ASSERT classroom is growing

Early intervention is key to helping children with autism, and the ASSERT (Austism Support Services:  Education, Research, and Training) program at the CPD offers children, 3-5 years of age, a chance to receive help at a very young age.

This year there are currently ten preschoolers and their families participating in the program.  Five students "graduated" from the preschool during the year, and seven new students were admitted, increasing the size of the program from eight students to 10. 

Each child has a personal instructor in the classroom to work with for 20 hours a week and is given an individualized plan tailored to his needs.

ASSERT focuses on teaching social skills and encourages leisure and play activities with structured peer-play interactions. Research-based intervention techniques are used to address challenging behaviors.

"Intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism is important because the earlier you work with the children, the bigger positive impact you can have on their progression," states Dr. Thomas S. Higbee, national expert on both assessment and intervention strategies for people with autism and the director of the ASSERT program.

To ensure that each child receives the services they require for optimum progress, ASSERT utilizes USU graduate students and undergraduates from a variety of departments on campus to work one on one with the children.  These USU students are trained in using state of the art interventions and the graduate students are able to conduct research on autism as they provide the individualized help that each child needs.

Families who have children enrolled in the ASSERT preschool receive professional training and home visits by a team leader twice per month to learn how to continue the program at home.

To inquire about placing your child in the ASSERT preschool program, contact Dr. Tom Higbee.