GABA School

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive early intervention approach for use with children with autism. This internationally recognized program incorporates the best of discrete trial training as well as naturalistic treatment and is suitable for children aged 12 to 48 months. It includes a complete developmental curriculum. The research behind this program is strong and has excellent outcomes.

Derived from Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is considered to be one of the most effective treatment methods for children with autism. PRT fosters the development of communication & language as well as positive social interaction.

In Discrete Trial Training (DTT) essential skills are broken down into steps that enable better comprehension and response. Each skill is taught with a one-step-at-a-time approach building upon previous success. DTT is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for teaching children with autism.

PROMPT is a tactile approach that physically guides the articulation of a word or phrase. PROMPT helps develop motor control and the development of facial muscles for improved speech delivery.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a pictorial approach to communication. The child passes a picture of a desired item to the therapist who responds to the request. Over time multiple images are combined to create sentences and achieve additional communication goals.

Social Stories depict specific events or activities with the goal of establishing expectations and better understanding of social situations. Social Stories have proven to be an effective learning tool for children with autism.

Designed for parents of children with autism aged 5 and under, More Than Words focuses on parent child learning and interaction. More Than Words provides the tools, techniques and knowledge required to ensure that children with autism reach their full potential.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. ASL is the primary method of communication used by many North Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Sequential Oral Sensory feeding (SOS) is a program used with children with feeding difficulties. SOS uses a trans-disciplinary approach and is suitable for children with feeding or weight gain issues from birth to 18 years of age.

Sensational Mealtimes is a program designed to help parents and caregivers with feeding children who have difficulty eating. Sensational Mealtimes improves feeding outcomes by helping to understand and cater to the child’s sensory preferences resulting in acceptance of a more nutritionally balanced diet.

BLADES is an Ontario based hockey program for children with special social needs. The motto of BLADES is “Yes I Can!” This affirmation reflects the program’s positive attitude to social engagement, sports and fun.

Zones of Regulation is a cognitive behavioural approach to self regulation that works by exploring the feelings and states of alertness found in four different ‘zones’. The Zones of Regulation curriculum provides strategies to teach students to become more aware and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, thereby improving their ability to problem solve and resolve conflicts.

TEACCH provides therapists with a hands-on structured teaching approach for children with autism. TEACCH has been developing programs since 1972 and is a world recognized leader in learning programs designed for use with children with autism.

Floortime encourages parents to engage children at their level – by getting on the floor to play. With Floortime, therapists and parents engage children through the activities the child enjoys. Floortime can either be used as a supplementary approach to other therapy techniques or, in some cases, as an alternative.