Autism Program

The PLC offers a highly specialized program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disorders. Instructional methods are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a special focus on Verbal Behavior Training. The program emphasizes the development of functional communication skills as well as appropriate social, play, self-help, and academic skills. With a focus on the generalization of skills, we employ both intensive teaching and natural environment teaching strategies. Highly individualized attention is given to the factors that motivate each child, thus creating a positive and fun learning environment.

If you have concerns that your child may be showing signs of Autism, check out the Red Flags of Autism link. Also see Dr. Guild's presentation on the Early Signs of Autism (pdf). Our site is one of the few sites in Western New York that conducts Autism Evaluations.

It is very important that whenever a parent suspects that there may be developmental delays or red flags that your child gets the help he or she needs. Doctors used to take a "wait and see" approach, but today it is clear that early intervention is the key to the greatest possible outcomes for children with such issues.

We can help you through the Process!

Call Rhonda Hoppel, Administrative Assistant at (716) 592-9331 or email:

The Program

• Educational services are provided in a center-based, classroom setting.
• Classroom sizes range from 6 to 10 children.
• Services are provided to toddlers, preschoolers and young school age children through 8 years of age.
• Each day many of the children spend time in large and small group activities.
• Intensive one-on-one instruction, specifically designed for each child, provides continuous opportunities to learn new skills.

Beyond the Classroom

• Regularly scheduled meetings with parents help establish a partnership with each child's family and provide an avenue to share progress measured through the collection and interpretation of data. Parents receive a written progress report every 10 weeks.
• The program continues to explore innovative ways to provide information and training to the families through team meetings, parent nights targeting topics of interest, videotaped instructional sessions, and in-home assistance addressing specific areas of need.
• Ongoing training is offered to staff related to the instructional methods used in the classrooms for children with ASD including Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, and Sensory Integration.

Our Staff

The staff is committed to ongoing training that enhances our goal to provide the highest standard of programming for children with ASD and their families.

• The classrooms are staffed by Certified Special Education Teachers and aides. An Intensive teaching instructor offers additional individualized instruction to to a limited number of students who need more individualized instruction.
• Related services are provided for children who qualify and include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.
• Therapists are an important part of the multidisciplinary team and meet regularly with teachers, staff and parents to discuss therapy goals and progress.
• A Licensed Psychologist provides program leadership and support to the staff and families. Additional responsibilities include psychological and behavioral evaluations, facilitating parent support group meetings, developing training programs, and consulting with parents, educational teams and physicians.
• Family Resource Workers provide assistance and support to families. They facilitate the process of exploring social services including waiver information, respite services, community and recreational opportunities and coordinate informational/support group meetings for families.