More than 10 years ago, the JRI
Pediatric Rehabilitation Department began the first
early
intervention program in New Jersey specifically designed for
children with autism/PDD. Since that time, our unique approach has
been the model for many other programs through the state and
region.
Services for children with autism and PDD include:
- Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Early Intervention Program
- Preschool and Primary Classes
- Approved Private School for the
Handicapped
- Individual Therapy
The You and Me School, an outgrowth
of our very successful Early Intervention Program, offers an
intensive, individualized approach incorporating language-based,
sensory and behavioral strategies within a developmental context.
Admission Process
Parents may arrange to observe the school by contacting Nicole T.
McDowell, L.S.W., at (732) 548-7610. Children are screened for
admission at the request of their school district following
receipt of the child's records and IEP from the school.
Program Description/Philosophy
Classroom teams are made up of special educators, speech language
pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers and special
education teacher assistants.
There is a 2:1 student staff ratio. The staff brings a high level
of commitment, dedication and experience to the classroom.
While most other programs use interaction with adults as an
instructional strategy for skill development, our approach places
heaviest emphasis on peer interaction. The use of adaptive, coping
and language skills in play-based interactions provide a more
natural, productive learning environment for children. By
encouraging this type of play, autistic and PDD children have
chances to practice self-initiated learning and problem-solving
skills with each other. Housed in a school building with a child
care center, the You and Me School provides daily opportunities
for structured and unstructured interactions with typically
developing peers.
Our program has three classrooms, two preschool and one primary
level for children between the ages of 5 and 8. All three
classrooms are similar in structure utilizing discrete trial,
activity-based instruction and incidental teaching. Technology
centers have been installed in the classrooms giving daily access
to computers.
Throughout the program, we closely monitor progress. Family
members, school staff and child study team members all participate
in evaluation and in creating customized educational plans.
Providing an extended school year, the You and Me School Program
offers an excellent staff ratio, parent support groups and parent
clinics, technology centers, sensory interaction therapy and home
visits.
Children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder may
exhibit all or some of the following characteristics:
- Limited or lack of
responsiveness to people
- Lack of or impaired
communication
- Difficulty adjusting to change
in routines or activities
- Extremely difficult to manage,
exhibiting temper tantrums or self-injurious behavior
- Limited attention span
- Ritualistic play schemes;
unusual fascination with objects
- Inappropriate responses to
sensory stimuli
Program Goals include:
- Development of interactive
foundational skills for communication
- Development of receptive and
expressive language skills
- Improvement of tolerance for
changes in routine
- Expansion of attention span and
play skills
- Development of prerequisite
skills for group participation and peer interaction
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