Infantile autism is a behavior condition in young children that takes the form of avoidance of people, inattention, self-stimulatory and repetitious behavior, low interest in play, and delays in language.

The University of Nevada's Early Childhood Autism Program operates through the Behavior Analysis Program in the Department of Psychology and specializes in early intensive intervention for young children with autistic behaviors. The program offers a comprehensive, individualized treatment program that emphasizes the child's development in the areas of language, communication, socialization, and personal behavior.

Our program offers two kinds of services for young children with autism and their families. The Home Program serves children and their families living in the Reno/Sparks area. The Outreach Program serves children and their families living outside the Reno/Sparks area. The Outreach Program also provides consultation and technical services to teachers interested in fully integrating a child, or children, into a regular education classroom.  

Under the supervision of faculty and advanced graduate students in Behavior Analysis, treatment in our Home Program is provided by a team of tutors trained in the methods and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Treatment takes place in the warmth and comfort of the child's home. Parents are required to actively participate throughout their child's treatment.

Treatment is preceded by an intake and evaluation procedure. If the parent's and staff agree that the Home Program is the appropriate service for their child and family, then preparations are made to begin our Parent Training Program. Upon graduation from that program, preparations are then made to begin the child's treatment program.

Fees are determined prior to providing intake, evaluation, and subsequent parent training and child treatment services. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)

Autism Resources - A Unique and Informative Web Site

Autism Society of America - National Support Group

ABA Resources

Autism: Family Village

The Autism Depot - Lists autism organizations and reviews many books on autism

Autism Research Institute

Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies

Autism Behavior Therapy Alliance

ASPEN of America

HealthlinkUSA

Health & Medicine Web Site Directory

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)

 

The UNR Early Childhood Autism Program is dedicated to improving the lives of young children with autism and their families through intensive education and treatment according to the scientific principles and established practices of applied behavior analysis. The Program follows a scientist-practitioner model whereby the practice of applied behavior analysis is complemented and extended by research that contributes to the knowledge base of behavior science. Whether research, practice, or both, the focus is always on the child and family, emphasizing the progressive development, refinement, and elaboration of meaningful skills and abilities. With its connection to the University of Nevada, Reno, the Program is also a training site for students involved in the science and practice of behavior analysis.

The Outreach Program is designed to provide consultation and technical assistance to parent's who live outside the Reno/Sparks area who are interested in establishing a home-based treatment program for their child and family. The Outreach Program also offers consultation and technical assistance to public and privately owned pre-school and early elementary school teachers who wish to fully integrate students with autistic behaviors into a regular education classroom.

Parents interested in establishing a home-based treatment program participate initially in a 3-day orientation and training program in their home. Continued training and supervision is given in the home on a monthly basis to advance tutor and parenting skills and to modify their child's treatment program as needed. Telephone contact is maintained on a weekly basis.

Public and private school teachers interested in consultation and technical assistance ordinarily secure those services through contractual agreements with their school's administrative staff. Once contracted, preparations are made to work directly with the teacher(s) and other support personnel to fully integrate the child, or children into a regular education classroom.

Fees are determined prior to providing these services.

Ghezzi, P. M., Williams, W. L., and Carr, J. E. (1999). Autism: Behavior analytic perspectives. Reno, NV: Context Press. 

Maurice, C., Green, G., & Luce, S. C. (1996). Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed. (available by writing 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757-6897).

Behavioral treatment of autistic children (1988). Videotape available from Focus International, Inc., 1160 East Jericho Tpke., Ste. 15, Huntington, NY 11743.