Teaching Your Autistic Child:
A Loving Center for Children with Autism
By Bobbi Barber, BA, BCABA

It wasn’t that long ago that ABC School House started out in a small church space as a summer program with a handful of children. Five years later, we have a gorgeous new building which has exceeded our dreams and expectations in Oviedo, FL. We are now capable of helping 30-33 students on a 1 acre lot, in a 3,500 square foot building. The classrooms are spacious and inviting, the play area is wide open and shaded. We are able to have an updated, fully furnished computer lab, large entry way and foyer, conference room, handicap accessible bathrooms, necessary storage and the ability to extend our services and mission to the Central Florida area.

ABC School House is a 501(c)3, non-profit, private school. The school was founded to establish an educational alternative for children with autism and related disorders. Our mission is to provide children with the most effective, scientifically valid form of instruction available – Applied Behavior Analysis. We believe that the combination of behavior management and effective teaching by skilled individuals is what makes our program a unique schooling option. We understand not every child learns in the same way. Through careful observation and interaction with each child, we can determine the best way to teach them, based on their individual learning styles. ABC School House is unique in that all of our programs are developed by highly trained therapists and certified behavior analysts. We include a variety of different teaching procedures that are taught in both formal sessions and in the natural environment. Here are some of the components that make our program special:

• Low student to staff ratios (1:1, 1:2 & 1:3)
• Year-round calendar (for 1:1 & 1:2 placement only)
• Mc Kay participants
• Individual learning plans (not to be confused with IEP’s)
• Directors are certified behavior analysts with specialized verbal behavior training
• Assessments in the following areas: behavior, communication, skill acquisition, academics, pre-vocation, self-care and daily living
• Behavior management
• Verbal behavior / communication training
• Academics
• Play / social skills training
• Toilet training
• Self-care skills
• Pre-vocational training
• Independent living
• Parent education
• Respite care
• After care
• Before care
• In-home therapy
• 1:1 ABA therapy for non-enrolled students
• ABLLS/Brigance assessments
• Open-door policy

ABC School House is dedicated to the education and improvement in the quality of life for every child. Please visit our website for more information or call for a tour. We would love to share our program with you and your family.

If you suspect that your child or a child you know has autism or a delay in development please do not wait or hesitate to seek treatment. *Some of the characteristics of developmental delays are:

• Language delays
• Lack of imitation
• Little to no eye contact
• Distant appearance
• Inappropriate body motions
• Lacks play skills
• Need for sameness

*This is not a complete list or a diagnostic tool. If you have questions regarding the development of your child seek professional help.