Although we believe that autism is the result of abnormal brain development, it can nevertheless be treated.

The only currently researched and proven treatment is behavioral treatment, in particular that developed by O. Ivar Lovaas, Ph.D. at UCLA over the past 30 years.

The Lovaas approach teaches skills in small steps using a developmentally based curriculum modified to reflect the strengths and problems of children with autism.

The treatment is totally positive and the focus is on presenting new material in a way that the child will find fun and easy to master.

Staff are trained to keep the child happy, smiling, and motivated to learn. The curriculum is individualized depending on each child's needs and response to treatment as reflected in data, which is recorded on an ongoing basis. Treatment is planned to present as much new material as quickly as possible without the child becoming stressed.

The goal of the entire treatment program is to help the child learn new skills fast enough to catch up with other children. Once the child has learned a process and can use language, the program targets social skills. This is a more complex skill and requires more experienced staff.