You and Me Autism Program

For Young Children in New Jersey

The You and Me Autism Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute is the newest program to be developed for young children with autism.

This program utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in its center-based program serving children up to age 6 with an autism diagnosis.

The daily program runs from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Children ages two up to six work one-on-one with therapists on their individual goals and objectives that are developed based on their assessment. Opportunities to interact with other children also exist to address social, play and daily living skills. Parents and caregivers also learn new ways to support their child's development at home through parent training with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Parents have daily communication with their child's Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

How We Assess and Work with Children

To determine each child’s eligibility for the program, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst conducts an assessment at the center. Socially significant goals and objectives are developed following this assessment resulting in the target behaviors (communication, social skills, self-help/daily living skills and community skills) to address. 

These target behaviors across all areas of development are broken down into smaller steps to be taught and are implemented in a structured environment. ABA looks to increase appropriate and useful behaviors and decrease inappropriate behaviors or those that interfere with their interactions with the world around them. 

ABA looks at patterns of behavior and considers what happens before and after a behavior occurs. Motivation and reinforcement for an individual child are considered as this varies based on the child and their interests.

For more information about this program— located in Edison, New Jersey, please call 732-548-7610.