Autism Learning Partners (was Pacific Child and Family Associates)

Autism Learning Partners (formerly Pacific Child & Family Associates) began offering services to children with Autism and other developmental disabilities, and their families in 1988. The company was an early proponent of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and quickly adopted this clinical methodology as the cornerstone of its services to children and families. Autism Learning Partners now offers treatment services in 7 states.

ALP is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to children with special needs and developmental disabilities, particularly those along the autism spectrum. All of our services are based on a foundation of respect for the dignity of the child, and we strive to create a positive, loving atmosphere. We work collaboratively with the family and consider the family both team members and co-therapists whenever possible.

Comprehensive/Early Intervention ABA Services

Comprehensive ABA looks at producing changes across global areas of functioning including cognitive, adaptive, social, and emotional domains. Programming is typically 25-40 hours/week of direct treatment with parent education. Comprehensive ABA intervention ranges from highly structured lessons to a more naturalistic programming that can look like play, chore completion or simple conversation. Comprehensive ABA is recommended for children who have just recently received the diagnosis and children generally between the ages of 0-7 years of age.

Focused ABA Therapy

Focused ABA services are appropriate for individuals who (a) need treatment only for a limited number of key functional skills, or (b) have such an acute problem behavior that its treatment should be the priority. Focused ABA usually ranges between 10-25 hours/week of direct treatment.

Examples of key functional skills include: establishing instruction-following, social communication skills, compliance with medical and dental procedures, sleep hygiene, self-care skills, safety skills, and independent leisure skills (for example, appropriate participation in family and community activities).

Examples of acute problem behaviors requiring focused intervention include: self-injury, aggression, threats, pica, elopement, feeding disorders, stereotypic motor or vocal behavior, property destruction, noncompliance and disruptive behavior, or dysfunctional social behavior.

Social Skills Programs

One of the most prevalent challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is in the area of social skills. This includes difficulty with observational skills, eye contact, play interactions, social pragmatics, taking another’s perspective, making inferences, and sharing enjoyment and building relationships.

The assessment and intervention “matching” process is different from a one-size-fits all approach that involves generic behavioral interventions for unique and individual behavioral excesses and deficits. We believe that achievement in the domain of social interaction greatly improves the quality of life for a learner and we place a premium on screening, assessment, and individually tailored interventions.

Multiple locations in CA, accepting many insurance plans including Medi-Cal plans