The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play/imaginative use of materials, and restricted and repetitive behaviors for individuals who have been referred because of possible Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The ADOS-2 is a revision of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, which has been referred to as the “gold standard” observational assessment for diagnosing ASD.
Our ADOS-2 Clinicians Dr. Gita Srikanth and Swati Narayan obtained their training and certification in Illinois, USA and are one of the very few certified clinicians in the country who can administer the assessment on children ages 2 and upwards.
(ADOS-2 Toddler and Modules 1-4)
(Our ADOS-2 Clinicians Swati Narayan and Dr. Gita Srikanth with Dr. Whitney Guthrie – Author and creator of the ADOS-2 Toddler Module in Dubai, 2019)
How is the VB-MAPP used?
The VB-MAPP allows us to assess the child’s abilities in such key areas as language, social, pre-academics and group skills, so that we can determine the level of instruction the child needs in each skill area.
The VB-MAPP helps us identify gaps in the child’s development that might be potential source of problems. Kids often have what we call ‘splinter skills,’ meaning that a child’s high functioning in one area may actually mask deficits in other areas. If the child’s learning focuses only on the areas they perform well in, without addressing the areas they struggle in, these deficits will eventually become problem areas that will be more difficult to correct as time goes on.
How is the VB-MAPP administered?
Completing the assessment typically takes between four to ten hours, depending on the child, the level of the skills or problem areas the child has, and the child’s ability to interact with the therapist administering the test.
Once the assessment is completed, the therapist will recommend interventions based on the child’s functional levels.
We provide early intervention ages 2 upwards, working with a focus on communication, developing allied skills – play and imitation. These skills assist the child in maximizing their learning potential. We follow a PEAK curriculum based on the Verbal Behavior Approach. All IEPs are routinely revised based on data tracked continuously. The sessions are monitored continuously both via CCTV cameras and in person.
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a unique alternative/augmentative communication system developed in the USA in 1985 by Andy Bondy, PhD, and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP.
At WeCAN, we dedicate ourselves to integrating Acceptance and Commitment therapy, an empirically-based psychological intervention that is a branch of clinical behavior analysis into counseling and therapy.
Our services include:
Signature Social Skills Program:
WeCAN’s weekend social skills group program has been running from mid 2017 with the aim of working with children between ages 6 to 12 years who belong to a neurodiverse group. Some of the participants are HFA or Aspies, while others who can express social difficulties are also part of our signature Social Skills Program. It is led by our ABA therapist Swati Narayan who incorporates the principles of ACT to bring about self-awareness, social awareness using social coaching, social stories, and role play.
On a very simplistic note, this would include, greetings, initiating and sustaining conversations, making friends. On a more complex note, it would include being aware of the rules of friendships, what tone of voice to use in public/private spaces, what topics can be spoken about with whom, how much personal information to share, and body safety, sexual awareness- the list is endless.
The end goal of all intervention is to make the individual an independent and self-regulated human being. WeCAN believes in fostering self-help skills at an early age. Our intensive program focuses on independent toileting, eating, dressing and grooming. Children are also taught lifeskills such as fixing a snack, folding clothes, shopping, independent navigation in public spaces, and safety skills.
Children above 16 are given an option to train in the art of weaving, opening up avenues for creativity and employability.
We deliver ABA services using the tele-health model where our clinicians assist the parents in implementing a skill acquisition plan using communication technologies and live data tracking. Some of the work we have previously done with clients using this model has been presented at international conferences.
Our clinicians Dr. Gita Srikanth and Swati Narayan routinely provide trainings for parents and professionals on ABA and Autism.
Parents: Our BCBA specializes in training the parent to understand autism and the course of intervention. This process begins the same time as intervention with the child. The focus of this training is to empower and enable parents to work with their child, to provide scientific data on their behaviors, in turn making them an integral part of the invention process.
Professionals: We provide training to individuals working with an autistic population or people with special needs, with a focus on using the principles of ABA to make teaching more effective, and to help them make more data driven decisions and deal efficiently with challenging behaviors.
effective, and to help them make more data driven decisions and deal efficiently with challenging behaviors.
We are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Dr. Gita Srikanth (BACB 1-16-23327) & Swati Narayan (BCBA 1-19-37702), who is authorized to provide behavior analytic services apart from supervising the work of BCaBAs, RBT and front line staff who implement behavior analytic services.
Swati Narayan and Dr. Gita Srikanth are certified ADOS-2 clinicians (Modules 1 – 4 ), they completed their training and practicum at the University of Illinois, Springfield Campus – Hope Institute in February 2017.
Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapists Dr. Gita Srikanth and Swati Narayan use an experiential approach combining principles of ABA with ACT .
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Dr. Gita Srikanth
Swati Narayan
Our PEAK level One certificants Dr. Gita Srikanth and Swati Narayan completed their PEAK curriculum certification in New York, USA in May 2018..
Our PECS level 1 certificants Dr. Gita Srikanth and Swati Narayan obtained their PECS training in Aberdeen Scotland in August 2017. They are authorized to implement the Pyramid PECS protocol Phases 1 – 6.
Our OT therapist Preethi Rovina is an experienced therapist who works with the team in helping individuals develop the necessary motor skills to function effectively.
Our RBTs are paraprofessionals who closely work under the supervision of the BCBA, directly implementing behavior analytic services.