Evaluation, Diagnostic and Consultation Services
A comprehensive developmental evaluation is available through The Kelberman Center to determine if a child is eligible for early intervention services or preschool services and what types of services may be needed, including speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and special education services.An evaluation, provided by specialists from more than one area of development, will observe and test the child. Based on the evaluation needed, services may be provided in a home-based program or a center-based program. Additional consultation services are offered through The Kelberman Center. To obtain more information, please contact Beth Myers, at (315)797-6241 ext. 412.
Treatment Options
Experts agree that early intervention is important in addressing the symptoms associated with autism. The earlier the treatment is started the better the opportunity for the child to reach his full potential. Services for children as young as 18 months can be provided and may continue throughout the individual's life. It is important to match the child's individual needs with potential treatments or strategies likely to be effective. The basis for selecting a treatment approach should be a thorough assessment of the child's particular skills, abilities and needs. Most professionals agree that people with autism respond well to highly structured special education programs designed to meet the individual's needs. Based on the major characteristics associated with autism, there are areas that are important to look at when creating a plan: social development, communication, behavior and sensory integration.
Upstate Cerebral Palsy Early Intervention
Services for children up to age three are available through Upstate Cerebral Palsy, in collaboration with the local county departments of health. Trained professional educators and therapists provide assessment and intervention in the child's home or other natural environment. To access this service contact your County Health Department.
First Step Developmental Group
Upstate Cerebral Palsy, in collaboration with the local county departments of health, provide a specific Early Intervention Program for toddlers with autism, autism spectrum disorders, severe language delay and behavioral problems. The Upstate Cerebral Palsy First Step Developmental Group is a half day program provided at our Armory Campus in Utica for up to four children ages 18 months to three years. This developmentally appropriate program uses the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, which is the only treatment for autism that is research based and recognized by New York State as an accepted intervention for children with autism.
Promise Program
Children ages three to five with autism, autism spectrum disorders, severe language delay and behavioral problems may be placed through the local school district committee on special education in the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Promise Program. This program was established in 1997 and serves 30 children at our Armory Campus in Utica. Five classes of six children attend five days per week and receive therapeutic intervention and educational instruction. As in the First Step Program, the instruction is delivered using an ABA approach. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, a social skills development class was created within the Promise Program. Students Teaching as Role –models (STAR) was created in 2002. This class provides an opportunity for Promise preschoolers to practice their skills in a setting more like that of a kindergarten classroom and to interact in that setting with typical learning age peers.
New Discoveries Learning Centers Inclusive Special Education Preschool
The preschool provides instruction for students who are ready to generalize their skills and no longer require the highly structured routines provided in the Promise Program. This program uses the High Scope Curriculum, which includes essential components for the instruction of children with autism. Each classroom includes both children with disabilities and typical learning children enrolled in daycare. The committee on special education in the child’s home school district determines placement for preschoolers with disabilities in this program.
Tradewinds Education Center
For school age students who have not been successful in the public schools due to severe communication delays and maladaptive behaviors, the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Tradewinds Education Center provides a learning environment for both day and residential students placed by the local school district committee on special education. Students with multiple disabilities attend Tradewinds where 30-40% of the students have a diagnosis of autism. Instruction for students with autism is part of the Developmental Needs Cluster where a variety of intervention strategies are used to best meet the needs of each student. The core of the program is modeled after a program of intervention based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
Counseling Services
The Kelberman Center offers comprehensive counseling services by a team of trained counselors and social workers. Counseling can be provided on an individual, family or group basis.
Community Based Early Screening Program
With the generous support of the United Way of Greater Utica, The Kelberman Center provides free developmental screenings to pre-school age children throughout the community. A mobile screening and consultation team, consisting of a speech and language pathologist and a special educator, conducts the screenings at daycare centers, early childhood facilities and family community sites. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Beth Myers, at (315)797-6241 ext 412.
Advancement Square
This support group is designed for older teens and adults with ASD or related learning challenges to process experiences and support each other. Meeting activities are designed by the group and can include support discussions, skill presentations and social activities. Previous activities have included Karaoke, bowling and a game night. Advancement Square meets on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at the Kelberman Center. For more information or to register for the group, please call Beth Myers at (315)797-6241, ext. 412.
Social Skills Groups
The Kelberman Center is committed to providing services to enhance the skills of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Responding to needs expressed by the community, the Kelberman Center offers social skills programs for a variety of age and skill levels. Groups meet weekly after school and each program runs for 8 weeks. The Kelberman Social Skills Program involves interactive and fun teaching methods such as role play, games, and art. Topics include: understanding emotions, conversation skills, assertiveness skills, understanding social boundaries, self-regulation, and understanding others. For more information, please call Beth Myers, (315)797-6241, ext. 412.
Adolescent/Teen Group
Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders has shown that social skill difficulties may increase during the adolescent years for individuals with ASD. The Kelberman Center recognizes the need to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment for teens to explore and discuss the unique challenges they face. The adolescent/teen group meets weekly at the center on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Ongoing research on Autism Spectrum Disorders, adolescence and self-identity is incorporated into the group. For more information or to register, please call Beth Myers, (315)797-6241, ext. 412.
Awesome Summer Days Camp
Awesome Summer Days Camp is designed for children ages 6 to 14 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, or related challenges. The camp is designed to develop social skills in a highly structured, fun and supportive environment. For more information, please contact Beth Myers, at (315)797-6241 ext 412.
Medication Consultation and Management
Autism Lending Library
Family Resource Center
School Consultation Services
The Kelberman Center offers a variety of consultation services to support the work of the classroom team in planning successfully for students with autism and autism spectrum disorders. Program consultations may be provided by an individual specialist or by a team of specialists based upon the needs identified in the referral process. A thorough review of the student’s developmental, academic and social history, classroom observation, functional behavioral assessment and comprehensive assessment are optional components that may be included in a scheduled consultation. For more information, please contact Robert E. Myers, III, Director of Consultation and Behavioral Services, at (315)797-6241 ext. 411.
