Outreach & Transition

GCFA performs formal assessments for young adults, adolescents and children with autism and related disorders. The following assessments provide the necessary information to develop an effective program:

• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
• Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised (ABLLS-R)
• Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)
• Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-3 (ABAS) or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3)

Home-Based Services: GCFA helps young adults, adolescents and children with autism in acquiring skills in self-help practices and leisure time opportunities, social and community interaction, functional academics, behavior difficulties and family traditions. GCFA offers training to parents, siblings, extended family members and respite personnel to help build a family life that reduces as much stress as possible. All staff are closely supervised by highly experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts who have been in the autism field for many years.

Behavioral Training and Supervision: GCFA has a training program based on the most current best practice principles for working with adults and adolescents in transition, or children with autism within a school, agency or home-based context. This training program presents the key introductory elements of Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Support that will result in high level of competencies for teaching assistants or direct service providers to develop the necessary competencies to work effectively within the home, school and community. GCFA offers follow-up student/client specific supervision for each training participant who successfully completes the training program.

GCFA provides consultation to school districts for adolescents and children with autism with skill deficits or behavior challenges.  GCFA works with school teams to identify and address behavior or skill acquisition challenges and generate individualized behavior intervention plans, including early intensive behavior intervention for young children with autism.  Consultation services include ongoing clinical supervision by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to school teams. GCFA provides training on Autism Spectrum Disorder, the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis, and behavior intervention, including discrete trial methodology and natural environment teaching. GCFA also provides direct level staff to supplement school teams.

Transition Support and Program Curriculum: The goal of GCFA consultation is to support educational communities in establishing evidence-based programs using the most current strategies and interventions that will provide learners along the autism spectrum to realize their full potential. The GCFA works with the school’s educational team and his/her family in developing an individualized behavioral, educational and vocational program for students in transition. The Outreach Program, like all of the other programs of the Greengard C

Learning Never Ends: The Outreach Program ensures participants continue to expand their life goals and to improve their quality of life. Through developing new skills as well as maintaining already acquired skills: communication, functional academics and adaptive living skills, expected behavior skills, social skills, and individualized leisure and employment skills.

Family Collaboration: GCFA believes that the family’s knowledge of their child’s unique history and culture, learning profile, the parent’s hopes and dreams must be carefully documented and honored.

Commitment to Lifelong Healthy Living: Developing regular exercise, expanded nutritious food choices, involvement in the arts, and active participation in recreational opportunities will help to provide participants with confidence, expanded opportunities for enjoyment and a positive well-being.

Creating Meaningful Work and Social Opportunities: GCFA is committed to developing valuable employment and volunteer opportunities within the local community. GCFA is in the process of developing its own business ventures in order for its participants to have a meaningful vocational experience within the community.