Crossroads, Lake County Adolescent Counseling Center

The A+ Program is a highly specialized, comprehensive education and treatment program for children and young adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This is a collaborative program provided by Crossroads and the Lake County Educational Service Center. It designed for ASD students aged 10-14 who are experiencing substantial impairment in the area of behavioral, emotional, psychological and/or social functioning. These impairments frequently have a negative impact on a child's academic functioning, peer relationships, self-care, self-esteem, mood, and family life. With a two to one child to staff ratio, this program is able to address each student's unique needs and learning styles when develping a personalized academic and treatment schedule. Read more..
The typical A+ school day lasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is divided equally between specialized educational programming and treatment. The primary goal of the A+ Program is to provide a comprehensive, intensive and structured education and treatment experience, within a limited period of time, that results in the student to successfully return to a less restrictive setting with enhanced coping and functional social skills. All students in the program have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is emphasized in daily one-to-one and/or small group instruction in math, language arts, and science/social studies.

In the A+ Program, your child's treatment goals and objectives are addressed through individual and group therapies. This treatment will assist students with self-esteem, self-control, and family skills, depending on the specific needs. Art, music, and recreation therapies occur at least twice a week and special events/field trips are organized weekly. If students are eligible for speech/language and/or occupational therapies, those services are also provided within the A+ Program.

The A+ Program classroom includes a licensed special education teacher, teaching assistant, and a child youth social skills specialist. A supervisor is also on site throughout the day. A child's local school district pays for the academic costs and a portion of the treatment costs for this program. Medicaid, private insurance, and mental health funding reimbursement are also possible sources of funding.

"I just wanted to tell you how happy we are with the A+ Program. I can't tell you how much this school has helped our son. He looks forward to school everyday and comes home with a smile on his face . . . He is making friends and learning that everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay. I don't know what we would have done without all of you. The support from the staff makes us feel that we can handle anything with a little help."

Treatment

Treatment consists of individual and group therapies for three or more hours per day. Individual therapies and skills groups assist each student in building a higher quality of life for self. Groups are highly structured and facilitated by one or two staff with additional support as needed. Read more..
One of the most significant problems for people with ASD is social interactions. Most are unable to read what other people may be thinking, which is called mind blindness. This can lead most people with ASD to be unaware of appropriate and inappropriate social behavior. This sense of confusion can lead to depression, poor self esteem and being teased by others. Skill’s groups provide middle school students who have ASD with the ability to learn and practice communicating needs and emotions. Groups focus on social awareness, emotional regulating and coping skills. Group members offer and learn to receive feedback on each other’s concerns, behaviors, and successes.

Facilitators practice role modeling, social stories, comic stripping and behavioral support to encourage each student to problem solve in simulated activities and real life. Students are directed through role modeling how to build friendships and appropriate ways to interact with others. Each skill’s group session models appropriate behavior skills, active listening, feedback, and support. Over time, students model these behaviors and incorporate them in their interactions with others. This gains students increasingly positive feedback from others, enhancing their own self-esteem and emotional growth.

"Northeastern Ohio has long needed a program that addresses the issues of children on the autism spectrum and we are grateful that Crossroads recognized that need . . . We could not have asked for a more appropriate, professional and warm environment. Our daughter is thriving - thank you Crossroads!"

Community Outings:

Community outings are scheduled weekly. Our outings focus on practicing social awareness and skills previously practiced during skills groups, in natural and real world settings. Structure for outings include following visual schedules and learning specific community/public rules. Students role play conflicts that may arise on each outing and create guidelines to help with specific behaviors and concerns. Weekly outings help teach independent living skills through visits to the library, mall, restaurants, grocery store, post office, parks, etc.

Sensory:

Sensory needs are also built into the program’s day. Staff is attuned to each student’s different levels of need and work with an Occupational Therapist to help regulate input. Modeling and direct instruction on self regulation is practiced daily. A dynamic sensory diet is incorporated into each student’s schedule. Accommodations and adaptations are shaped into each activity to help achieve a calm regulated state in which students can learn easier and become more involved in their activities.

Family Involvement:

Family involvement is crucial in reinforcing social and emotional skills taught during the program day. Staff and families work closely together so each student begins to see connection of their behaviors and learned skills are supported in the same way. Each family meets monthly with a family therapist to help with home concerns. A caseworker works as a bridge between family and school. Crossroads also hosts a monthly Family Night. This is a time for families to get together over a meal and to spend time as a family unit playing games and learning different types of skills that may help with concerns and issues.

"The staff slowed our son, David, down to a child we have NEVER seen . . . On David's first day, he came home with an A+ on his paper. When we asked him how his day was, instead of just walking away from me and shrugging his shoulders, he replied, "I got an A+!" - with a smile that would light up the sky! Our grade for the A+ Program is an A+ for every day David comes home brighter and happier."

Family Resources

Helpful Links

Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org

Northeast Ohio Autism Group
http://northeastohioautismgroup.org/

National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter
http://www.autismnortheastohio.org/

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
http://www.asgc.org

Future & Transition Resources

Guaranteeing a successful future for your child is our primary goal here at Crossroads. We want all students to be able to successfully return to a less restrictive setting with enhanced coping and social skills. We also know that living with Autism menas something different for every child and family. Therefore, we have put together a variety of resources that may be useful to you and your child.

Lake County Vocational Transition Consortium
http://www.lcesc,k12.oh.us/public/ESC/programs_lcvtc.cfm

Milestones Organization - Northeast Ohio Autism/Asperger's Adult Services
http://milestones.org/adult_services.htm

Cleveland State University
Kate Yurick, M.ed., C.R.C.
Assistant Director, Office of Disability Services
r.c.yurick@csuohio.edu
http://www.csuohio.edu/offices/disabilility/

Ohio State University
Aspirations - A social and vocational support program for young adults with ASD.
http://ww.aspirationsohio.org/contact.html

Office for Disability Services
http://www.ods.ohio-state.edu/

Notre Dame College
Academic Support Center for Students with Learning Disabilities
http://www.notredamecollege.edu/campus_life/AcademicSupportCenter.aspx

Brochures and more Information about Crossroads

A+ Program for Autism – Learn about our newest offering, a special education and treatment program for youngsters aged 10-14 with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Crossroads Therapeutic School (PHP) – Learn about our on-site school for emotionally disturbed youngsters

Live Healthy Newsletter – A periodic newsletter about what’s going on at Crossroads, including the A+ Program and more