Rocky Point Academy
Autism Program
Davis Autism Approach Program®
PURPOSE
To facilitate an understanding of the basic life concepts and self-regulatory skills, that were missed, blocked or reduced due to autistic characteristics; building a foundation for self and social development allowing for fuller participation in life they choose.
Age
8 years through adult
Program Length
50-90 hours (This will be dependant on the client.)
Overview
Highly trained facilitators work individually with each client/support, so the program is delivered at their pace and according to their needs and goals. The program follows a three-part process: First, the focus is on self-regulation and harmonizing neural networks by listening to the auditory orientation sound. Secondly, a series of fundamental concepts are created using the multisensory medium of clay and are explored in the environment and daily life. The final component, social integration, facilitates social awareness through exploring the different types of relationships and behaviors we have with others.
Program Outcomes
Here are some of the more common positive and lasting changes that have been experienced:
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Less general anxiety
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Greater sense of self
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Reduced sensory overload symptoms
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Reduced or less intense emotional meltdowns
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Greater capacity to cope with change
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More willing to try new things
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Greater ability to cause positive change
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Increased ability to take part in daily activities and create order
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Better interpersonal communication skills
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Lower social anxiety
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Better able to establish and maintain relationships with others
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Increased motivation
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Taking on more responsibility
Program Formats
The following formats can be offered in person or, when suitable, on-line.
Individualized Program
A facilitator works individually with the client through a complete program. We encourage the family/spouse to be involved as much as possible so that the program can be integrated faster and more effectively into the home/work environment. There are no drilling or repetitive exercises to be completed at home; we only ask that the concepts are discussed and integrated in a fun, interactive way. We have found a program can most often be completed in two full weeks (approx. 50 hours). This program option is often the preferred choice as the concepts are completed by the facilitator, leaving less home work to be done.
Coached Program
The facilitator will take a client through the initial part of the program and then works with a support person, who in turn goes home and implements the program with the client. It takes a commitment of about 100 hours to take an individual through the material at home. We have found a program can most often be completed in two full weeks (approx. 50 hours). This program option has been designed for clients who are unable to work with someone other than their support person, or who need the program spread out over a greater period of time.
Workshop
A five-day, group workshop where we work with parents, professionals and/or spouses and teach them how to take their child/client/spouse through a program at home. It will give you
the knowledge and ability to support and guide a child/teen/adult in their everyday interactions, choices, and behaviours. It takes a commitment of about 100 hours after the workshop to take an individual through the material at home. This program option is designed for those who are comfortable working with the individual themselves and want a thorough understanding of the concepts in order to support their loved one/client best.
This workshop can also be applied to the first step of training to be come a Davis Autism Approach Facilitator. (To learn more about the training, visit www.rdautismfoundation.org/training)
Develops
Current neurological science reveals that every brain – whether neurotypical or otherwise – is capable of creating new neural networks when provided with the right tools and proper developmental progression. Experience has proven to us that those on the autism spectrum can develop far beyond the usual predictions/expectations when provided with the missing pieces.
Our programs and workshops teach individuals how to systematically fill in the partial or completely missing developmental pieces. New learning is constructed upon the participant’s prior understanding and experience, building a foundation for the next piece. This creates a solid framework that naturally and easily supports their journey toward:
Hover over each box to read more...
Theory of mind, personal space, accurate perception of oneself and their environment, understanding of oneself at the cause of an effect, personal hygiene, reduced sensitivities and meltdowns, fine and gross motor coordination.
Self Awareness
Focusing, listening accurately and with intention, completing tasks, organizing thoughts, sequencing importance, sustaining relationships, blocking distractions and being able to follow directions.
Sustained Attention
Decrease stress/anxiety, self-monitoring energy levels, awareness of emotional triggers and how to change them, and inhibition (learning how to know when something is not appropriate).
Emotional Regulation
Interest, drive, planning, initiating, follow-through, completing tasks and comfort with taking responsibility.
Motivation
Sharing interests, sharing ideas, sharing feelings, communication, collaboration, understanding types of relationships, identifying healthy/unhealthy relationships.
Socialization
Making good choices, predicting, evaluating,
risk-taking, reflecting, creating alternate solutions, ownership of outcomes, responsibility, and confidence to make decisions.
Independent Problem Solving
Willingness to consider new ideas and possibilities, ability to shift focus as needed, variety of interests, reduced anxiety going into new/unknown situations, theory of mind, ability to change plans as needed to fit situations and flexibility.
Acceptance of Change
Making good choices, predicting, evaluating, risk-taking, reflecting, creating alternate solutions, ownership of outcomes, responsibility, and confidence to make decisions.
Navigating Life's Challenges More Independently
Sense of time, organization, sequencing of steps, how to make good choices, reduce impulsivity, discover why we repeat negative behaviors and how to change the pattern into positive outcomes and comfort with responsibility.
Meeting Behavioral Expectations