Philosophy & Approach

We strive to create an atmosphere that promotes independence and self-determination. Every aspect of instruction is based in research and evidence-based practices. To address students’ challenges in communication, social skills and repetitive behaviors, we ensure that:

1. Every student has a way to communicate.
2. Every student has many social opportunities at school and in the community.
3. We use a comprehensive approach to behavior that supports socially appropriate behavior and for those students that require it, individualized behavior plans that teach appropriate behaviors while addressing maladaptive behaviors.

Communication and social opportunities begin as soon as the student arrives at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism. We offer fully integrated speech and language services through an on-staff Speech-Language Pathologist. Social interactions are not only available in specific time blocks, but are integrated throughout the day.

Each new student receives a comprehensive assessment across a broad range of skills including: attending, listening, speaking, matching, imitating, reading, writing, math, communication, physical and social. We work with the parents and placing agency to design an individualized academic and behavioral plan. As these plans are implemented we take data on a daily basis and use that information to make decisions as to what beneficial changes may be made to programming.

We believe that every child has hope for a bright future. At the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism, our main goal is to equip students with the skills to lead full and independent lives.