The Young Autism Program (YAP) was established in 1995 after years of less than optimistic outcomes for young child ren diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) established YAP as an intensive, behaviorally based educational program committed to the goal of preparing and returning children to their school district kindergarten.

YAP provides consistent, comprehensive full-day educational services to children beginning at 18 months old and continuing through the preschool years. All teaching methods are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and incorporate opportunities for highly individualized, small group and whole class instruction. In addition, many students attend community-based nursery school with their typically developing peers for a portion of their day.

Communication and social deficits are improved through ongoing assessment (functional behavior assessment) and use of positive behavior supports. Our educational team works closely with parents and extended family to develop goals, analyze data, and make shared decisions to promote growth and learning across home, school, and community environments.

We offer an extensive family education and training program, which includes:

• Family education classes
• In-classroom hands-on family training
• Classroom participation/class parent
• Family mentoring/family support program
• Sibling support group
• Home visit collaboration
• After school/evening/weekend respite (babysitting)

All YAP staff members meet and exceed the minimum competency of DDI’s standardized trainings in the principles of ABA and receive ongoing training to ensure educational consistency.

Our shared vision with families and our commitment to excellence results in the vast majority of our students returning to kindergarten in their school district.

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.
-George Evans