback about the child’s strengths and needs and make a recommendation, verbally as well as in writing.
Following the diagnostic evaluation, the Abilis Autism Program can help families move forward by connecting them with the appropriate community resources for their goals.
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Enabling Independence
Building Community
Impacting Society
A complete support network for children and their families.
Providing opportunities for individuals to gain confidence and succeed.
For more information about Abilis Autism Program contact:
Susan Izeman Ph.D., BCBA
Director of Abilis Autism Program
203-324-1880 x327 or email:
Lolli Ross
Executive Director
203-531-1880 x104 or email:
1150 Summer Street - Stamford, CT 06905 • P 203.324.1880 • F 203.324.4390
