Interventions for Young Children with Autism
Intervene Early was developed to support professionals looking to customize their path to knowledge and information on strategies and interventions for young children with autism. These curated sets of resources prepare professionals to cultivate their skills implementing autism intervention models through intensive training, practice, and supervision. Below are a few of the current interventions OCALI's Center for the Young Child supports, facilitates, and provides technical assistance on in Ohio.
If you are interested in expanding and developing skills to implement autism intervention models through intensive training, contact us.
Contact UsPLAY Project
Introduction
Nearly a decade ago, John Martin, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), encountered a group of early intervention providers implementing a form of intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) called the PLAY Project. Starting in May 2011, certification trainings were initiated for Early Intervention service professionals.
Currently PLAY Project technical assistance is provided through partnership between the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), the PLAY Project, and OCALI through collaborative efforts Ohio Help Me Grow Early Intervention professionals have received training to serve and support Ohio's children and families touched by autism.
About the PLAY Project
PLAY Project parent-implemented autism intervention designed to improve outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder, particularly a child's ability to engage socially and emotionally. The term "PLAY Project' refers to both the intervention and an organization that provides professional training and development of the model. of the model.
Dr. Richard Solomon, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, developed it directly due to the lack of intensive early intervention services for young children with ASD. The PLAY Project organization, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, trains professionals through various options. Trained professionals then help parents and caregivers build an engaged relationship with their child.
Certification Process
Since the initial rollout of training across the state over 300 early intervention professionals have participated in training at some level. The training process takes about 12-18 months (about 1 and a half years) and includes Intensive Workshop attendance, online certification coursework, and video supervision through a world-wide network of highly trained professionals. More information about the training, supervision, and certification process can be found here: https://playproject.org/professionals-page.
Statewide Participation
Year to date, professionals in over 70 counties have pursued PLAY Project certification significantly impacting the lives of young children and families in Ohio along with the practices of the early intervention workforce. Currently, over 75% of Ohio counties have access to certified professionals providing families access to the principles, methods, and techniques of the model within a child's IFSP as part of the steps and activities which support child and family outcomes.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
Introduction
Recognizing the need to expand evidence-based intervention options available to families starting in February 2021 through collaborative efforts between the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Koegel PRT, and OCALI early intervention professionals have received training in Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT).
About PRT
Developed by Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)® is an evidence-based naturalistic autism intervention developed based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). PRT is designed to target pivotal areas of child development in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behavior using research-based motivational procedures, such as child choice, task variation, rewarding attempts, and use of direct, natural reinforcers. The intervention aligns with Part C Early Intervention by empowering family members to implement interventions, with learning embedded across daily routines in the natural environment.(KOEGEL AUTISM PRT, autismprthelp.com)
Statewide Participation
Hundreds of Ohio professionals have attended some level of introductory training in PRT. Currently, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Children & Youth, OCALI is facilitating a trainer of trainers' certification for Early Intervention professionals to expand and build statewide access for Ohio families.